Serer-Non in Senegal

Introduction / History

On the westernmost tip of Africa lies Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. The Serer-Non people live in villages not far from Dakar. Their language is called Noon.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Primarily subsistence farmers, they grow peanuts, millet, beans, manioc, and mangos. But many younger people move to the capital for jobs. Serer-Non people prefer speaking their mother tongue, but few written materials exist in their minority language. Schools are conducted in French; most business is done in the trade language, Wolof.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Roughly three-fourths of the Serer-Nons are Muslim, and most of the others are Christian.

What Are Their Needs?

A 1987 language survey identified the definite need for translation, which an expatriate couple began in 1993. At that time, churches began having laymen translate weekly Gospel readings into Noon. A Noon team translated the New Testament, which was dedicated in 2012.

Two previous songwriting workshops created Scripture-based songs in local music styles. These led to increased use of Noon choral songs in churches, which directly engaged young people with the New Testament.

Church leaders are leading transition literacy classes to help people read Noon Scriptures fluently and feel comfortable using them. For children, seniors, and those not yet literate, the New Testament is being put into audio format.

Prayer Points

Pray for better roads and adequate medical clinics for rural Serer-Non people in Senegal.
Pray that Christians among the Serer-Non will shine the light of the gospel in word and deed among their Muslim neighbors.
Pray for power encounters to show them that Jesus is Lord of all!
Pray that soon Serer-Non disciples will make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project