Affinity Group: Sub-Saharan African Peoples

Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan African

People Cluster: Mande

Language: Vai - (vai)

Alternate Name(s): Vy, Gallinas, Vei, Gallins, Vay

Primary Religion: Islam - Folk

Country: Sierra Leone

Also found in: Liberia

Population: 25,500

Global Population: 234,500

Progress of the Gospel: Unengaged and Unreached

Global Status of Evangelical Christianity: Less than 2% Evangelical, No Active CP Activity

Overview: The Vai of Sierra Leone, numbering 25,500, are Unengaged and Unreached. They are part of the Mande people cluster within the Sub-Saharan African affinity bloc. Globally, this group totals 234,500 in 2 countries. Their primary language is Vai. The primary religion practiced by the Vai is folk Islam, a syncretistic belief system that blends traditional elements of Islam with superstitious practices such as warding off spirits with incantations and magic amulets, and reciting verses of the Qur'an to bring about miraculous healings.

Bible Translations: Available

Jesus Film: Available

Gospel Recordings: Available

Radio Broadcast: Not Available