English Tutoring for North Korean Refugees

Teach North Korean Refugees (TNKR) is a nonprofit organization based in Seoul, Soth Korea dedicated to helping refugees find their own voice. By doing so, the organization is providing North Korean defectors with one of the most important tools to integrate into a new society: language. Moreover, by facilitating the learning process of North Korean defectors through one-on-one tutoring, the organization is enabling the fled individuals to share their story in a globally understood language. Without the outstanding work of TNKR many refugees would lack the mental support to overcome the language barrier, integrate into a new society and share their deeply personal stories with the world. As TNKR is a nonprofit organization, it is highly dependent on donations. Please help to support North Korean defector's new life!

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.