Mother's Day Appeal

Today I heard a North Korean author speaking about her experiences growing up in NK with very little to eat, and with nothing to hope for. Things were so desperate that one day when she was only 11 years old, she wrote out her will, as she was sure that she was about to die. Her mother found that note, and after she read it, her mother said to her daughter "Let's die together."

As a mother, I cannot imagine even thinking that thought, let alone being in such an utterly hopeless situation that I would suggest death as a solution to my own daughter. When I heard this, the tears just came, a Mother should never have to say these words to their child.

In honour of Mother's Day, I am asking for your support to help TNKR, an organization that I have volunteered for over 1 1/2 years. TNKR has helped over 250 refugees improve their English and public speaking skills through 1-on-1 lessons with volunteer tutors. I am one of their tutors. In addition, TNKR established the Teach North Korean Refugee Global Education Center in order to connect refugees with services geared towards aiding their transition to life outside of North Korea.

This is a quality organization and nobody takes a salary. TNKR volunteers keep education programs free for refugees by organizing fundraisers, hosting refugee-speaking contests and events, and participating in humanitarian conferences.

Please join me today in honouring Mothers everywhere by making a donation to this wonderful organization so that they can keep up their unique and important work!

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.