2014-10-24 Speech to Teachers/staff at N. Korean refugee schools

I had a great time giving a speech to teachers, staff and others working at North Korean refugee schools. It was an honor considering that I am an educator and activist, not a talking expert, about North Korean refugee issues. Some people want me to talk about their issues, to talk about solutions for all 24 million North Koreans in North Korea, or all 27,000 North Korean refugees in South Korea, reunification, landmines in the DMZ, six-party talks, etc., etc., etc. But I am targeted, focused.

Still, the teachers and staff seemed to enjoy my talk today. I let them know that there are a number of non-Koreans who are extremely interested in North Korean refugee issues, and that there are a number of activities going on around me. That was part 1 of my speech. Part 2 was about refugees--not just North Koreans--in the USA. Getting ready for this speech broadened my knowledge.

After the speech, we had dinner at the academy. I would have stayed overnight with them but decided to return to Seoul because of tomorrow's "How can I help North Koreans" session.