Hi, I’m Casey Lartigue Jr., co-founder of Freedom Speakers International (FSI). We empower North Korean refugees to find their voices through English, public speaking, and education. Since 2013, more than 1,200 volunteers have joined us to support over 600 North Korean refugees. This campaign will expand our English Empowerment Project—and we’re setting our goal at $25,000.
Why English?
Escaping from North Korea is just the beginning. The next challenge is learning to survive in a new society—and that requires English. In South Korea, English isn’t just a subject; it’s a gateway. University applications, job interviews, classroom discussions, work conversations, street signs—English is everywhere.
North Korean refugees are often years behind educationally, and English becomes a major reason they struggle. One survey found that 28.6% of college dropouts among North Korean refugees cited English as a key reason. Others delay school, avoid opportunities, or take menial jobs, not because of lack of ambition—but because English shuts the door.
Our Approach
The English Empowerment Project is a self-directed, one-on-one English tutoring system designed to build confidence and accelerate learning. Students choose their own tutors and study plans.
Five Reasons North Korean Refugees Learn English
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To access higher education – University coursework in South Korea often requires reading English-language textbooks and taking English-based exams. Without English, many refugees struggle, drop out, or give up.
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To advance in their careers – English is essential in many workplaces, and some refugees are passed over for promotions because of their limited English.
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To achieve independence and self-reliance – Refugees want to travel, engage in society, and help their children with homework. English enables freedom.
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To tell their stories globally – Whether giving speeches or writing books, many North Korean refugees learn English to share their experiences with the world.
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To overcome trauma and gain confidence – For some, English becomes a way to heal, rebuild, and move forward in a society that challenges them to grow.
Among our success stories
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Songmi Han escaped from North Korea and arrived in South Korea in 2011. She began studying English with FSI in 2019 and working through the trauma of her past. She later co-authored Greenlight to Freedom with Casey Lartigue Jr. and now speaks internationally. English was key to her transformation—and finding her voice.
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Sharon Jang, born into the hostile class, worked in a coal mine. She escaped from North Korea in 2011 and arrived in South Korea in 2012. After joining FSI, she learned English and co-authored Girl with Black Makeup, using her story to raise awareness.
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Yeongnam Eom, escaped from North Korea in 2010 and arrived in South Korea later that year. He is a rare graduate of universities in both North and South Korea. He joined us in 2015. He published Strongest Soldier of North Korea and now speaks about freedom, choice, and his transformation.
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Kim Su-jin escaped from North Korea in 2003 and arrived in South Korea in 2007. She joined FSI in 2024. She overcame fear and intimidation about English, delivered her story in public speeches, and is now building her confidence as a speaker and leader.
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Nara Kang escaped from North Korea in 2015 and arrived in South Korea the same year. She began studying English with FSI in 2018, but dropped out to focus on adjusting to life in South Korea. She returned in 2024 as a public speaker.
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Myeonghee Kim escaped to South Korea in 2008 and joined FSI in 2017. She began public speaking in 2021 and uses English to educate and inspire others about life in North Korea. She was the grand prize winner of FSI's 19th English Speech Contest at Harvard University.
Many others have similar stories: children unable to help their kids with English homework, students terrified of presentations, adults rejected from job opportunities due to their accent or limited English.
What Your Donation Will Do
Your support will:
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Fund English tutoring sessions (in person and online)
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Cover books, testing fees, and materials
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Train volunteers and provide staff support
- Build leadership and speaking capacity for refugees ready to share their stories
The Goal: $25,000
This will allow us to provide full support for at least 40 North Korean refugees over the next 6 months. This means real classes, real tutoring, real change.
