SIL is honoured, as a leader in the global community of language development organisations, by the support of many in Tanzania who value its contributions to their people.
"The District Commissioner's Office recognizes this translation work in the Kiikoma and Kinatta languages. We congratulate SIL along with the language committees for your efforts."
— Cosmas Qamara
Presiding Secretary, District of Serengeti, Mara Region
"I opposed use of my mother tongue, Malila. I saw no benefit, until I got a question which I could not answer. Then I found it, in a Malila book. Since then I have been very eager to learn more about my language."
— Gabriel Mwampamba
Church Elder, Jojo Village, Malila language community, Mbeya Region
"Vernacular languages are a great treasure of our history, customs, beliefs, technology, and culture... these languages are a foundation to our national language Swahili..."
— translated from Sera ya Utamaduni
(The Cultural Policy of Tanzania)
"For a long time, SIL has been involved in translation activities and helping develop Mara’s languages through reading and writing, various books and publications. This Institute does not provide commercial or income-generating services, but serves the people in translation and language development only. Therefore, we Bishops in one voice recognize SIL’s contribution and services to the communities of Mara Region, and how it changes their lives. We still have a great need for partnership, and we would like to see SIL continue to build capacity and experience in this important role.”
— Bishop Daniel Ouma
Secretary, Advisory Committee for Bible Translation Service, Mara Region
"The Catholic Church of Dodoma has been in partnership with SIL for a long time, bringing the Word of God to the Believers in their own languages. Our leadership recognizes and values this great work, which is for the benefit of the Church in Tanzania and for the whole community. The Church will continue to empower this important service, by providing a solid cooperation together with SIL Tanzania."
— Padre Chesco Peter Msaga, CPPS
Vicar General, Catholic Archdiocese of Dodoma