Vai in Sierra Leone

People Name:	Vai
Country:	Sierra Leone
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	26,000
World Population:	228,000
Primary Language:	Vai
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	4.00 %
Evangelicals:	2.50 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Manding
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Vai people live in northwestern Liberia and southeastern Sierra Leone, two neighboring countries in West Africa. They speak Vai, a Niger-Congo language with its script, making them one of the few African ethnic groups with an Indigenous written language. They migrated from the western Sudan region due to pressures from the Mali Empire and settled along the Atlantic coast by the 16th century. They became prominent traders, dealing in gold, kola nuts, ivory and slaves with European merchants. The Vai resisted British and Liberian colonial control but were eventually incorporated into these states by the late 19th century.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Vai sustain themselves through farming, cultivating rice as their staple crop along with vegetables on upland plots. They also grow cotton, corn, pumpkins, bananas, ginger, coffee and cocoa. Additionally, they gather various nuts and berries from the forests. The palm tree is a vital resource for the Vai, providing nuts, butter, wine, fuel, soap and materials for baskets.

They believe their region is the original home of the Poro, a male secret society known throughout West Africa. Music is an integral part of Vai life, and they play various instruments and perform dances on special occasions.

Education among the Vai follows three main paths. The "bush school" teaches children traditional socialization skills, survival techniques, and other aspects of village life over four to five years. Some children continue their education in English-language schools, while others attend Koranic schools, where they learn Arabic under the guidance of the village imam, a local Muslim religious leader.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Vai are predominantly Muslim, but they still hold to traditional beliefs. For instance, they believe an alligator is connected with evil spirits since it destroys life. A supreme god is thought to be the controller of Earth and everything in it since they believe he created everything. The Vai believe that this god manifests himself through spirits and nature. They also believe that this god is too distant to serve or worship directly, so they use a spirit medium.

Most of the Vai follow folk beliefs, and some practice witchcraft. They consider themselves to be surrounded by spirits that can change into living creatures or objects. These spirits have the power to do evil to individuals or to the whole tribe. The Vai perform ceremonies for the dead in which they leave articles of clothing and food near the graves of the deceased.

There is also a small Vai Christian community that can be salt and light to their folk Islamic neighbors and family members.

What Are Their Needs?

As of 2015, the Vai people of Liberia had access to audio recordings of the New Testament in their language, distributed via SD cards and radios. There are also short audio Bible stories and evangelistic messages in Vai. However, they do not have live Christian radio broadcasts in the Vai language.

The Vai people in northwestern Liberia and southeastern Sierra Leone face significant challenges in four key areas:

Infrastructure: Poor road networks make transportation difficult, especially during the rainy season, when many roads become impassable. Electricity is scarce, and many communities rely on kerosene lamps and generators. Access to clean water is limited, leading to dependence on rivers, wells, and rainwater, which increases the risk of waterborne diseases.

Healthcare Many Vai communities lack adequate healthcare facilities, with clinics often facing shortages of medical supplies, trained staff, and essential equipment. Common health issues include malaria, typhoid, diarrheal diseases, high maternal and child mortality rates due to limited prenatal care, and malnutrition affecting children s growth and development. There is also a severe shortage of healthcare workers. Traditional healers often serve as primary caregivers.

Education Many villages lack schools and qualified teachers, leading to low literacy rates, especially among women and girls. Bilingual education in Vai and English is needed to preserve cultural identity while ensuring access to broader opportunities. School infrastructure is often inadequate, with damaged classrooms, a lack of desks, and limited access to books and learning materials.

Economic Development and Livelihoods Most Vai people rely on subsistence farming, but outdated techniques and a lack of modern tools limit productivity. Fishing communities struggle with declining fish stocks and insufficient equipment. Poor road conditions make market access difficult, and low prices for agricultural goods keep many farmers in poverty. Youth unemployment is high, with limited job opportunities and a lack of vocational training leaving many without employable skills.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to grant wisdom and favor to those ministering to the Vai people.
Ask the Lord to raise up medical missionaries to go to Sierra Leone and work among the Vai.
Ask God to give the Vai believers a burden to return to their villages and share Christ with their friends and families.