South Pacific: Enabling Growth


Overview


This capacitybuilding project is intended to boost the effectiveness and sustainability of Bible Society South Pacific (BSSP) addressing economic obstacles caused by COVID-19 and communication challenges due to poor access to technology. Bible Society Australia will provide technical and consultative help with the project. 

BSSP serves 16 independent island nations, with a total population of 2.8 million. More than half (1.7M) live between minimum wage and the poverty threshold. The impact of COVID-19 has been especially severe for these economies, as they are small islands with limited natural resources, distant from major markets and often reliant on tourism. Demand for Bibles is growing within the South Pacific. However, Bible Society is struggling to bring in new stock. COVID-19 has also impacted the Bible Society’s sustainability, due to the evaporation of tourism, disruptions to international trade and supply chains, and reduced donations. Addressing their financial situation is urgent. The team is using inadequate equipment, and technological limitations make it difficult to communicate with mission and translation coordinators based in the islands. 

Statistics 

  • 16 independent islands which the Bible Society serves, covering 15% of the world’s surface. 
  • 60% of the population live between minimum wage and poverty threshold  

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