Background

Rwandan Sign Language Bible Translation Society (RSLBTS) is a non-denominational Organization that is not only for  Deaf Bible Distributors or Deaf Bible Advocates but also helps the churches achieve their role in evangelism work and nurturing their members.

Its mandate is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ by translating, producing, distributing and encouraging the Deaf people to use the Scriptures in their day-to-day lives.

We believe translation of the Bible into Sign Language also gives Deaf people opportunities to become leaders in their own churches and in their communities.

VISION

Our Vision is to bring God’s Word and reproduce Christian fellowship in the Deaf communities of Rwanda.

MISSION

To help the Deaf community know God’s Word through their own sign language, enabling them to grow in their spiritual and social lives.

OBJECTIVES

  1. Translating the Holy Bible in Sign Language;
  2. To build partnership with other likeminded organization that intend to promote Sign Language and Bible Translation to the Deaf communities;
  3. To establish a learning centers for early childhood development programs targeting the deaf communities;
  4. To promote the use of the Holy Bible and other documents in sign Language through partnering with other religious organizations;
  5. To develop and offer need-based short courses to the Deaf in the sector of life skills, careers and also to offer services of solving problems regarding family and community.

VALUES

  1. RSLBTS embraces core, legal, and community values, as follows:

    Core Values

    we appreciate the acquisition, use and preservation of sign language;

    We appreciate the right of deaf and hard of hearing Rwandans to share their beliefs, a sense of belonging and similar experiences as a signatory community.

    Legal Value

    We believe in equality, dignity and justice for all deaf and hard of hearing Rwandans;

    We believe that the acquisition and use of sign language is an essential human right;

    We believe that Sign Language must be preserved, protected and promoted.

    Community Values

    We appreciate deaf and hard of hearing Rwandans with diverse perspectives, experiences and abilities;

    we are committed to eliminating any form of discrimination to the deaf communities;

    We value defenders and allies as builders of the Rwandan deaf community.