I applaud the Portland Press Herald for enlightening its readers to the world of individuals who are our new neighbors here in Maine. Reporter Kelly Bouchard told us about the 6-year-old boy from Afghanistan who suffered from a bullet in his face as he was trying to flee his native country with his mother.

The human aspect was recently, again, brought to our attention by Kelly’s most recent article in this past Sunday’s edition (“Ukrainians find home in Maine despite war’s uncertainty,” March 19). This time, Kelly told us about the families who “fled war” in Ukraine and “found warmth” in Auburn.

Finally, Glenn Jordan’s article telling us about the six young adolescents from West Africa can only be described as truly heartwarming (“Cultural immersion has deeper means at South Portland High School,” March 12). The young gentlemen, who challenged themselves to join the swim team at their new high school with no prior experience in swimming, are to be admired. The authorities who agreed to allow the six to join the team and fellow team members are all to be commended.

Keep up the good work.

Dorothy Bois
Saco