Tutoring Support TNKR

Teach North Korean Refugees is a fantastic non-profit organisation that helps those who have escaped from the North by offering them free English tuition and help in speech writing so that they can tell their story to the world. I've become involved in my second semester and am volunteering as an English tutor for 2 tutees which I'm really excited and slightly nervous about!

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.