Oliver's 28th Birthday

Dear Reader,

My Birthday Fundraiser for Teach North Korea Refugees (TNKR) .

As some of the people most closest to me would know, I have been involved and dedicated to this non-profit for quite some time now. People who also know about TNKR will know that I have been encouraging (read: begging) others to start up their own fundraisers and donations. Now, it is my turn.

TNKR provides a basic but crucial service: free English education for refugees in South Korea. TNKR has changed the lives of over 300 refugees (and this number keeps on growing). TNKR has given them a new start & given them a voice that they didn’t have before (have you ever wondered how some prominent North Korean Refugees in the media are speaking English?). TNKR has also changed my life and the lives of others who volunteer. Volunteering is a constant reminder that many of us have led privileged lives, but not everyone shares even the most basic of luxuries. Many people are indeed starving for freedom and to be heard.

I hope you will join me in supporting such a wonderful cause on my birthday.

Thank you
Oliver

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.