Teachers Training Workshop Aug. 3-14, 2009.

The Vai Literacy Association is a non-profit non-denominational organization founded in 1987 by some concerned Cape Mountainians under the supervision of some Lutheran Missionaries. Its aim is to teach Vai people and other interested individuals how to read and write the Vai Language, using the indigenous Vai syllabary system/Vai Script. Over the years of existence, the Association has made some significant progresses in achieving its objective in the following areas:

1. A little over 76 Teachers have been trained methodologies in teaching Vai materials.

2. 26 writer have also been trained for the production learning materials.

3. 33 literacy classes were established within 3 districts (Tombey, Garwula and Tewor, including few Vai Communities in Monrova, (Lakpasi, Airfied shortcut and VOA). These literacy classes have taught good number of our citizens. In fact, thousands of our citizens were taught how to read and write Vai during the civil crises. Literacy centers were established in displaced camps where the Vais were predominated found.

4. The Association is presently teaching the Vai Language at the University of Liberia , Lott Carey Mission and etc.

5. The Association embarked on constructing a literacy center in Senje, Gawula District. The six room building was constructed and needed only roofing but unfortunately, it was destroyed by the war.

Printshop where most of the literacy materials are produced.

Presently, The Vai Literacy Association is working along with its’ Mother Organization LIBTRALO and the Ministry of Education to embark on a trial program called Liberian Languages and English Multilingual Education (LLEME). This project aims to start the teaching of Liberian rural children in their mother tongue (local language) and later bridge into English as a means of making Liberians to begin to acquire the English language in a very formal way. Some of our writers are presently producing teaching materials for this new program. And so many books have been drafted and some are already printed. It was at this teacher’s training workshop when I received your call. Below are some photos at that workshop. The pilot project will be launched in this academic school year, 2009-2010.

There are sixteen languages working under the supervision of LIBTRALO with it’s office in the Methodist Compound on 12th Street , Sinkor. It is accredited by the Ministries of Education and Planning and Economic Affairs. Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT), Box 2050 , Aurora , IL60507-2950 have been the only international donors to this work.

Since 2000, the donors have been scaling down their support to the work. This brought some setbacks in the work. And when I met John Singler, who is a member and a representative of NACA, I expressed these following concerns to him:

a. There is no fund for the supervision of these literacy classes as a result, some have closed down, the motorbike has broken down.

b. No more compensation for teachers in the field.

c. No funds for the printing of books that are ready for printing.

d. And the construction of our Literacy in Senje, Gawular District, Cape Mount

e. Some classes are in need of chalk boards and books

We can reassure you and your Organization a total accountability of any assistance/contribution given for the implementation of the. And if so require, we shall furnish your office with progress reports of our activities.

Kamba yai bao,
George Kiatamba
Supervisor, Vai Literacy Association

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