Changing steps

As we mentioned in our latest newsletter, we will be changing direction next year with Matt probably taking up an assignment focusing on literacy work in Asia. We wanted to take a moment to explain a little more how this might look and to introduce the group he will possibly be working with.

As with any large organisation working in different parts of the world Wycliffe partners with other organisations (both local and international) that hold similar values. As we’ve mentioned before Wycliffe’s primary partner is SIL International, with whom we worked in Mbeya as part of the Uganda-Tanzania Branch of SIL. We are currently pursuing the possibility of Matt’s new assignment being with another regional unit of SIL, LEAD Asia (which stands for Language, Education and Development). This team is working to help minority language groups access development opportunities in all areas of their lives. You can read more about LEAD here.

One large obstacle stopping minority language communities develop in ways that they want to is the opportunity for them to access education in a language that they understand well. Mother tongue based multilingual education (MTB MLE, or just MLE for short!), of which literacy is a huge part, is central to helping many communities around the world access development opportunities. If you’re interested in how and why, take a few minutes to check out this great presentation from UNESCO on why ‘Education Counts’.

Whilst this change in assignment may involve a change in geographical focus, it will allow Matt a real opportunity while based in the UK to help support MLE work in a tangible and practical way. It should also allow him to make use of many of our experiences in Tanzania and much of his Masters studies. Many of the organisations LEAD is partnering with, or would like to partner with, have offices in the UK and so relationships could be built here that could strengthen the work in Asia and elsewhere around the world. Equally raising the profile of the work internationally and helping to develop appropriate materials to support the work in Asia can all be done from the UK.

As details become clearer we will try to update the blog with more information. For now, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to send us an email (look left) or catch us on Skype (have you added us to your contact list yet? Click on the link to the right to do so).