Civic group for NK defectors to host open house session

By John Redmond

The Teach North Korean Refugees (TNKR) invites guests and volunteers to an open house session at its new office in Mapo-gu, western Seoul, Saturday.

Starting at 2 p.m., TNKR will be holding an orientation session to introduce the group’s major activities and upcoming events.

Items on the agenda include an English speech contest to be held Aug. 20, track 2 orientation for Aug. 21 and matching on Aug. 27. Also to be addressed are the ongoing “How to Help North Koreans” project, planning teams (fundraising, communications, events, curriculum and translation) and Homework Helpers orientation and matching, scheduled for September.

The group requested attendees to arrive at least 10 minutes early for quick registration so the event can start at 2 p.m. The event is scheduled to end at 3:30 but it may continue on longer for those interested.

“This is not an orientation to become an English teacher in TNKR,” states the group. “This is to give an overview of TNKR activities and to help volunteers figure out how they can help.”

TNKR is a nonprofit organization based in Seoul that has connected more than 200 North Korean refugees with 300 volunteers.

The group was established in 2013 under the leadership of Casey Lartigue Jr. and vice director Lee Eun-koo.

The TNKR office is near exit 4 of Gwangheungchang Station on Line 6, two stops from Hapjeong Station.

For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/teachnkrefugees or email CJL@post.harvard.edu to have your registration confirmed. Also visit teachnorthkoreanrefugees.org.