FSI co-founder Casey Lartigue wrote:
* According to South Korea's Ministry of Unification, 72% of North Korean refugees are women.
* At Freedom Speakers International (FSI), 76% of our students have been women.
Building on this foundation, FSI is launching a campaign to support single mothers among North Korean refugees.
Toys versus an Education Fund
Since 2012, I’ve worked with nearly 600 North Korean refugees, assisting them with English tutoring, public speaking, and career development. Over the years, many kind individuals have generously offered gifts like toys, chocolate, or snacks for refugees and their children. While these offers come from a place of kindness, they often miss the long-term needs of these families.
When I was the volunteer International Cooperation Advisor to the Mulmangcho School for North Korean refugee adolescents, many donors offered to contribute books, so many that school leaders eventually asked how they could politely decline additional donations.
During conversations with school leaders, I learned about other unmet needs, such as a computer for a single mom whose device was outdated.
Later, in direct discussions with North Korean refugee mothers, many shared their priority was saving for their children’s education—thinking long-term rather than focusing on immediate, short-term gifts. I wrote about this in a Korea Times column back then, and it remains a recurring theme.
With the rise of social media, North Korean refugees have gained visibility, which has led to an increase in well-meaning individuals offering short-term gifts. However, these mothers often express a desire for support that aligns with their children’s future education and development. As I noted in a recent Korea Times column:
"One mother thankfully accepts all gifts but explained that her son loves the new toys ― for about a day. When I began to probe deeper, she and other North Korean refugee parents would talk about actual needs, such as having money for private academy classes or being able to save enough money for college."
How You Can Help
This campaign encourages donors to contribute at least $10 per month to support a North Korean refugee single mom. Over a year, your donation of $120 can provide meaningful support for education expenses, which are far more impactful than short-term gifts like toys or snacks that are quickly forgotten. Larger organizations and individuals often cover these short-term gifts, but education-related financial support remains a critical unmet need.
You can make a one-time donation on Facebook or become a monthly donor through our crowdfunding page:
Campaign Goal
The immediate goal of this campaign is to provide financial
support to four North Korean refugee single moms close to FSI.
Every $10 monthly donation will go directly toward supporting one
of these moms with education expenses. Larger contributions can
support all four or additional mothers as the campaign grows.
A Testament to FSI’s Growth
Thanks to the generous support of FSI donors, we are now strong
enough to launch this campaign. Your contributions will help us
continue empowering North Korean refugee mothers and their
children, focusing on long-term impact and educational
opportunities.
Join us in making a difference. Every donation counts.
