KASENA LANGUAGE LITERACY PROJECT

Burkina Faso–Ghana Border Region

Language: Kasem  |  Implementing Organization: Literacy & Evangelism Burkina (L&E Burkina)  |  Project Period: 2027–2028

BACKGROUND & NEED

            The Kasena (Kassena or Kasem) are a Gurunsi people living along the Burkina Faso–Ghana border, with an estimated 340,000 people worldwide and approximately 250,000 native Kasem speakers. About 135,000–161,000 Kasena live in Burkina Faso, with significant communities also found in Ghana’s Upper East Region.  Although portions of the Bible have been available in Kasem since 2004 and the complete Bible since 2006, literacy remains very low—estimated at only 1%–8%, especially among women and people living in remote rural communities.

            Illiteracy limits access to Scripture, education, health information, and economic opportunities. A Kasem literacy program can help people read God’s Word for themselves while also providing practical knowledge for healthier and stronger families and communities.

THE PROJECT

L&E Burkina proposes to develop a two-book Kasem literacy primer series containing 82 lessons. The primers will combine literacy instruction with biblical content and practical topics such as health, hygiene, agriculture, and family life.

2026: Secure financial support.  2027: Develop and organize the two-primer workshop. Print the materials, promote the program, and conduct teacher training workshops to equip local teachers for Kasem literacy classes.

EXPECTED IMPACT

• Provide culturally appropriate literacy materials in Kasem.

• Equip local teachers to conduct literacy classes.

• Increase reading and writing skills among adults and children, especially women.

• Expand access to the Bible in the Kasem language.

• Support evangelism and discipleship through Scripture-based literacy.

• Improve access to practical knowledge that strengthens families and communities.

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

L&E Burkina is seeking $10,800 to make this project possible. By partnering with us, churches and individuals can help the Kasena gain the ability to read God’s Word in their own language and use literacy as a tool for spiritual and community transformation.

BUDGET

Workshop to develop literacy materials        $  6,000

Transport of participants to workshop           $     800

Launch of primer                                            $  1,000

First Printing - 500 copies                              $  1,200

Admin.Tulsa                                                   $  1,800

TOTAL                                                           $10,800