SMSU Hosts Refugee Simulation Event Oct. 23
Published Friday, October 17, 2025
Sambath (Sam) Ouk is the founder of Connected Education Consulting. Sam and his family survived the Cambodian Killing Fields and immigrated to the United States in 1982. Sam grew up in Rochester, Minnesota and went on to earn his Masters in English as a Second Language from Hamline University and his Principal's license from Saint Mary's University. Sam has 20 years of experience in k-12 education. With his first-hand refugee experience and training as an educator, he will lead a unique refugee simulation event on Thursday, October 23rd at 11:30am and 5:30pm in the Conference Center Upper Level at Southwest Minnesota State University.
There will be two different opportunities for the public to participate in. The first program at 11:30am will last 1.5 hours and invites participants to experience the refugee journey, from fleeing home to navigating life in a new country – through real stories and interactive decision-making. This simulation explores loss, resilience, and the role of community in helping refugees rebuild hope and belonging.
The 5:30pm opportunity will be approximately 2.5- 3 hours long. This will be an immersive simulation that invites participants to walk in the footsteps of refugees from surviving genocide to navigating resettlement in the U.S. Through real stores and interactive decision-making, participants will explore how hope is sustained, lost, and rebuilt in the face of unimaginable loss.
The event is hosted by the SMSU Social Work Program. Reach out with any questions to: Amber Kinner-Alahakoon MSW, LSW at (507)-537-7444 or amber.kinner-alahakoon@smsu.edu. Both of the sessions are free and open to the public.
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