Literacy Material Production

Indeed, the journey of creating books in one's heart language is a rewarding endeavor. Each step is crucial, from collecting and processing stories to rigorous peer and consultant checks. Leveraging Bloom software significantly simplifies book creation, making the process more efficient. The ultimate reward is seeing the joy and pride on people's faces when they receive books in their own language for the first time. It's a testament to the power of literacy and the importance of preserving and promoting Indigenous languages.

Lemurs of Madagascar

Do you feed relaced as me or worried as the lemur?

Lemurs are a unique group of primates native to Madagascar and the nearby Comoros Islands. Here is a general overview of lemurs:

General Characteristics

1. Habitat: Lemurs are primarily found in Madagascar, where they occupy a variety of habitats including rainforests, dry deciduous forests, and spiny deserts.
2. Diet: Their diet varies by species and can include fruits, leaves, flowers, nectar, insects, and small vertebrates.
3. Behavior: Lemurs exhibit diverse behaviors; some are nocturnal, others diurnal. They can be arboreal (tree-dwelling) or terrestrial (ground-dwelling).
4. Social Structure: Social structures vary; some lemurs live in large groups, while others are solitary or live in pairs.
5. Physical Traits: Lemurs typically have large eyes adapted for low-light conditions, long tails for balance, and a keen sense of smell.

Types of Lemurs

Lemurs are divided into five families, comprising around 100 known species. Here are the primary families and examples of notable species within each:

1. Cheirogaleidae (Dwarf and Mouse Lemurs)

   • Examples: Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur (Cheirogaleus medius), Gray Mouse Lemur (Microcebus murinus)

2. Lemuridae (True Lemurs)

   • Examples: Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta), Red-fronted Lemur (Eulemur rufifrons)

3. Indriidae (Indri, Sifakas, and Woolly Lemurs)

   • Examples: Indri (Indri indri), Verreaux's Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi)

4. Lepilemuridae (Sportive Lemurs)

   • Examples: Milne-Edwards' Sportive Lemur (Lepilemur edwardsi), Weasel Sportive Lemur (Lepilemur mustelinus)

5. Daubentoniidae (Aye-aye)

   • Example: Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)

Lemurs are considered one of the most endangered groups of mammals due to habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade. Conservation efforts are crucial to their survival.

(Source: ChatGPT on 19th April 2024)

Encounters with animals

 

Today, I stepped outside to eat something, and a dog noticed me from a distance. It approached me, and I decided to share some of my food with it. The dog eagerly ate it, reminding me of my own dog, Cater, who always tries to eat whatever I'm eating. Once, while I was eating bananas, Cater hesitated at first but then decided to try them because he saw me enjoying them. He's even learned to eat sugar cane.

This dog seemed quite hungry but appeared to come solely for the food, showing signs of caution towards me. Its behavior suggests that it was driven by immediate hunger rather than seeking companionship or showing trust. The dog's actions reflect a careful approach, prioritizing its need for food while remaining wary of unfamiliar humans. Here in Benasandratra - Antananarivo, I have seen many stray dogs that seem very hungry.

I also found this chicken that looked a bit different from the type we have in Cameroon.

Lilian @ Kids arts and trauma healing workshop

 During the Easter break, Lilian participated in a three-day arts and trauma healing event for children. The event was a meaningful platform for emotional expression and support, particularly for children, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). As a facilitator, she encouraged children to share their life experiences openly, providing them with a supportive environment, guidance, and attentive listening as they share their challenges and joys. About eighty kids participated in this event. Most of these kids felt relieved being in this community. Here is a one-minute video highlight of the event.  

  

Marie's update

I am grateful to God for helping me finish my first semester and write my examination well. Recently, I was part of a youth rally that brought together hundreds of youths of our denomination from the Yaoundé South Association. I and some young people represented our Church at this three-day event. The theme was Sanctified by the Truth, drawn from John 17:17. I learned a lot and was spiritually refilled. Now, I look forward to beginning my second-semester courses and internship. My desire is for God to strengthen me as I pull through the last semester. Additionally, I will be visiting the hospital in May for my eye check.

Kom Paratext workshop

Kom translators learning to use Paratext. This lady has not used a computer before but she is very determined and even wants to get her own laptop to self teach herself. 

During the training, the project typist is allowed to practice

I always like to teach in the presence of a translation consultant; he will then reinforce the lessons by reminding the translators to use the knowledge they have gathered during their work.

Time to practice. For some, ICT seems quite complicated, but they are determined to learn. Encouraging indeed. I told them that if you can use a smartphone then you can use a laptop and that really encouraged them. 

They are excited to learn and use new tools to improve their work. 

It was interesting to learn about enhanced resources in Paratext. I am glad Joy had brought her NIV Study Bible; she kept looking at it and, at some point, took it away and asked her to use the version on her laptop. We laughed at it, and now she knows that next time, she won't need to travel with the printed copy as she can consultant several versions on her laptop. 

 

Language Technology Consultant Training (LTCT) 2024

Mentoring relationships: I am glad that Etienne has done so well over the years. I also learned a lot from him while mentoring him. 

Excited to see another product from CABTAL come to this event. My dream is to have translators learn the tools that they need for their work.

What is Paratext used for>?

Together let us discover what is new in Paratext software

Learners working together trying new features in Paratext

The cute hedgehog was not absent

With this collaboration, I know that the work of the Lord will progress in CABTAL even in my absence

East African team (Kenya, Tanzania, , Ethiopia and Uganda)

Cameroon team (CABTAL, Seed Company and SIL)

The joy of learning, building, and testing your App. A talking app (syncs with text and audio).

Thank you Kent for always making sure that learners are followed up.

More mentoring relationships coming my way. The good thing is that we end up learning from each other. I got another assignment to mentor Stephen Leshao of BTL Kenya for the next 3 years plus. 

21 participants from 9 countries  (Cameroon, Kenya, Tchad, South Sudan, Ghana, Uganda, USA, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania). May the Lord bless this team and may the work of the Lord advance in our hands as Language Technology workers.

I am pleased that Francis Meyof came to the workshop. He is surely be of great help to me as we work together in the Southern Africa Cohort - training 9 participants in Language Technology