Help North Korean Refugees Today

Money donated to this campaign will help teach refugees English, improving their quality of life while living in South Korea and expanding their options and opportunities. Many North Korean refugees have been denied access to education, and without full grasp of the English language, they are further denied university degrees-- even while in South Korea. Help this vulnerable population by donating to TNKR, an award-winning NGO that matches English tutors with North Koreans living in Seoul.

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.