The Solos Translation Program is focused on getting Scripture into the Solos language. The traditional Solos speaking homeland comprises about 15,000 people in 19 villages in the interior, hills, and west coast of Buka Island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea. This region comprises the easternmost islands of Papua New Guinea, so travel and logistics are always a challenge. With the scarcity of Bible Translation infrastructure in the region, the program of necessity also has an emphasis on local partnership and resources, particularly with churches and local community leadership.
Other language groups on Buka Island also have ongoing translation efforts, and when possible, the Solos Translation Program aims to work cooperatively with them to strengthen the work of Bible Translation, Literacy, and Language Development across the region. Due to political, cultural, and geographical considerations, the Petats language group on the barrier islands off the west coast of Buka Island are particularly tightly connected to the Solos Language area. During this phase of the program, where there is a large focus on training, both language groups can benefit from the same courses and skill building activities, so it benefits both teams to cooperatively hold training events in local venues.
Thank you for considering partnering in Bible translation with Wycliffe through your financial and prayer partnership of the Solos Translation Program.