LEWISTON — The first issue of Amjambo Africa! — Maine’s monthly newspaper for and about immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa — will be available at no cost beginning April 1.

The newspaper will be distributed in Lewiston, Auburn, Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Falmouth, Westbrook, Waterville and Augusta.

Publisher Georges Budagu Makoko and Managing Editor Kathreen Harrison will host a launch party from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at the Immigrant Welcome Center, 24 Preble St., Portland.

Amjambo Africa! will be published in four languages: English, French, Swahili and Kinyarwanda. Additional languages may be added as the newspaper matures.

According to a written statement from the managing editor, the newspaper’s primary goal is to improve communication between local Mainers and newcomers from Africa to increase mutual understanding. Each issue will include 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. As the newspaper grows, the publisher plans to expand distribution in Bangor and points north.

The newspaper, which will have a distribution of 10,000 copies per issue, is a project of the nonprofit Ladder to the Moon Network.

In Lewiston, distribution points are at Hannaford on Sabattus Street, Shaw’s on East Avenue, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Central Maine Medical Center, both Dunkin’ Donuts shops on Main Street, Marden’s, The Gym on Main Street and the Health Club & Spa on Lisbon Road.

In Auburn, the newspaper will be available at Planet Fitness on Center Street, Hannaford on Spring Street and Central Maine Conditioning Center on Belgrade Avenue.

To contact the editor, write to kitharrison64@gmail.com.

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