Benin

Situated in West Africa, Benin became independent of French rule in 1960, and changed its name from Dahomey. It has a population of over 8 million, and the major religions include Christianity, Islam and traditional beliefs.

Sharon and Johannes are anthropologists and work for a faith based development organisation. They are based in the Atacora region, Northwest Benin. Around 350,000 people live here and speak nine different languages.

Sharon and Johannes’ aim is to understand the local cultures and societies in order to facilitate the work of Bible translation and mother tongue literacy. They have the following hopes:

• That, by assisting the work of literacy and Bible translation through anthropology, mother tongue literature will communicate directly and clearly to the people.
• That the churches will be able to safeguard the people's cultural identity as well as being deeply rooted in the Bible.
• To see the local Church and community empowered to take on the task of literacy and Bible translation.

To find out more about their work please visit their website