Ending the Year with a BANG.
From preparing for a beautiful showcase over the past three months to children learning how to swim in just seven weeks, read about the incredible achievements of our youth and community members through our programs lately.
"Divided Community" and "Don’t Take Time for Granted" – Youth Theatre Showcase
In September, we kicked off a collaboration with Maine Inside Out (MIO) and MEIRS that ran through the fall and into December. Twice-weekly workshops on Mondays and Thursdays provided youth with the chance to explore creative outlets such as acting and writing, all while working towards the goal of performing their original works for the community. These sessions allowed these young boys to uncover talents they might not have discovered otherwise, while also preparing for their Theatre Showcase on Thursday, December 5th.
The program culminated with the performance of two original plays: Divided Community and Don’t Take Time for Granted. Both plays focused on themes of friendship, betrayal, and trust. Divided Community specifically explored gun violence and its emotional and societal impact, while Don’t Take Time for Granted addressed violence and school suspension, examining how these issues affect relationships and personal growth. The plays were performed for an audience of family, community members, friends, and teachers, followed by a reflective discussion on the themes presented.
The journey of creating Divided Community and Don’t Take Time for Granted helped these young men develop valuable skills in teamwork, storytelling, acting, directing, and public speaking. It also provided space for personal growth, teaching them how to handle criticism, adapt to challenges, manage emotions, and support one another through the creative journey. Throughout this process, the participants learned how to give and receive feedback, tackle problems as a group, and support one another with empathy.
To honor their hard work, a celebratory ceremony was held on Wednesday, December 18th. During this event, participants received awards and certificates, shared a meal, and reflected on the transformative experiences they had throughout the program. This collaboration with MIO and MEIRS has shown how the arts can empower young people in our community, giving them the tools to find their voices and strengthen their connections with one another. This collaboration with MIO and MEIRS has shown how the arts can empower young people in our community, giving them the tools to find their voices and strengthen their connections with one another.
“Sheeko iyo Shaax” Somali Bantu Cultural Mothers’ Wellness Group
Our Mothers’ Wellness Group has continued to hold bi-weekly sessions, offering a safe and supportive space for mothers in our community to connect, grow, and prioritize their own well-being. While this group was created to provide support in their roles as mothers and wives, it also serves as a platform to explore their interests, passions, and hobbies, and to participate in experiences they might not typically have access to. Through these sessions, the group has created a sense of empowerment and community among its members.
As part of these efforts, the group hosted a special cultural event on Friday, December 27th, called “Sheeko iyo Shaax,” which translates to “Tea and Talk” in Somali. This brought the mothers together to celebrate their Somali Bantu heritage by preparing and enjoying traditional Somali foods such as bariis iyo chicken (rice and chicken), bundo daango (a bean dish), cambuulo (corn and beans), and sambusa (savory pastries). Some of the food was purchased from our local Somali businesses to support community stores, while much was lovingly prepared by the mothers themselves.
The mothers dressed in their traditional Somali attire, shared meaningful conversations, and embraced the joy of coming together. This event not only strengthened cultural connections but also nurtured the mothers’ mental well-being, showing us the importance of creating such spaces for connection and self-expression.
End of our 1st Cohort Children’s Swimming Classes November 5, 2024 to December 21, 2024
Our partnership with the YWCA to provide swimming lessons for children ages 5-12 has been a tremendous success. Over the past 7 weeks, the children developed essential swimming skills under the guidance of certified instructors, growing more confident and comfortable with each lesson. They have attended every session, and their hard work and dedication was clear throughout. Liban, our Youth Coordinator shares that it’s been amazing to witness their progress, from initial nervousness to trust in their instructors, and the friendships they formed along the way.
As a recognition of their achievements, we will be holding a ceremony in January to celebrate their dedication and the skills they’ve gained. We are also excited to announce that a second cohort of swimming classes will be starting soon, offering even more children the opportunity to learn and grow in the water. We are so proud of our participants and look forward to the continued success of this partnership !
Youth Sustainable Development Program Updates
Apple Picking Field Trip
On Friday, November 8, our Pathway K-6 group enjoyed an exciting field trip to Wallingford's Orchard for apple picking. Our youth leadership team managed to take 8 kids. Once there, the kids were very excited to explore and pick their own apples, the variety of apples.
Youth Leadership Group Game Night
On November 27, we hosted a Youth Leadership Group Game Night in collaboration with COA (Community Organizing Alliance) . The event combined fun with education, as we discussed the new curfew laws in Lewiston for youth under 18 and the increasing violence in our community. The youth shared their thoughts on how they could help improve the community, coming up with valuable ideas such as biweekly check-ins. One of the highlights was introducing a game called Spent, where the youth had to manage a $1,000 budget and make smart decisions to survive the month. The group with the most money left at the end won! Afterward, they played games like Uno, Connect Four, and Chess, with the youth expressing how beneficial and enjoyable the event was. They’re all very excited for more opportunities to socialize and learn together.
Community Issues Workshop
On December 27, we held a workshop in collaboration with COA, focusing on the pressing issues facing our community. The youth spoke about topics such as gun violence, drug abuse, gangs, vandalism, school dropouts, and more. After identifying these issues, they broke into groups to brainstorm solutions and present their ideas to their peers. They were able to emphasize the importance of involving community leaders and parents in finding solutions, and they suggested holding a community forum to openly discuss these challenges. It was a productive and insightful session, especially for leaders within our community.
Looking Ahead: Exciting Plans for the New Year
As we step into a new year, we’re excited to announce several programs and initiatives that will continue to bring our community together, celebrate our culture, and create impact.
Cooking Classes and Community Iftars
Our Cooking Classes are making a comeback! Starting in 2025, we’ll host classes every other month, offering participants the chance to learn and share recipes while connecting with others. During Ramadan, we’ll also host Community Iftars, creating opportunities for everyone to come together and celebrate this special time of year.
Food Through Togetherness Program
We’re expanding our work under the Food Through Togetherness Program through collaborations with partners like Cultivating Community, COA, and Isuken. This initiative will focus on climate change, sustainable agriculture, and cultural connections through food. As service providers for Isuken, the nation’s first Somali Bantu farm-to-table worker-cooperative food truck, we look forward to supporting their mission and deepening our partnership.
1st Annual SLRO Celebration Event
We’re excited to announce our First Annual SLRO Event in 2025! This event will celebrate the incredible work we’ve accomplished together and honor the people and programs making a difference in our community. Stay tuned for details about this milestone gathering!
Volunteer Opportunities
We’re expanding our team of volunteers to support our growing programs. If you’re passionate about community work and making a difference, we’d love for you to join us. Opportunities include event planning, mentorship, and hands-on support for our ongoing initiatives.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission. Together, we’ll make 2025 a year of growth, collaboration, and empowerment for our community!