1-on-1 volunteer support

Join our team as a volunteer English teacher or professional mentor — and make a difference.

Are you passionate about teaching/mentoring and eager to make a positive impact? We invite you to join our team of dedicated volunteers providing online and in-person English language and subject-specific support!

Apply to volunteer Join an info session

A CNK volunteer supporting a student

Connect: North Korea supports escapees in the UK and globally

We do this through two programmes. English is vital for all of these students, helping them to secure jobs and communicate effectively. Please note that volunteers in these roles will be supporting adult learners, rather than children.

UK-based

Enabling Freedom Programme

Our aim is to support North Koreans to adapt to and thrive in their new lives in the UK, primarily based in New Malden, London. Clients have diverse goals, from improving their English skills to learning new trades, qualifications, or skills in certified courses — everything from beauty therapy to accountancy!

This programme has ongoing application cycles. There is a strong preference for UK-based volunteers and Korean speakers.

International

Enabling Freedom Network Social Leadership Programme (EFN)

Our aim is to create a network of educated and confident North Korean diaspora community representatives who can contribute and participate in decision-making. This programme primarily recruits in the autumn annually.

Prior teaching experience and/or qualifications are required. Read our dedicated EFN FAQ →

Why volunteer with us?

Flexible scheduling

Commit to just 1 hour per week for 12 weeks. You can either host lessons online or in-person (subject to a background check, such as a DBS check if in the UK).

Make a global impact

Support North Korean refugees to improve their English or subject skills, helping them in the job market, at school or university and to represent their communities.

Personalised teaching experience

Provide 1:1 support tailored to individual needs and build a relationship with your student.

Professional development

Gain valuable and unique teaching/mentoring experience and enhance your resume.

Community building

Meet other volunteers and connect with CNK staff at volunteer-specific events throughout the year.

Please note: all volunteer roles support adult learners, not children.

What we’re looking for

✓Native or near-native English proficiency
✓Strong communication skills, especially with non-native English speakers and clients still developing their foundational IT skills
✓Reliability and consistency, and an ability to commit to an initial (usually 3-month) term
✓Ability to handle client information confidentially
✓Adherence to CNK’s policies, including Safeguarding
✓Flexibility, enthusiasm and a positive attitude
+Previous experience working with refugee/immigrant and/or low-income communities preferred
+Previous teaching/mentoring experience or qualifications are preferred
+Korean language proficiency may be helpful but not essential for all roles

For more information, please refer to our detailed Volunteer Guidance →

Your role

Conduct 1:1 online sessions

Guide and support learners in improving their English or subject-specific skills.

Track progress

Monitor and document the learner’s progress through a CNK provided tool.

Provide feedback

Offer constructive feedback to help learners improve and provoke critical thought.

Not sure yet? Join a monthly info session

A relaxed online intro to CNK, North Korea’s context, North Koreans in the UK, volunteering opportunities, and a live Q&A.

See dates & register

How to apply

Ready to join us and make a difference? While some programmes have specific dates, we accept applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any point. Fill out our application form and we will get in touch. One of our staff members will meet with you to explain our programmes, ask about your background and application and support with any questions.

For more information, contact us at [email protected]. Thank you for considering this incredible opportunity to volunteer your time and skills. We look forward to meeting you!

Apply now