The functional literacy rate in the Solomon Islands can be as low as 7% across the major provinces, which keeps people from finding paid work, participating in their local communities, and interacting with Scripture. While the Bible has already been translated into many of the 75 languages spoken in the Solomon Islands, it remains unengaged with if people are unable to read. The Bible Society South Pacific, partnering with the Literacy Association Solomon Islands (LASI), is running the ‘Open My Eyes’ literacy project to build literacy skills among Solomon Islanders of all ages.

The project aims to teach 1,500 people to read and write in their own language by the end of 2026. The project trains literacy teachers and runs Bible-based literacy classes using easy-to-read Bibles in partnership with local churches.

In 2024, 428 learners graduated from the literacy program. LASI have received encouraging testimonies from graduates, including the following:

• George attended school up until 6th grade but could not read or write. After six months in the literacy course, he was able to read, write and understand information more clearly. George openly shared that he had lived a criminal life in the past, but since joining the program and reading the Bible for himself, he has come to understand the difference between right and wrong. Now, Tyler reads the Bible at church and shares its message during church programs and fellowships.
• Joseph never went to school and could not read or write. While in the program, he developed literacy skills, and is now a Bible reader at his church during Sunday services. Additionally, he has now become an assistant youth leader in his community.
• Grace never attended school. Being able to read and write was the thing she wanted most in her life, but she never thought she would have the opportunity to learn how. After completing the course, she has gained the ability to read and write in her language, Fataleka, and now reads the Bible at church.
• Agnes never expected that something as good as learning to read or write could happen in her life because she never received formal education, until she attended the literacy course. Thanks to the course she is now a Bible reader at her church and has also become one of the women leaders in her community.

In 2025, there are 709 students enrolled in the literacy classes. LASI recently went on literacy awareness and consultation trips to new communities, all of which were excited to participate in the program. Other preparations to expand the program includes working on translating Bible-based literacy materials into the Baelelea and Kwara’ae languages, distributing learning resources, and further training of teachers.

Please continue to pray

• Pray for funding for this project and for effective implementation of plans to help increase functional literacy amongst youths and children.
• Pray for women experiencing gender-based violence and sexual exploitation in the Solomon Islands, a major factor could be that they are non-literate.
• Pray for agencies and churches working together on improving literacy for people in the Solomon Islands.

Names of beneficiaries have been changed to protect their privacy.

Would you like to support this literacy program for Solomon Islanders of all ages?

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