People
Who they are
The Sherbro live along the coast of Sierra Leone, mainly in Bonthe District, on Sherbro Island, in the coastal areas of Moyamba District and in the Freetown area. The Sherbro language belongs to the Bullom group. Before the colonial era, the Sherbro were among the most powerful peoples in Sierra Leone; today they are a small minority.
Their first contacts with Europeans came in the fifteenth century, with Portuguese traders, followed by English traders. Members of Sherbro families married these traders, forming some of the best-known chiefly families in the region.
Where they live
1
Country
236K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Sierra Leone Partially reached
|
100%
|
232.000 |
How they live
The Sherbro are mainly fishers and traders. Speakers of the Bullom languages lived inland until Mande peoples pushed them toward the coast, where they became fishers. In the southeast of the country, many Sherbro speak Mende and have adopted much of the Mende tradition. In the Freetown area, they are longstanding allies of the Krio, with whom they have intermarried since the early days of the colony in the late eighteenth century, and have adopted much of Krio culture.
What they believe
There are Christians, Muslims and followers of traditional religions among the Sherbro. Many Sherbro in Freetown become Krio, as they share the Christian faith and Western names with them. Their traditions include the Poro society for men and the Sande or Bondo society for women, which organize community life and the upbringing of young people.
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.
Sherbro
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)8%
Evangelicals5.7%
Needs
Sherbro is losing ground to Mende, Krio and Temne, and researchers say the language is rapidly disappearing. In some places, such as the Dema area on Sherbro Island, it is still used in daily life. In 2018, the first Sherbro primer was published, with an alphabet, vocabulary, greetings and proverbs. Passing the language on to new generations is a need for Sherbro families.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for the Sherbro language to be passed on to new generations in communities across Sierra Leone.
Pray for the Bible in Sherbro to be used in families and churches.
Pray that Sherbro Christians will grow in their knowledge of Jesus.
Pray that Sherbro who follow traditional religions or Islam will come to know Jesus.
Pray for the primer and other Sherbro reading materials to be used with children and adults.
Pray for Sherbro
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar