Cambodian Refugee’s Restaurant Provides Space to Heal and Celebrate Culture
Ask students: Who is the focus of the story, and what are heir backgrounds? What caused Saron Khut's family to flee Cambodia?
Teen journalists from Student Reporting Labs explored how food is tied to culture and identity. Student reporter Sandeep Brijesh Pillai of the Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering in Hillsboro, Oregon, found one Cambodian refugee whose restaurant helps him heal from his tragic family history and provides a space to share his culture.
For a transcript to read alongside as you watch the video, click here.
Discussion Questions
- Who is the focus of the story, and what are heir backgrounds?
- What caused Saron Khut's family to flee Cambodia?
- Where is Mekong Bistro located?
- When did the family start the bistro?
- How does Khut hope his bistro will help change perceptions of Cambodia?
Focus Questions
How does Saron Khut use his bistro to preserve a sense of community among Cambodian refugees? How do you think community centers like the bistro help migrant families survive.
Media literacy: Why do you think this story was produced? Why do you think it was interesting to the young reporters who put together the story?
Extension Activity
Discuss with a friend, neighbor or classmate — why is preserving culture and community so important for immigrant communities?
Also, check out this student reporting lab video discussing food and Hispanic heritage:
Repbulished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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