Summary

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.

News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

Warm-up 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?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

For more

What students can do: 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:

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