The primary goal of this project is to enhance the capacity of the Global Literacy Office by developing in-house expertise in literacy support for the United Bible Societies (UBS). By training a literacy officer through a formal education program, the project aims to increase the pool of literacy specialists available to assist with ongoing literacy initiatives across the UBS Fellowship. In 2025, specific objectives include the completion of the Post Graduate Certificate through an intensive 18-week on-campus course, which will enhance their foundational knowledge in language, community, and development. Following this, the literacy officer will engage in a two-year professional internship, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world literacy projects. By the end of 2025, they will also prepare for their Post-Graduate Diploma application and begin a dissertation work. This comprehensive development will ensure that they are well-equipped to contribute to and strengthen UBS literacy projects in diverse communities.

The impact of this project will be significant for both the literacy officer and the broader United Bible Societies (UBS) community. By equipping the literacy officer with advanced knowledge and practical skills in literacy, the project will enhance the overall capacity of the Global Literacy Office to support literacy initiatives effectively. With a Master’s degree in Linguistics focused on Language Development, the literacy officer will bring a depth of expertise that will directly benefit literacy programs within the UBS Fellowship.

In particular, their training will empower them to implement evidence-based strategies rooted in literacy theory, facilitating more effective community engagement and educational support. This enhanced skill set will enable UBS to reduce its dependency on external partners for training and resources, ultimately lowering costs and tailoring support to the specific needs of communities. Over time, the project will contribute to improved literacy rates and educational outcomes within the Fellowship, fostering sustainable development and community empowerment, and creating a ripple effect that strengthens the capacity of local literacy stakeholders and initiatives.