A free newspaper devoted to improving communication and understanding between local Mainers and newcomers from Africa will hold a launch party Saturday in Portland.
The publication, Amjambo Africa!, will be published in four languages – English, French, Swahili and Kinyarwanda – and have a focus on immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa.
The publisher, Georges Budagu Makoko, and Managing Editor Kathreen Harrison intend to offer readers information about cultural differences; listings of resources; profiles of new Mainers; tips for acclimating to Maine; a country profile; news from the ground in Africa; special features; and upcoming events, according to a statement from the publisher.
The newspaper will be distributed in nine major towns and cities between Scarborough and Waterville, with plans to later expand northward.
Amjambo Africa! is affiliated with the Portland human rights nonprofit Ladder to the Moon Network. Makoko intends to sell advertising to support the newspaper.
The launch party will be held April 7 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Immigrant Welcome Center, 24 Preble St., Portland. For more information, contact Harrison at kitharrison64@gmail.com.
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