LIT25
BIBLE-BASED LITERACY Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Liberia
Bible Society NZ · 11 September 2025 · 3 min read
THE CAUSE
On 8 September 2025, Bible Societies worldwide joined in recognising International Literacy Day. Established by UNESCO in 1967, this day highlights the vital role literacy plays in empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and building sustainable societies. Yet, despite decades of progress, illiteracy remains a pressing challenge, with around 775 million adults still unable to read or write.
For the United Bible Societies, literacy is more than a basic skill—it is a foundation to Bible translation and engagement programmes that seek to bring transformation at personal, family, and community levels. The ability to read Scripture independently, draw meaning from it, and apply it as God’s living Word cannot be overstated.
Currently, we are shining a light on three Bible Societies working faithfully in this area: the Indonesian Bible Society, the Bible Society in Liberia, and the Ceylon Bible Society, each running literacy programmes that are changing lives in their communities.
Simply use the secure online donation form or internet banking to make your gift to help support these Bible Societies.
THE IMPACT
Here's how your gift will make a difference!
Indonesia
teaching 2,100 people to read and write, and giving each person their very own Bible.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon Bible Society)
helping nearly 5,000 children learn to read in Sinhala and Tamil, using Christian resources.
Liberia
reaching 6,500 adults with literacy classes and encouraging Scripture reading in five local languages.
Every gift you make to our Bible-based literacy appeal is so much more than just an investment in reading and writing; it’s a heartfelt investment in the lives of individuals who are being transformed by the Word of God.
James who discovered not only literacy but faith.
Literacy Opens the Door to Faith In Liberia
In Gorley Town, Brother James Kediah once rejected the Gospel, believing it undermined his culture. But everything changed when he felt the humiliation of being unable to sign his own name on a volunteer roster.
Determined to learn, James joined the Maan literacy programme. At first, his goal was simple—he just wanted to read and write. But as lessons included passages from the Bible, James found himself drawn to the story of Jesus—a man who healed, loved, and forgave even those who killed Him.
“Who else could do this but the Son of God?” he asked himself. That question opened his heart.
What began as a journey to literacy became a journey to faith. James visited a local church, where he accepted Christ as his Lord and Saviour. Today, he testifies that learning to read not only restored his dignity but also led him to the life-changing truth of the Gospel.
YOUR GIFT CAN OPEN THAT DOOR
Your support can help more people like James find both literacy and faith through the power of God’s Word.
Give Today
Donations over $5 are tax deductible in New Zealand.
Appeal Code: LIT25
(For bank payments, please quote the Appeal code LIT25 in the Particulars bank field.)
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