BSR EQUIPS BIBLE TRANSLATORS
The Bible Society of Rwanda (BSR) successfully concluded a four-day Paratext Application Training for Bible Translators, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the quality, accuracy, and efficiency of Bible translation work in Rwanda.
The training officially commenced on 31 August 2026 and brought together participants from various Christian denominations and institutions involved in Bible translation and Scripture ministry. The opening session was held at Gorilla Hotels, where participants began an intensive learning journey focused on strengthening their skills in the use of digital tools for Bible translation. The first three days of the training, from 31 August to 2 September 2026, were held at Gorilla Hotels; participants then continued the remaining sessions at the Bible Society of Rwanda Headquarters in Kacyiru.
Along with the Bible Society of Rwanda, the training attracted representatives from the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda, ADEPR, the Anglican Church of Rwanda, the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA), Kibogora Polytechnic, and trainers from the United Bible Societies Association (UBSA). The diversity of participants reflected a shared commitment to collaborative Bible translation efforts to make God’s Word accessible to more people and communities.
Paratext is one of the world’s most widely used software applications for Bible translation. It enables translators to work more efficiently by providing powerful tools for drafting, editing, reviewing, and checking Scripture translations. Through this training, participants gained practical knowledge and hands-on experience in utilizing the software to support high-quality translation projects.
Speaking about the importance of the training, BSR emphasized that equipping translators with modern digital tools is essential in ensuring that Scripture translation work remains accurate, effective, and responsive to the needs of contemporary communities. As translation projects continue to expand, technological resources such as Paratext play a significant role in accelerating the process while maintaining high standards of excellence.
Throughout the training, participants engaged in interactive sessions, collaborative exercises, and practical demonstrations designed to strengthen their technical competencies. The learning environment also provided valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and partnership-building among translation teams and church representatives.
The successful completion of the training marks another significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Bible Society of Rwanda to promote Scripture engagement and support Bible translation initiatives. By investing in the capacity development of translators, BSR is helping to ensure that more people can access the Bible in languages they understand best.
The training concluded on 3rd September 2026 with a certificate award ceremony, recognizing the dedication and commitment of all participants who successfully completed the program. The certificates serve as a testament to the new skills acquired and the readiness of participants to apply these competencies in current and future Bible translation projects.
As the Bible Society of Rwanda continues its mission of making the Word of God available and accessible to all, the organization remains committed to fostering partnerships, strengthening translation capacity, and embracing innovative tools that support the effective communication of Scripture.
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