Gujarati Creole in Tanzania
Photo Source:
Anonymous
|
Map Source:
People Group location: Ethnologue. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
|
| People Name: | Gujarati Creole |
| Country: | Tanzania |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 98,000 |
| World Population: | 100,100 |
| Primary Language: | Cutchi-Swahili |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 3.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.10 % |
| Scripture: | Translation Needed |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
|
Introduction / History
Most South Asian migrants to Africa came to British colonies like Kenya, just to the north of Tanzania, which was a German colony for a short while. Most of these migrants came either from western India's Gujarat state or from Punjab in India's north. They started by working on railroads, but Gujaratis have a tendency to rise above manual labor. When their contracts ran out, some started their own businesses in Kenya, while others moved south to what is now Tanzania to get a new start.
Gujaratis in South Asia have their own language, but the term Creole indicates a hybrid situation. South Asian Gujarati Creoles are mixed with the White population, and their language has strayed from the original Gujarati.
Where Are they Located?
Gujarati Creoles live in Kenya and Tanzania.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Over one million children are orphaned because of AIDS. Most likely the Gujarati Creole population is not as poor as Black African ethnic groups.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Gujarati Creoles are mostly Muslim. Operation World reports that the Muslim community is increasingly polarized between moderates and Islamists, the latter pressing for political influence and the establishment of separate Islamist courts. Witchcraft is widespread and permeates both Christianity and Islam.
What Are Their Needs?
Widespread systemic poverty affects the Gujarati Creole people, though some have been able to rise above their circumstances. They need help to establish and maintain schools, medical clinics, drinking water, and sanitation.
Although Scripture and some audio resources are in a language they might speak, they need someone to tell them about Christ. Will it be you, or someone you know?
Prayer Points
Pray for the Hindu Asians in Kenya and Tanzania to be given an interest in the creator God.
Pray they will be given faith to believe in God's Son Jesus, and that many will accept the gift of eternal life offered in His name.
Pray that there will soon be a Disciple-Making movement among the Gujarati Creole people in both Kenya and Tanzania.