FREEDOM SPEAKERS INTERNATIONAL INC
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Mission Statement
Freedom Speakers International empowers North Korean refugees to engage in public speaking.
About This Cause
Freedom Speakers International (FSI), founded in Seoul in March 2013, is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering North Korean refugees. FSI focuses on helping refugees develop their English language, public speaking, and career development skills. Over the years, approximately 500 North Korean refugees have participated in FSI programs, supported by around 1,200 volunteers from across the globe. Empowerment Through English FSI’s programs are conducted in English, offering North Korean refugees the opportunity to improve their language skills and gain confidence speaking on the international stage. Occasionally, Q&A sessions are held in Korean if the participants prefer, but the primary focus remains on English education and public speaking. Through these efforts, refugees are able to share their personal stories, advocate for human rights in North Korea, and engage with global audiences. The impact of English learning goes beyond advocacy, as refugees have shared that these skills enhance their ability to study and work in English-speaking environments and boost their confidence. Events and Achievements In 2024, FSI will host more than 90 events in South Korea alone. One of the organization's key initiatives is the English Speech Contest, which has been held 20 times, including the 19th contest at Harvard University in April 2024. These contests provide a platform for refugees to share their stories while refining their public speaking abilities in a competitive yet supportive environment. Publications FSI has also helped North Korean refugees share their experiences through written works. The organization has published several notable books: Greenlight to Freedom: A North Korean Daughter's Search for Her Mother and Herself by Songmi Han with Casey Lartigue Jr. https://www.amazon.com/Greenlight-Freedom-Korean-Daughters-Herself-ebook/dp/B09SPVHGQF My Father’s North Korea Story: Walk to Freedom by Won-chae Han and Bong-hee Han https://www.amazon.com/My-Fathers-North-Korea-Story-ebook/dp/B09SFS8ZM8/ Girl with Black Makeup: Escapee from North Korea https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Black-Makeup-Escapee-North-ebook/dp/B0CZKVJB59/ The Strongest Soldier of North Korea by Yeongnam Ken Eom (forthcoming) Escape from North Korea, New Beginnings in South Korea: 20 North Korean Refugees Reflect on the Hanawon Resettlement Center edited by Casey Lartigue Jr. and Eunkoo Lee https://www.amazon.com/Escape-North-Korea-Beginnings-South-ebook/dp/B0D8TDNVN5/ International Engagement FSI continues to extend its reach beyond South Korea. In both 2023 and 2024, FSI keynote speakers were featured in Geneva, delivering talks on North Korean human rights. These engagements have allowed North Korean refugees to raise global awareness of the challenges they face and the broader human rights issues in North Korea. Upcoming Events in 2024 As we move further into 2024, FSI has several exciting events planned: Greenlight to Freedom Audiobook Launch Date: September 27, 2024 The audiobook of Greenlight to Freedom will be available for purchase on Amazon, providing listeners a new way to experience Songmi Han’s powerful story. Journey for Liberty Talk Concert Date: September 28, 2024 Time: 3:00-5:00 PM EST Location: Palmer Street, Cambridge, MA, USA Moderated by Casey Lartigue Jr., this talk concert will feature North Korean refugee speakers, including Yeongnam Eom (author of The Strongest Soldier of North Korea) and Songmi Han (co-author of Greenlight to Freedom), as well as other distinguished speakers. Visit to Canada Date: October 2024 Location: Various cities in Canada FSI will engage with Canadian audiences, sharing refugee stories and promoting human rights awareness. Matching Donation Challenge Month of September 2024 Donations made to FSI in September will be matched up to $4,000 USD, allowing supporters to double the impact of their contributions.