Eunmi Park's fundraiser for FSI

It has now been more than ten years since I began living under the identity of a North Korean refugee.

Looking back, I realize it wasn't simply that I was too busy to notice the people around me. More often than not, I think I was deliberately trying not to look back.

As I reflected on my life, the first people who came to mind were the two co-presidents of FSI, Casey Lartigue and Eunkoo Lee. They have stood by me and so many North Korean refugees for so many years without expecting anything in return.

People often say that when life becomes difficult, the first people they think of are their parents. For me, the two of you have been those kinds of people. I consider myself truly fortunate to have met people with whom I could be completely myself, without pretending to be someone else.

Now, I want to move beyond receiving help and live independently through my own efforts. More importantly, I hope to pass on the kindness and encouragement that I have received to others who may need it.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving North Korean refugees even more than we love ourselves and for walking alongside us for so many years.

Thank you for graciously accepting this small gift from me.

With my deepest gratitude.

Thanks to a generous South Korean donor, Freedom Speakers International is running a Matching Challenge to empower North Korean refugees.

The Matching Donor has pledged $42,000 to FSI or $3,500 per month. The sooner we can hit the goal, the sooner we can get the money.

At FSI, we empower North Korean refugees through education and public speaking. Participants build English skills, develop confidence on stage, and learn how to present their own experiences with accuracy and dignity. Many now speak at universities, conferences, and public forums around the world. Some are publishing books, contributing to media discussions, and telling their stories in English for the first time.

This Matching Challenge allows every fundraiser created and every contribution made to have a greater impact. By starting or supporting a fundraiser, you help unlock additional matching funds that directly support mentoring, training sessions, speech preparation, and public events.

How can you join this?

* Become a monthly donor of any amount. 

* If you are already a monthly donor, you may switch your monthly donation to this fundraiser.

* Set up a fundraiser in support of this project.

Even if your fundraiser does not raise money, creating one still matters. Each new fundraiser increases visibility, expands our reach, and helps us unlock more support through the matching challenge.

Casey Lartigue Jr.
Co-founder and Chairman
Freedom Speakers International (FSI)