Information for notecards and posters:

About: ASERELA was founded in 1994, in Maine, to organize and build self-reliance among Sudanese refugees. It gained association status and was incorporated in 1997 and received 501c(3) status in 2001. Through a strong volunteer base and limited staff support, ASERELA has diligently worked to build philanthropic support among refugees that have settled in Maine as well as American-born friends with the purpose of assisting refugees in Kiryadongo, Uganda.

Mission:  ASERELA Maine is committed to nourishing the mind, body, and spirit of Sudanese children in refugee camps, Southern Sudan and Maine, instilling in them a sense of self-reliance; self esteem, and hope.

New: Purchase "Sacred Songs from a Sacred Land," the ASERELA Youth CD, in mp3 format (individual tracks $0.99 each; $9.99 for the complete CD) online at CDbaby (http://cdbaby.com/cd/aserela) or CALL 207- 774-3314 or E-MAIL \n robertoryem@aol.com This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it You can also pick up a copy from Longfellow Book Store (207)772-4045 1 Monument Way Portland, Maine 04101

LISTEN to the December 2009 Maine Public Radio interview with Anna Oryem about the "Sacred Songs from a Sacred Land" CD

NOTECARD:

   >>>>>>> Brought to you by Peace Train <<<<<<<<

                                                    Notecard update:  January 31, 2010 6:30 am

ASERELA Maine was founded in 1994, in Maine, to organize and build self-reliance among Sudanese refugees. It gained association status and was incorporated in 1997 and received 501c(3) status in 2001. Through a strong volunteer base and limited staff support, ASERELA has diligently worked to build philanthropic support among refugees that have settled in Maine as well as American-born friends with the purpose of assisting refugees in Kiryadongo, Uganda.

Mission:  ASERELA Maine is committed to nourishing the mind, body, and spirit of Sudanese children in refugee camps, Southern Sudan and Maine, instilling in them a sense of self-reliance; self esteem, and hope.

How your contributions will be used:

We are currently working to establish ASERELA Maine's permanant school directly in Southern Sudan. Now, as political conditions allow after decades of conflict, local leaders in the refugee camps are planning for the return to the Sudan. With virtually no infrastructure remaining in the communities to which the refugees are returning, continuation of the ASERELA school and the education of our children is a top priority.

ASERELA requires financial support to relocate the school to Southern Sudan, and to develop the nonprofit framework to be able to operate the school in the years to come, as the long process of rebuilding the country and our communities ensues. With a strong nonprofit and philanthropic base in Portland, we are poised to continue our relationship with refugees returning to Southern Sudan and to assist them develop their local capacity to rebuild their communities. The Sudan project will target children and youth as priority group.

Ways you can help:

- Come to the concerts!  Donate in the tip jars.

- Buy the Youth Choir CD (NEW!!)  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/aserela

- Listen to the December 2009 interview:  http://tiny.cc/mJrnI

- Donate directly to ASERELA PayPal:  http://tiny.cc/v6V86

- Send this notecard to your groups!

ABOUT PEACE TRAIN

Peace Train is the in-world group for projects undertaken by The Peace Train Charitable Trust, a public charity in the United States (501 c 3).  100% of donations collected are given to the identified organizations we support.  We strive to identify small, relatively unknown organizations for whom donations will make a real difference, and who will benefit from the exposure we can provide through organized events in Second Life.

Webpage: http://slpeacetrain.org

Wiki Workspace for Peace Train organizers: http://peacetrain.pbworks.com

For more information, or to volunteer your time and talents, please contact either Cotton Thorne or Siri Vita in-world, or send email to acarson1 (at) gmail.com