A Dream comes true for the Zay

The Zay are a minority group of the South Semitic, East Gurage languages. Originally emigrating from what is now Eritrea, they live in the center of Ethiopia, on the islands of Lake Ziway and along its shores. Most Zay are Orthodox Christians. Although their language has been researched, it is still not used in schools, and there are no printed materials available in Zay language. Wycliff Ethiopia started translating the New Testament for the Zay around 7 years ago. On June 14, 2025, a symposium was held at the university compound of Ziway town. Three lecturers presented the historical and cultural characteristics of Zay, its orthography, and the development of a dictionary.

On Sunday, June 15, 2025,the long awaited event was here: The stadium in Ziway town (also known as Batu), filled with around 2,000 spectators, welcomed the first printing of the New Testament in the Zay language. Government representatives as well as church elders had gathered to acknowledge the unique achievement. The mayor of Ziway greeted all visitors, pastors from different churches and denominations offered their blessing for the books, and for all who had been involved in the process. They gave thanks to Wycliff Ethiopia as an organization, and the Zay translators were honored for their many years of dedicated work. The whole assembly joined in singing and dancing with choirs from various churches, expressing exuberant joy over the Word of God, sounding out afar into the whole town.