PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Vice President of the newly formed Republic of South Sudan met with Sudanese in Maine Saturday.

Hundreds of Sudanese living in Maine packed the Portland High School Auditorium to hear from one of the leaders on their newly formed nation. Vice President Riek Machar has been touring the U.S., updating the Sudanese population about the progress their young country is making.

The City of Portland is home to hundreds of Sudanese refugees. Many of them came to Maine to escape years of fighting in South Sudan. Last year, the Sudanese here in Maine had the opportunity to vote for South Sudan to gain its independence. Vice President Machar offered three pieces of advice,that he believes can lead to success for the Sudanese living in America.

"One, seize the opportunities in America, empower themselves in education," Machar said. "Two, be competitive in this society, whether it's making business, excelling in sports. Three, looking after their children. It's important to look after their children whom they brought to a different environment."

This was Vice President Machar's last stop in the United States. While he was here he also met with South Sudanese in Dallas, Texas, Phoenix, Arizona and Omaha, Nebraska.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS CENTER