Hi, I'm Utem Watba, and I'm raising funds for a program that the South Sudanese Group of Friends has organized, in honor of our late brother, Lado Lodoka.

The Group of Friends is running a mentorship program connecting our community with mentors who have master-level skills in hands-on professions, like machining, tailoring, and cabinet making. Through this partnership, we can learn trades that could then be translated into marketable job skills, entrepreneurship, or as the basis of advanced study. The Group of Friends is working with Factory 3 “maker’s space” where members can learn in state of the art facility that includes a metal shop, wood shop, sewing machines, and tech center.

Our first class of students is nearing graduation, your donations will support their learning and the next class as well.

Everyone who donates is invited to the graduation barbeque in Portland Maine later this summer.