People
Who they are
The Serer-Safen form one of the subgroups of the Serer people in western Senegal, concentrated mainly in the Thiès region and the Diass hills. They maintain a vibrant cultural identity expressed through the Saafi-Saafi language, which belongs to the Cangin language family and differs considerably from the language of other neighboring Serer groups.
Deeply attached to their ancestral lands, the Serer-Safen preserve profound respect for community traditions and the memory of their ancestors, balancing inherited customs with the changes of modern Senegalese life.
Where they live
1
Country
296K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Senegal Minimally reached
|
100%
|
290.000 |
How they live
Family farming is the foundation of the Serer-Safen’s livelihood. They grow millet, peanuts, cassava, and beans, as well as raising small herds and poultry. Community life is organized in villages where kinship ties and family lineages guide collective decisions. Shared meals and family celebrations reinforce hospitality and solidarity, fundamental values in everyday life together.
What they believe
Most Serer-Safen profess Sunni Islam, often associated with Senegalese Sufi brotherhoods. There is also a long-established Christian minority, mainly Catholic. In daily practice, traditional animist beliefs remain highly influential, including reverence for nature spirits, elaborate funeral rites, and the use of amulets for protection against evil and illness.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Saafi-Saafi
New Testament complete
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Current stage
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)20%
Evangelicals< 0.1%
Needs
Communities face challenges from soil depletion, seasonal droughts, and limited access to quality basic health services. Educational and technical training opportunities for young people in the villages are also scarce. Spiritually, they need to discover the redeeming grace of the gospel in their mother tongue and experience a faith free from fear of spiritual powers.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pelo desenvolvimento econômico sustentável e acesso a recursos hídricos nas aldeias do povo Serer-Safen.
Pela conclusão da tradução do Antigo Testamento e ampla circulação das Escrituras em áudio na língua Saafi-Saafi.
Pelo testemunho vivo dos poucos cristãos evangélicos entre suas próprias famílias e vizinhos.
Pela libertação espiritual de medos ligados a ritos e espíritos tradicionais ancestrais.
Por comunidades de fé acolhedoras e firmes na Palavra que alcancem as novas gerações Serer-Safen.
Pray for Serer-Safen
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
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