Ms. Park – Future Chartered Accountant with a Story of Courage

When I fled North Korea two decades ago, it was because my brother did something so illegal it was nearly unthinkable in my country: he became affiliated with underground Christians. Doing something the government considered an ‘ideological crime’ put not only him but our entire families in grave danger, as North Korea has a policy of three generations of punishment. Our lives changed practically overnight once my husband and I decided to take our futures into our own hands and escape with our two young children. 

It was incredibly dangerous to leave North Korea because it’s illegal to leave without permission. However, even after getting across the border into China, we weren’t safe. We were viewed as ‘illegal migrants’ by the Chinese authorities and had to move secretly. Painfully, my husband was discovered, captured, and taken away, and we’ve never seen or heard from him since. It was up to me to survive and take our children to safety.

Now in the UK with my children, I love our simple, quiet life together. I love my children dearly and, despite – or perhaps, because of – everything we’ve been through, I endeavor to provide for them as best as I can. I have been granted Limited Leave to Remain on humanitarian grounds and dream of becoming a chartered accountant. I am enrolled in an accredited Level 2 AAT Accountancy course but cannot afford the fees or associated travel and study costs. Without your support, my place on the course, as well as my and my family’s future, hangs in the balance.

I have already secured my GCSEs, which I completed this year, and volunteer at CNK, providing math tutorage to North Korean children. Your investment in me is not simply an investment in my own future, but in the futures of countless other North Korean escapee families who will see me as an example of what can be done with determination and support.

I only need £1,000 to help with course fees and living costs this year – this covers my books, transport and exam fees. I am asking you for any contribution towards these fees, helping me reach my full potential, pursue my dreams, and be a role model for my children.

– Ms. Park

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