The Bible in Maltese has not been fully translated into Braille, and made accessible to blind people, due to lack of funds and demand.
“A first and important publication launched in 2008 was the Maltese scripture in Braille format (portions of the Old Testament), but after a short run this project had to be curtailed for lack of funds and demand,” according to Paul Agius from the Malta Bible Society.
Financial aspects are also holding back the availability of other Maltese books in Braille.
“The Bible is read by both believers and non-believers, yet sponsors hardly realise that besides their religious content and moral values, Maltese translations and studies published by the society’s academics and scholars are in themselves considered to be a contribution of a certain level towards the enrichment of Maltese linguistic heritage,” he said.
The society had to resort to bank loans to be able carry on with its operations and continue with its ministry work
An Education Ministry spokesman said the books themselves are owned by the private sector and these may have feasibility and cost issues for the local market.
However, should third parties propose any plans or proposals, the ministry will consider them, the ministry said.
The ‘national policy on the rights for persons with disability’, launched for consultation this week, proposed incentives to train disabled people to learn sign language and Braille.
This point was also made by Bridget Micallef, a blind woman, who stressed the importance for blind people to learn Braille.
By understanding Braille they could open up their world through reading, label objects around the house and read numbers in lifts, she said.
However, Ms Micallef pointed out, there were no Maltese works available in Braille except for the Maltese Bible – although the first 19 volumes had not yet been translated.
Mr Agius said the mission of the Malta Bible Society was to make the Bible accessible, affordable and credible to all. He said the society was a member of the United Bible Societies and, for many years it benefitted and relied on funding and grants provided by other affiliated societies.
In recent years, however, the society has faced a day-to-day struggle for survival.
Since it was set up 55 years ago the society published four editions of the Bible in Maltese, with the latest in 2013 in the new Maltese orthography. Other publications, CDs and DVDs were also produced.
The society also targeted its works towards people with impaired vision and produced a set of the Maltese scripture books in large print, a recording of the New Testament on 20 CDs and a limited quantity of Bible books in giant print.
“The society had to resort to bank loans to be able carry on with its operations and continue with its ministry work… It is unfortunate that big companies and entities who support less important projects and activities, do not come forward when asked to give their support, for such a good cause.
“The Bible is read by both believers and non-believers, yet sponsors hardly realise that besides their religious content and moral values, Maltese translations and studies published by the society’s academics and scholars are in themselves considered to be a contribution of a certain level towards the enrichment of Maltese linguistic heritage,” he said.
The society can be reached on 2122 0318 or info@maltabible.com.