Thank you for exploring our new website!

SIL LEAD was created to help communities bridge the gap between the languages they speak and opportunities to improve their quality of life. We believe that the language a community speaks is a valuable asset for their future as well as an integral part of their identity and intangible cultural heritage.

“Development” becomes more relevant and more sustainable when communities and other stakeholders can connect the dots between local languages and sectors such as education and health. Children who start their schooling in their mother tongue not only learn subject matter better, they also perform better when learning to read in other languages. Communities can take action to prevent the spread of disease if they have access to vital health information that is accurately translated and presented in a culturally appropriate way. When language communities are connected to the technology and resources they need, they are empowered to take hold of their own development.

We’re passionate about this mission, whether working with a local community-based organization or a large multilateral agency. We hope this passion is evident in all our communications with you, as we learn how to make our website and blog a useful tool for you to keep up-to-date on field projects, learn more about the communities we serve, and find new opportunities to get involved.

Please feel free to join the conversation by subscribing to our newsletter and connecting with us on twitter (@sillead).

Best regards,

Paul Frank, Ph.D

Executive Director

SIL LEAD

January, 2013

Paul Frank presenting the Kom Education Pilot Project on International Literacy Day, 2012