The NEMMT translation, literacy, scripture use, and survey project started in 2002 with 2 languages and has grown to work in 28 languages in NE Myanmar. For communities without Scripture, translation is done, along with literacy and Scripture use activities. In some languages where translation has been completed, there is ongoing literacy and Scripture use work. Language survey focuses on identifying locations where additional work is needed, so that it can be done well.
Work in specific communities is done at the request of the language communities and focuses on working with the communities to translate Scripture as well as building capacity for sustainable literacy and Scripture engagement. Project staff currently includes 18 expatriates and 24 national staff members working out of three language development centers and a University. Specific activities during the next three years include:
- continuing or initiating 11 translation projects;
- assisting 17 language communities to develop sustainable literacy programs;
- assisting 15 language communities to develop sustainable Scripture use programs;
- completing survey for 7 language varieties;
- training national co-workers and local teams through roughly 120 workshops per year;
- maintaining and developing language development infrastructure.