Catherine and I have fundraised for Connect: North Korea, but Catherine has sprained her foot so I will now be racing for the two of us and for Connect: North Korea!

North Koreans escapees all face unique and significant economic, political, cultural and societal differences which are barriers to them building new lives in each of these new countries. There are many barriers to overcome for North Koreans to integrate and improve their circumstances. The cultification of the Kim regime is so central to North Korea life that educational qualifications are geared towards serving the leadership rather than empowering North Korean people.  These unusable qualifications ensure North Korean escapees struggle to find good jobs after finding freedom. Language and complex mental health issues further compound difficulties.

The money raised will contribute directly towards Connect: North Korea's Enabling Freedom programme, which provides free English language lessons, computer classes, vocational scholarship and careers support.

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