SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — A Sioux Falls advocacy group is working to translate information on COVID-19 for people who don’t speak English.
South Dakota Voices for Peace has compiled translations of documents from state and local officials with important information on the spread of the virus, with help from the Sioux Falls Community Foundation.
“All of us are just doing our part to the best that we can,” said Taneeza Islam, the group’s executive director. “Without access to information, especially with something like COVID-19, it just creates more information for confusion and danger.”
So far the group has compiled translations in five languages: Arabic, French, Somali, Swahili, and Spanish. About 14 interpreters worked on the project. The translations are focused on information from state and local officials.
Islam said finding the best way to reach certain communities is an important part of the effort.
“We know that Spanish-speaking communities use Facebook more; some of our African communities use WhatsApp groups more,” Islam said. “It’s just understanding where our communities are and how we can meet them where they are.”
