By Caleb Zadok
calebzadok50@gmail.com
On July 17, 2024, the Bwatiye class celebrated the graduation of another set of its students. This unique class, organized by the Hama Bachama, aims to encourage individuals to learn, read, and write in the Bwatiye language. The graduating cohort consisted of students from various schools in Numan and several adults, highlighting the inclusive nature of this educational initiative.
The event was a collaborative effort between the Bwatiye Bible Translation Project and the Bachama Traditional Council with the strong fatherly support of His Royal Majesty Homun Daniel Shaga Ismaila PhD. (CON) Kpawo nomweh – Gilongo Diya the Hama Bachama and the Chairman Bachama Traditional Council. Bwatiye is a language spoken by both the Bachama and Batta people, who primarily reside in Adamawa State and extend into Cameroon.
The graduation ceremony was honored by the presence of the District Head of Gyawana, Dr. Agoso A. H. Bamaiyi who represented His Royal Majesty, the Hama Bachama. The Hama Bachama has been instrumental in promoting the Bwatiye language, working alongside the Bwatiye Bible Translation Team. Key figures in this team include Rev. Nicholas Caleb, the Chairman of the Bwatiye Bible Translation, and Mr. Kaduwe Ornan, a dedicated member, Dr. Wama Gabriel with her team.
Dr. Mrs. Wama Gabriel, the main facilitator of the program, welcomed attendees and encouraged the graduates to hold fast to what they had learned. She emphasized the importance of teaching others, especially children and teenagers, to ensure the language’s sustainability for future generations.
Rev. Nicholas Caleb also addressed the graduates, expressing his appreciation for their determination to learn to read and write in their native dialect. He encouraged them to continue practicing and promoting the language.
Dr. Agoso H. Bamaiyi, the District Head of Gyawana and representative of His Royal Majesty, shared his experiences and challenges as the new District Head. He urged the graduates to be ambassadors of the Bwatiye language, promoting it through daily conversation, folk tales, songs, and other cultural expressions.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to the graduates. This marks the third set of graduates since the program’s inception last year, a testament to the growing interest and commitment to preserving the Bwatiye language.
The Bwatiye Language and Its Importance
The Bwatiye language is an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Bachama and Batta people who reside in Adamawa State, Nigeria, and parts of Cameroon. Language is a key vehicle for transmitting culture, traditions, and identity from one generation to the next. However, like many indigenous languages, Bwatiye faces challenges in the modern world where global languages dominate.
The Bwatiye Class Initiative
The Bwatiye class was established with the goal of revitalizing and preserving the Bwatiye language. This initiative is crucial for several reasons:
Key Contributors
- Bwatiye Bible Translation Team: Led by Rev. Nicholas Caleb (Chairman) and Mr. Kaduwe Ornan (Member), this team plays a pivotal role in developing educational materials and promoting the language.
- Facilitators and Educators: Dr. Mrs. Wama Gabriel, the main facilitator, and her team have been instrumental in organizing the classes and ensuring the curriculum is effective and engaging.
- Cultural Preservation: By teaching people to read and write in Bwatiye, the program helps preserve traditional knowledge, stories, and cultural practices.
- Community Engagement: The inclusion of students from various schools and adults from the community fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.
- Educational Enrichment: Learning their native language enhances students’ cognitive abilities and connects them more deeply with their heritage.
Collaboration and Support
The success of the Bwatiye class is largely due to the collaboration between the Bwatiye Bible Translation Project and the Bachama Traditional Council through the instrumentality of the Hama Bachama. This partnership underscores the team’s commitment to its cultural heritage and linguistic identity.
The Graduation Ceremony
The graduation ceremony is more than just a formal event; it is a celebration of cultural pride and academic achievement. Highlights of the ceremony included:
- Address by Dr. Mrs. Wama Gabriel: She welcomed the attendees and encouraged the graduates to continue practicing and promoting Bwatiye.
- Rev. Nicholas Caleb’s Speech: He praised the graduates for their dedication and urged them to use their new skills to enrich their communities.
- Dr. Agoso H. Bamaiyi’s Address: Representing His Royal Majesty, he shared personal experiences and called on the graduates to be ambassadors of their language.
Conclusion
The graduation of the Bwatiye class is a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to preserve and promote the Bwatiye language. By empowering individuals with the ability to read and write in their native language, the program not only enriches their lives but also ensures that the Bwatiye culture and heritage will be preserved for future generations. The collaborative efforts of the Bwatiye Bible Translation Project, the Bachama Traditional Council, and dedicated educators like Dr. Mrs. Wama Gabriel demonstrate a powerful commitment to cultural preservation and community development.
This initiative is one of the many ways the Hama Bachama and the Bwatiye Bible Translation Team are working to strengthen and promote the Bwatiye language. By empowering the younger generation with the skills to read and write in their native tongue, they are ensuring that the language will thrive for years to come.