Maine Showcases U.S. "Oasis of Peace"

July 9-10, 2006, Maine
Contact: New York Foreign Press Center
Telephone: 212-317-8325; Email: nyfpc@state.gov


Twelve journalists representing seven nations - including pan-Arab media Al-Jazeera International - joined the tour to Maine.  The theme focused on the state's refugee integration program, and featured a visit to the "Seeds of Peace" camp in the town of Otisfield.  The first day involved meeting the camp's director, and many of the campers themselves who hailed from Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian terroritories, Egypt, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan.  Among other activities, journalists observed group sessions in which the youth hashed out differences with a trained facilitator.  The second day took place in Portland where journalists met with Maine's governor, John Baldacci, as well as the mayors of Portland and Lewiston.

During an inauguration of the newly opened Governor's Office of Multicultural Affairs, each representative expounded upon his office's role in welcoming refugees to Maine from conflict areas.  Other visits germane to the integration process included a trip to the city's Health and Human Services offices, Catholic Charities, and an ESL class where journalists were able to meet with former refugees from war-torn parts of the world.  An unofficial, but insightful part of the tour involved home-stays for the journalists with Portland locals.  As in the past, journalists were pleased to see that people outside their busy urban environment were "so friendly, open and warm" - a concept that provided them with "a new appreciation for Americans and their welcoming ways."