“Teenagers are trouble all over the world,” he said. “We can’t assume that what we see in American kids is approved by their parents.”

Mankato adult education teacher Clarice Esslinger said she’s witnessed the difficult struggle immigrants often endure, especially when raising children.

“Any parent is concerned about their children wherever they are,” she said. “It’s compounded when you go to a different country.”

Mankato resident Halima Mumin moved to the United States 10 years ago. She has five children. In the future she hopes to network with area parents in an attempt to learn more about the culture and acceptable behavior.

“My concern is about the teenage kids,” she said. “I got some good advice (from Mbele).”

But even after 10 years of living in the area, adapting to life in America is still difficult, she said.

“It’s very, very tough to adjust,” Mumin said. “Even right now it’s still tough.”