Kabwa

A couple expatriate coworkers visit a Kabwa church


Paul Meja, one of the Kabwa translators, teaches in a reviewers workshop


The Kabwa language committee, plus John Masige (Kabwa translator) in the back row wearing the gold shirt


The Kabwa are the smallest language group we're working with, but that has nothing to do with the importance of the work or the vitality of the language. Kabwa speakers are estimated to number about 10,000, with about 1500 of those living outside of the main language area. They tend to be poor and to get by with little education, but that lifestyle also means that many of the children tend to stay near home and rely heavily on their Kabwa language for communication rather than the national language of Swahili.

Agriculture is a critical part of life for all Kabwa people, and that means they live vulnerable lives. No rain results in no food, and it's not at all uncommon for families to get by with just one meal a day.

There is little variety in churches. Most churches are either Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Seventh Day Adventist. Approximately 70% of the people claim to be Christian, but there are still a significant number of people who follow traditional religions. As with other nearby groups, men oftentimes prioritize other activities over attending church, so the ratio of women to men in a church service tends to be remarkably high.

John Masige, one of the Kabwa translators, beams every time he gets to tell to story of reading Luke 15 in one of the Catholic churches in the Kabwa area a few months ago. He says the "wazee" ("old guys") were overjoyed and absolutely loved it. Having the opportunity to hear God's word in their language just brings a huge smile to their face. Masige is one of many Kabwa men who face the challenge of living in Musoma town while their family stays in the village. Fortunately for him, it's only a half hour trip to get to the village and he's able to travel home every weekend, but it's a difficult sacrifice. His family (including his mother and father) maintains the farm plots where they grow cassava, beans, millet, and a little bit of corn. He has four children 10 and under, and the youngest has severe mental disabilities, requiring constant care.

Paul Meja is the other translator and his story is quite similar. He stays in town while his family stays in the village. He's the father of only two children, but his family also cares for the two children of his brother who passed away. They farm similar crops as Masige's family, adding sweet potatoes to the list (quite different than the sweet potatoes most North Americans are familiar with). He's actively involved in the Catholic church, and he contributes a lot of intelligence and many good ideas around the office.

We're excited with the progress that has been made by Masige and Meja with translation. The book of Luke is complete and ready to be printed, and we anticipate that this small but passionate group of people will be ready to celebrate later this year.