November 2023
This September, 9 brothers from partner organizations in Nigeria completed their 3 year IT/Language Technology internship program! They worked very hard to complete this training, even during the unforeseen challenges COVID presented.
They are now highly skilled technicians and trainers supporting their organizations, other Bible translation organizations in the region, and even a global audience via training on emdc.online. A few of their new skills include website development, Bible app building and distribution, typesetting, and media production.
October 2023
Over the past few months, Field Technology has had the opportunity to offer a number of virtual workshops for field partners in West Africa and Mainland Asia. These workshops included a deep dive into Audio Project Manager for oral Bible translation and transcription to Paratext.
Do you have partners who need additional software training? Contact us to discuss the possibility of setting up a workshop either in person or virtually.
September 2023
In June, Chris Guthrie traveled to Kupang, Indonesia to support Unit Bahasa dan Budaya (UBB). Chris lent crucial support to UBB's translation software, Our Word, despite its unique challenges. He trained UBB staff in managing the software's online server, ensuring smooth project operations now and in the future.
Chris's expertise extended to app and website development, alongside essential copyright guidance. He helped UBB think through the process of digital publication via the Digital Bible Library. UBB is currently in the process of becoming an Intellectual Property Contributor and will manage digital publication of their own work. Chris had the opportunity to assist with resolving some of their copyright concerns.
Chris's trip highlighted the thriving partnership between UBB and Seed Company. His insights showcased UBB's impactful work, from efficient Bible translation to innovative local school programs. Together, UBB and Seed Company are driving positive change in Indonesia.
Abureni (LIST, Nigeria) Jesus Film – Recording team, November 2022
August 2023
Over the last year, Chris Guthrie and Tim Hendrickson have spent countless hours creating a process for publishing completed Scripture projects to the Digital Bible Library (DBL). This initiative was in response to a critical need to improve our partners' ability to see what translations have been completed, identify who owns the copyright, and streamline the process of requesting a license.
We are very thankful to Lola Adegoke and our partners at LIST who played a huge role in helping us identify and create a DBL publication process. Thanks to the DBL, Scripture portions in Abureni are now available on many distribution platforms including the YouVersion Bible app, Bible.is, and Scripture Earth.
July 2023
In June, Field Technology had the privilege of presenting at a workshop for Language Project Managers in Ethiopia alongside colleagues from Wycliffe Global Partnerships. The Field Technology sessions focused on available resources for digital Scripture distribution. Participants discussed ways their communities are currently using technology and learned about tech tools that would facilitate greater Scripture distribution. We are very thankful to CPBT Ethiopia, Nyanjugu Githui and Zelalem Wassie for the invitation to join this workshop.
June 2023
In 2019, Field Technology began working with a Nigerian cohort of IT/LT (Language Technology) interns. Ahihud and Victor are two of the interns about to graduate from the program! They are now highly skilled specialists serving their respective Bible Translation organizations and partners in Nigeria. It was a privilege to see them in person at EMDC in Thailand last month.
May 2023
If your OBT partner prefers to use Audacity as their recording software, consider recommending a tool to help with file management. After our experience with SIL's Audio Project Manager (APM), we highly recommend this software as a file and workflow management system.
Last year, the Noki OBT cluster project in the DRC began using Audacity as their recording software. Even though they had a robust file naming system, file management was becoming a challenge. In March, they began using APM alongside Audacity as a file and workflow management tool. The team appreciates the flexibility of APM to continue working in the way that works best for them and their situation.
Here is a “shout out” to one of our Seed Company interns, Pandes Yenle, for being most creative and innovative with Scripture distribution in Nigeria.
Pandes created a car window banner advertising free download of media for the Mwaghavul language speakers in his town. A few months ago, Pandes developed the new hymnbook app, “Kwoop Naan Shi Kook Mo”, which was dedicated at an annual community celebration.
Nigerian Sign Language translators give testimony to the importance of communicating in their heart language.
They can't wait for their phones to ring! Audio Scriptures are their phones' ringtone.