EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Background
Deaf Bible Translators of Zambia (DBTZ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the Deaf community in Zambia. Established on January 1st, 2024, DBTZ was duly registered under section 54(2) of the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 06 of 2012 on February 27th, 2024.
It is registered with the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities and its competent ministry is the Ministry of community Development and Social Welfare. This registration demonstrates DBTZ’s commitment to complying with Zambian laws and regulations.
With its office located in Kamwala South, Lusaka, Zambia, DBTZ is well-positioned to reach and serve Deaf individuals across the country.
As a non-profit disability organization, DBTZ is driven by its mission to provide the Bible and gospel music in Zambian Sign Language (ZSL), promoting spiritual growth and community building among Deaf Zambians. With a strong focus on accessibility and inclusivity, DBTZ is making a significant impact in the lives of Deaf individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Through its work, DBTZ is not only empowering the Deaf community but also promoting the values of upright living, diligence, honesty, integrity, and loving one another. As DBTZ continues to grow and expand its reach, its
commitment to serving the Deaf community
Translate the Bible into Zambian sign language through video.
Perform community check/test
OUR CORE VALUES
- Upright living: Emphasizes moral excellence, righteousness, and a commitment to living a virtuous life.
- Diligence: Highlights the importance of hard work, perseverance, and dedication in all aspects of life.
- Honesty: Values truthfulness, transparency, and sincerity in all interactions.
- Integrity: Emphasizes wholeness, consistency, and ethical behavior, ensuring that words and actions align.
- Loving one another: Reflects Jesus’ teachings to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31), promoting unity, compassion, and kindness.
OUR COMMITMENTS
Translation Excellence.
1. DBTZ is committed to accurately translating the Bible into Zambia Sign language, ensuring Deaf individuals in Zambia have access to God's word in their heart language.
2. We commit to ongoing professional development, ensuring our team has the necessary skills and resources to produce a high-quality translation that meets international standards.
1. DBTZ is dedicated to prayerfully seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all aspects of our work, relying on His strength and grace to accomplish our mission.
2. We commit to trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, depending on Him to guide and direct our effects in translating His word for the Deaf community in Zambia.
1. We dedicate ourselves to building partnerships with Deaf Churches, organizations and communities to ensure our translation is relevant, accessible and impactful.
2. DBTZ promises to prioritize Deaf leadership and involvement in all aspects of our translation work, empowering Deaf Zambians to take ownerships of their scripture.
Translation Excellence.
Spiritual Foundation and Guidance
2. We commit to trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, depending on Him to guide and direct our efforts in translating His Word for the Deaf community in Zambia.
OUR COMMITMENTS
Translation Excellence and Partnerships.
2. We dedicate ourselves to building partnerships with Deaf churches, organizations, and communities to ensure our translation is relevant, accessible, and impactful.
3. We commit to ongoing professional development, ensuring our team has the necessary skills and resources to produce a high-quality translation that meets international standards.
4. We promise to engage in thorough testing and review, ensuring our translation is accurate, natural, and clear in Zambian Sign Language.
Empowerment and Spiritual Foundation
2. DBTZ is dedicated to prayerfully seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all aspects of our work, relying on His strength and grace to accomplish our mission.
3. We commit to trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, depending on Him to guide and direct our efforts in translating His Word for the Deaf community in Zambia.
4. We aim to foster a culture of inclusivity, respect, and empowerment among Deaf and hearing team members, valuing diverse perspectives and skills.
Commitment to Excellence and Impact.
2. We commit to ongoing professional development, ensuring our team has the necessary skills and resources to produce a high-quality translation that meets international standards.
3. We dedicate ourselves to building partnerships with Deaf churches, organizations, and communities to ensure our translation is relevant, accessible, and impactful.
4. We strive to make the Bible accessible to all Deaf Zambians, regardless of their location or socio-economic background, through various distribution channels and outreach programs.
Community Engagement and Outreach.
2. We promise to involve Deaf individuals and organizations in all aspects of our work, from translation to distribution and outreach.
3. We commit to building relationships with Deaf churches, organizations, and communities, ensuring our translation serves their needs and aligns with their goals.
4. We aim to raise awareness about the importance of Bible translation for the Deaf community, promoting advocacy and support among churches, organizations, and individuals.
Integrity And Accountability
2. We promise to adhere to ethical standards and best practices in Bible translation, ensuring a high level of quality and credibility.
3. We commit to regular monitoring and evaluation, ensuring our translation meets the needs of the Deaf community and aligns with our mission and values.
4. We aim to build trust with our partners, donors, and the Deaf community by being responsible stewards of resources and transparent in our decision-making processes.
The Deaf Bible App is a mobile app that provides sign language interpretations of the Bible for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. It’s available for both Android and iOS devices.
1. Accessibility: Sign language is the native language of many Deaf people, and it’s the most natural way for them to communicate and understand complex information.
2. Clarity: Written languages can be difficult to understand, especially for Deaf individuals who may have had limited access to education or reading materials. Sign language provides a clearer and more intuitive way to understand the Bible.
3. Cultural relevance: Sign language is an integral part of Deaf culture, and using it to translate the
Bible shows respect and appreciation for Deaf culture and identity.
4. Equitable access: Providing the Bible in sign language ensures that Deaf people have equal access
to scripture, just like hearing people do.
5. Engagement: Sign language is a visual and expressive language, which can make the Bible more engaging and memorable for Deaf readers.
FUNDING PARTNER
click on the picture for more information about Deaf Bible Society
OUR TEAM
Director/President
John Njovu
Exegesis
