The best man in Hebrew appreciates training without fees
Senior translation consultant Vincent Hiribae has worked for a long time as a translation consultant with Bible Translation and Literacy (EA) in Kenya. He took leave from work for two weeks to engage in personal training.
At the end of the pilot project to train-the-trainers for Biblical Hebrew at PAC University Vincent points out how valuable it is for the project that the courses can be offered in person and free of charge.
Recently he wanted as a translator to participate in an online course that would cost 550 USD. He could only pay half of this amount and therefore only audited it. He therefore appreciates that the Global Biblical Hebrew pilot project is available at no costs and without conditions.
Most of the pilot project was funded by a Danish Christian who learned Biblical Hebrew in my classroom. My friend is now helping 12 others who need these skills for teaching and translation. There are no fees requested for onsite and online participation, and only costs for travel and expenses at PAC. All convey their sincere thanks to the donor.
In the future such "language learning angles" in Denmark can support the work through tax-deducteble donations offered through Wycliffe Denmark (see here in English and in Danish). Such crucial support is necessary when I continue to expand in Kenya. I hope to reach out to other individuals and institutions who need this training in Biblical Hebrew.
Superior to immersion in Israel for beginners
I have known about Vincent in the past and in fact had him recommended as the best man for Hebrew in Kenya.
A decade ago, Vincent studied Biblical Hebrew through the immersion method for a year in Israel. He has told me that attending a class with a teacher who only spoke Hebrew did not really help him in the best way. Global Biblical Hebrew and Bible Online Leaner on the other hand helps him grasp new content in a better way.
Once learners have learned basic Biblical Hebrew, they would no doubt learn effectively about the language and culture of the Hebrew Bible through studies in Israel.
I therefore appreciate very much that Vincent recommends the training course as a superior approach that can even help senior experts. The blend between an intensive full week where we play and engage in class followed by three months or more online during daily work on translation projects is very strong.
Read more about the project on The future for Biblical Hebrew in Kenya.