2017-07-02 TNKR Matching: “When can I start?”

TNKR called an Emergency Matching session because we were getting so many requests from refugees. We decided to try to squeeze in another session before our regularly scheduled July 15 Orientation/July 22 Matching session. On such short notice, would we be able to recruit enough tutors?

Yes! Over the weekend, we had 2 orientations with refugees, 1 with tutors, an Open House with volunteers, and a fantastic Language Matching session yesterday.

Below are some of my notes.

Participants at TNKR’s 60th Language Matching session:
6 refugees, 10 tutors.

When did refugees arrive in South Korea?
2008 (1)
2009 (1)
2013 (2)
2015 (2)

Feedback from refugees (some spoke in English, others had their comments translated from Korean by TNKR National Director Eunkoo Lee)

I have studied at other institutions, but they had fixed programs. What I like about TNKR is that the students are at the center. I have the power to choose my tutors. I can ask many questions of tutors without feeling embarrassed that I’m slowing down a class.
I really appreciate TNKR, I am always thankful to it and the tutors. The program is tailored to the needs of students. I have gained a lot of confidence when it comes to speaking English. I studied at a hakwon (language institute), but I was often lost in the classes. But here, the tutors have figured out how to focus on my needs, so I have been able to improve. I have returned to TNKR because my tutors have all returned to their native countries.
I am so nervous, I could not imagine that so many tutors would show up to help North Korean refugees. Yesterday I was really worried about speaking in English with native speakers. I had never talked directly to a foreigner in English until I met Casey. Because of the dedication of TNKR and the tutors, I will do my best.
I really lacked confidence, even when I first applied for TNKR I wasn’t sure that I would be able to study in English with native English speakers. But after the orientation and seeing the tutors today at the Matching session, I believe that I can do it. I can feel that the tutors will be supportive and really want to help us.
I have traveled to the United States, but I struggled so much, my grammar is so bad. TNKR gives me the chance to improve my English by studying directly with English speakers who want to help.
I went to many hakwons (language institutes), but they run group classes, I struggled so much and didn’t learn anything. I have felt discriminated against in other education settings in South Korea when they learned that I was from North Korea, but TNKR has made me feel welcome. I am really looking forward to meeting the tutors. When can I start?

Selections:
Three refugees chose 4 tutors each, three refugees chose 3 tutors each. Average 3.5 tutors per refugee.

Chosen:
2 tutors were selected by 3 refugees, 8 tutors were selected by 2 refugees, 1 tutor was chosen once. Average 2.1 refugees per tutor.

How did the refugees find TNKR?
Referred by a friend 3
Facebook 1
YouTube 1
Yeonmi Park’s One Young World speech, then found Casey Lartigue on Facebook 1

How did the tutors find TNKR
Facebook 2
Google 2
Recommended by other TNKR tutors 2
Casey Lartigue (YouTube & TNKR event) 2
TNKR speech contest 1
Housewarming party 1

Tutor motivation for joining.
Volunteering 4
Want to volunteer to help refugees 3
Help NKs with adjustment 1
Help local community 1
Teach adults 1
Enjoy working with people 1
Enjoy TNKR’s sense of community 1
I love helping others learn English 1
Love TNKR’s refugee centered approach 1

Professional goals as stated by refugees
Career advancement 4
Applying for university 3
Talk with foreigners abroad without translator 2

"Yoegi Anjuseyo!"

* I have a short reflection in today's Korea Times about an encounter with an unfriendly looking Korean man on the subway. It was a reminder not to be too quick in judging people in Korea. 09-13-2011 16:47 'Yeogi Anjeuseyo!' By Casey Lartigue Jr. The recent incident in which an American English teacher bullied an elderly Korean man and other passengers on the bus reminded me of a more pleasing incident from years ago. I was on the subway, taking the train outside of Seoul for a work assignment. I have the habit of standing on the subway to strategically position myself near the doors in case my stop magically appears. On that particular day, there was a Korean man STARING at me. Not just looking at me, but intensely staring at me. He had an incredible frown on his face. Not just for one stop, but for several stops the guy just kept staring at me. If I had known more Korean then I would have been able to curse him ...

Michael Breen discussion at 10 Magazine

Yesterday I attended a discussion with writer Michael Breen, hosted by Barry Welsh. Very often, when I attend a speech or discussion about a topic I know a lot about, I often think about ways the speaker/facilitator/discussant could have done better. But I didn't feel that way about Breen, it was one of those times that I really felt like I had a lot to learn and should listen more than talk. He's been in Korea for three decades, working as a reporter, commentator, communications specialist. He reminds me of Andrei Lankov in that his analysis seems to be based on observation of how things work rather than trying to get the world to fit his biases. I don't know him, so his friends may say he is a raging ideologue, but that's not the impression I had yesterday and based on his writings. Michael Breen (L) and Casey Lartigue I first read his book The Koreans about a decade ago. It was a delightful read, that was both warm to Koreans but also critical at times. Yes...

Humanitarian with a guillotine (Korea Times, February 1, 2013) by Casey Lartigue, Jr.

Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan said the nine most terrifying words in the English language are, `` I’m from the government, and I’m here to help .” For many well-intentioned activists, politicians, and intellectuals, that should be updated as: ``We are here to help you. You’re under arrest.” For example, ``sex workers” around the world oppose anti-prostitution laws. Prostitutes may not know the theoretical arguments but they do know in reality that prohibiting prostitution means they lack protection in dealing with abusive pimps and madams, violent patrons and crooked cops. Locally, a Korean woman busted for prostitution recently appealed to the courts pleading , ``I cannot survive without this job. I don’t want to be treated as a criminal for making a living the only way I can.” How should someone who genuinely wants to help her respond? If you say ``arrest her” then you are qualified to be a “harmful humanitarian.” In your desire to help, you have elimin...

Rich talking back

The rich are talked about very often in negative terms, but how often do the rich respond in kind? Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart, who inherited most of her money but apparently has also done very well with it, recently railed against class warfare and had some advice for the non-rich : "There is no monopoly on becoming a millionaire," she writes. "If you're jealous of those with more money, don't just sit there and complain. Do something to make more money yourself - spend less time drinking, or smoking and socializing and more time working." She complained about politicians raising taxes, regulations that slow investment, and other anti-business policies that harm the poor. "If you want to help the poor and our next generation, make investment, reinvenstment and businesses welcome."

Inspiration from a lousy visitor (The Korea Times, December 31, 2013) by Casey Lartigue, Jr.

2013-12-15 It was a great occasion yesterday. A group of us held a Christmas party in the cancer ward of severance hospital. So many people to mention. The man who inspired it all: Nick Adams. It was his trip to Korea last month that inspired me to organize the party. He had cancer when he was a child, and he insisted that as part of his itinerary that we stop by the hospital. I was so moved that I contacted the best party planner I have ever known. The man behind the motion: Edward M. Robinson! As I've said several times: If you are looking for someone to hold an incredible party for kids, then contact Eddie! I look forward to big things from HOPE now that he has taken an even more active role with the organization (and was smart enough to name me an International Adviser, for example). The staff members at Mulmangcho are still talking about the incredible Halloween party he hosted, and they are looking forward to the Christmas party he has planned this weekend! The lady behind t...

The Casey Lartigue Show!

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