New Light, New Life:Freedom for NK Defectors

Hi, my name is Nia, and I’m a proud volunteer with FSI (Freedom Speakers International), an organization dedicated to supporting North Korean defectors as they rebuild their lives in freedom.

I’ve been traveling to South Korea since 2017, but everything changed for me in August 2024, when I visited the North Korean border. That experience profoundly shifted my understanding of the Korean Peninsula—not just as a visitor, but as someone called to make a difference. Standing at the edge of such a stark divide between oppression and opportunity lit a fire in me. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to working directly with North Korean defectors, helping them learn English, navigate their new identities, and achieve their goals in South Korean society and beyond.

This journey has led me to mentor defectors for FSI’s “I Am From North Korea” speech contest at Harvard University, a powerful platform where brave individuals share their stories, their resilience, and their dreams for the future. It’s more than a contest—it’s a reclaiming of voice and identity.

That’s why I’ve launched this fundraiser, titled:
“New Light, New Life — Freedom for North Korean Defectors.”

This campaign supports programs that provide defectors with language education, emotional support, career tools, and mentorship as they transition into their new lives of freedom. Every dollar raised will go toward creating opportunities for defectors to not just survive—but thrive—as they step into the light of new beginnings.

Your support helps make freedom more than just a destination—it makes it a foundation for a new life.

Thank you for believing in second chances, in dignity, and in the power of voice.
Let’s walk with them toward freedom, together.

— Nia
Volunteer Mentor, FSI for North Korean Defectors

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)