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July 19, 2022, 4:28 p.m.

Student Reporting Labs: Welcoming refugees through the gift of musical instruments

Summary

When Taliban forces overtook Afghanistan in the summer of 2021, Elaha Nazari evacuated and sought asylum in the United States. Through a youth-led organization in Phoenix, Arizona, Elaha received a donated guitar to pursue her musical dreams. Student Reporting Labs (SRL) produced this story at the 2022 summer academy in early July.

Five Facts

  • What organization donated instruments to refugees?
  • Where did Elaha Nazari flee from?
  • How old was Riley Nova when she founded the charity organization?
  • Who donated the instrument that Eleha Nazari received?
  • Which instrument did she receive upon entrance to the United States?

Focus Questions

Elaha Nazari, the Afghan refugee interviewed in the story, talks about how she left for the United States with nothing but a backpack and her documents. What else could charities provide for refugees who had to leave in a hurry? What other supplies might she need? Media literacy : Having learned about the program to give refugees musical instruments, why is it important that the media highlight programs like these?

For More

See this Daily News Lesson to learn about a Phoenix dance troupe using music to connect to performers' African roots. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/2022/07/how-this-african-dance-troupe-use-performance-as-a-form-of-a-self-care/ See this Daily News Lesson to learn about a dance company founder broke down financial barriers for Latino teens. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/2022/07/dance-company-founder-breaks-down-financial-barriers-for-latino-teens-pursuing-professional-dance/ See this Daily News Lesson to learn about how elementary school students are paying homage to the Native Americans who lived on their land. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/2022/07/how-this-elementary-school-paid-homage-to-local-kumeyaay-tribe-through-mural/

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