(Lewiston, Maine. USA June 05,
2008 Ceegaag Online)
Dozens of local and state officials, along with business leaders and members of the Somali community gathered for a presentation on the impact of the Somali workforce in Lewiston.
The report examined employment patterns of Somali immigrants in Lewiston. It was presented by Amanda Rector, an economist with the Maine State Planning Office. The results follow two years of research.
It was prompted in part by high unemployment numbers in Lewiston's large Somali communtiy.
The study shows that 58% of the Somali population in Lewiston has only inconsistent and unstable work. It also shows significant differences between employment rates in Portland and in Lewiston.
Community members call it a good starting point. They hope this study will help make the case for state funding that would go to job training and educational programs.
