On November 16th, 2023, Mid Maine Regional Adult Community Education collaborated with our Syrian students and their families to host a large family-style dinner.

At 5 pm, our staff warmly welcomed the community into our dining hall, where they received nametags and joined a swiftly forming line for the buffet of Syrian dishes. Guests were encouraged to fill their plates and gather together for dinner as a unified community.

The menu featured an array of traditional Syrian dishes, including Baba Ganoush, Fatteh, Hummus, Kabsah, Manakeesh, Syrian Cheese, Tabbouleh, and Yaprek (also known as Dolma).

Following the meal, our director, Hannah Bard, introduced the Syrian Dinner to the attendees and highlighted the remarkable contributions of our students and their families. Some students took the opportunity to share their journeys to the United States and their experiences of learning while adapting to life in a new country.

The evening was a delightful blend of vibrant, flavorful cuisine and engaging, positive conversations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the families for generously preparing home-cooked meals, sharing their rich culture, and entrusting us with their stories.

We eagerly anticipate hosting more events like this in the future.