The Pursuit for Prosperity

I found TNKR earlier this year and of course I immediately wanted to join this noble cause. Here at TNKR we help enable North Korean refugees adjust to the fast-paced life of South Korea. English has been developing rapidly in South Korea and is now a major requirement for studying at a university, getting a job and simple daily life. As a tutor myself, we do our utmost best to provide the tools for these individuals to better adapt to life in South Korea and the outside world.

I am currently teaching English at an elementary level and as of now I will be tutoring adults. While teaching and helping others have developed into a passion, I have also carried with me my passion for the art of Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu. I have currently taken part in two competitions in my native country and I will be entering my first of many competitions this coming April. I believe sport has the ability to change the world and we can see how it has done so through the years.

I do not believe I can change the world; however, I would like to use my participation in Jiu-Jitsu as a platform to help raise the issues that almost all North Koreans encounter, in and out of their country. I will be endorsing TNKR at all of my competitions and by doing this I hope to raise funds which will go directly to the TNKR organization and in turn help these individuals in their quest for a brighter and prosperous life.

For friends and family in South Africa, a donation of just ₩1000 equals a mere R11 or around 1USD!

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.