"Bule ioi ipasese

Paalei pasambat Tuhan

Masisilok purimanuaiat

Paalei pasambat Tuhan

Sibau ka bagat Christ pasiropake

He te gelajet patudou ake kam.

LAI riu-riu ake"

Such are the lyrics of the LAI Mars song translated and also sung by the learners and tutors in Subelen Hamlet, Cimpungan Village, Siberut Tengah sub-district as they welcomed the PBA evaluator team.

LAI riu-riu ake"

A total of 19 study groups in Central Siberut sub-district divided into Saibi Samukop hamlet, Simoilalak hamlet, Sirisurak hamlet, Kaleak hamlet, Subelen hamlet, Sua hamlet, Saliguma hamlet and Gotab hamlet were evaluated on 16-18 November 2023.

The journey to Siberut Tengah sub-district was accompanied by a large sea wave that caused our boat to sway violently and almost capsized. Then, we travelled by motorbike to Sirisurak, Simoilaklak, Kaleak and Subelen. In addition, when the team went to Sua, Saliguma and Gotab, we travelled by boat by sea. The travelling time is about 30-60 minutes for travelling between hamlets, both at sea and on land.

On the trip was Mr Mansueto Casquite, Literacy Advisor from United Bible Societies. He said that it was quite scary to face such sea conditions, but he was also enthusiastic about the evaluation process. After the evaluation, on November 20, 2023 he also provided training for all PBA staff to give an overview of the literacy programme according to UBS standards.

The evaluation went quite well with many enthusiastic learners participating. Mr Angelo Saguluk (60), one of the tutors from Gotab also explained about his way of teaching. He said, "I usually use things that are around me to explain about letters to words, for example I will hold a broom and explain what this thing is and what letters it consists of while I write it on the board". This method is quite successful and can be captured well by adult learners.

From the evaluation results, it can be seen that many learners in the Siberut Tengah sub-district already recognise letters, even read and count. These basic skills will continue to be developed as long as the programme is ongoing, until eventually they are expected to be able to read and understand the Bible.

Siberut PBA phase I evaluation team journey that took place from 9-20 November 2023. We had many experiences, from Siberut PBA phase I evaluation team from 9-20 November 2023.

Citizen Learning with various stories to challenging land and sea journeys. The PBA programme in Siberut will continue for the next few months. Let's pray together and support the Learning Citizens, tutors, PBA staff and all those who are struggling so that those who previously did not know how to read can finally read the Bible themselves, so that their faith will be stronger in the Lord Jesus Christ.

From Muara Siberut, Greetings Bible For All.