New life - Learning English (Hyekyoung)

My name is Hyekyoung Lee.
I am from North Korea and joined Freedom Speakers International (FSI) as a keynote speaker.

When I was 12 years old, I suddenly lost my parents and became an orphan. After going through many difficult days, I came to South Korea in 2006 with my older brother.

In 2024, I participated in the FSI English Speech Contest, and thanks to FSI, I have since had the valuable experience of speaking in front of international audiences.

I am truly grateful to FSI for creating these opportunities, and I will continue to do my best to share my story in English.
In order for organizations like FSI to continue their important work, your support is essential.
Please join us.

Thank you.

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)