Contributing to a good cause

When I first came to South Korea, I had only heard about North Korea on the news. Then, I met North Korean refugees studying at my university. I started realizing that they had come a long way. Fleeing home is already a complicated step to make, but adapting to a new life in a different country is even tougher. Fascinated and impressed by my friends' s courage, I decided I wanted to offer my help and contribute to making them build a new home in South Korea. This is why I am organising this fundraiser, hoping to contribute to making the life of North Korean refugees, a little bit better in my own modest way. With your generous contribution, we can make things change !

In November 2016, the Ministry of Unification in South Korea reported that the number of North Korean refugees escaping to South Korea had surpassed 30,000. Various media report various challenges that refugees face in adjusting to South Korea. An estimated 35 percent of refugees are unemployed, 80 percent work in menial jobs, and refugees who are employed earn 50% of what South Koreans earn.

Escaping North Korea is the first battle many refugees face. Many report that English is a major barrier for many of them, as they struggle with "Konglish" words that have seeped into the South Korean language. TNKR helps refugees by connecting them with volunteer tutors. Since its founding in March 2013, TNKR has connected 315 refugees with more than 650 volunteer tutors and coaches.