11/20/09

'New Mainers' share personal immigration stories at Community Center event Dec. 14

Cape Elizabeth Middle School's world-language teaching team will host their second annual "Hear Our Stories" cafe on Monday, Dec. 14, at the Community Center, 343 Ocean House Road.

The program will begin at 7 p.m. with writer Reza Jalali reading from the book, "New Mainers, Portraits of Our Immigrant Neighbors". Jalali, who wrote the book's forward, will then facilitate a conversation among several of the "new Mainers" featured in this book.

The guests will share their personal stories, the struggles and excitement of their first journeys to Maine and the United States. The audience will hear about different customs and foods, and learn about some of the differences between our countries.

The purpose of the series is to give Mainers an understanding of the experiences of Maine immigrants by hearing the stories first hand, according to a press release.

"We believe that cultural literacy is a critical skill for citizens of the 21st century," the release says. "The world’s countries, economies, and people are becoming more interdependent day by day and our students need to have an understanding and appreciation of contemporary cultures. Our goal is to involve students, staff, parents, and community members.

"The world is a fascinating place that chages everyday, and it is wonderful to learn about world cultures and what compelled people to move to the U.S.,” the release says.

The Middle School's Global Connections 2009 program is funded by the Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation.

Admission is free, and people from all over the Portland area are welcome to attend.