Lee Ae-ran facts for kids
| Lee Ae-ran | |
 |
|
Quick facts for kids Korean name |
|
|---|---|
| Hangul |
이애란
|
| RR | I Aeran |
| MR | I Aeran |
Lee Ae-ran (Korean: 이애란; born in 1964) is a brave activist from North Korea. An activist is someone who works hard to bring about change or help others. Lee Ae-ran is known for helping people who have left North Korea and moved to South Korea.
When she was young, her family faced very difficult times in North Korea. Because her grandparents had moved to South Korea, Lee Ae-ran and her family were sent to a special camp. She stayed there for eight years. In 1997, she managed to leave North Korea and go to South Korea. This happened after a relative in America wrote a book that mentioned her father's actions against the government.
Contents
Helping Others: Education and Support
Global Leadership Scholarship Program
In 2005, Lee Ae-ran started the Global Leadership Scholarship Program. This program helps students from North Korea by giving them scholarships. A scholarship is like a grant of money to help pay for school. These scholarships allow students to learn English, which can open up many opportunities for them.
Hana Defector Women's Organization
In 2009, Lee Ae-ran also founded the Hana Defector Women's Organization. This is a non-governmental organization, or NGO. NGOs are groups that work to help people and are not part of the government. This organization helps North Korean women living in South Korea. It provides them with training for jobs, support for childcare, help with education, and lessons about human rights.
Breaking Barriers and Promoting Culture
First North Korean Defector to Run for Office
In 2008, Lee Ae-ran made history. She became the first person who had left North Korea to run for a seat in the National Assembly. The National Assembly is like the parliament or congress in South Korea, where laws are made. This was a big step for someone who had come from North Korea.
Earning a Doctorate Degree
In 2009, Lee Ae-ran achieved another important milestone. She became the first woman who had left North Korea to earn a doctorate degree. A doctorate is the highest university degree you can get. She earned hers from Ewha Womans University in the field of food and nutrition.
North Korean Traditional Food Institute
As of 2012, Lee Ae-ran was leading the North Korean Traditional Food Institute. This institute helps people who have left North Korea by giving them training for jobs related to food. It also works to bring North and South Korea closer together. It does this by teaching about the food culture of Pyongyang, which is the capital city of North Korea.
Standing Up for Refugees
In 2012, Lee Ae-ran led a protest that lasted for 18 days. She protested in front of the Chinese embassy. Her protest was against China sending North Korean refugees back to North Korea. She wanted to protect these refugees and ensure they were safe.
International Recognition
In 2010, Lee Ae-ran received a special honor. She was given the International Women of Courage award. This award recognizes women around the world who have shown great courage and leadership in working for social justice and human rights.
See also
In Spanish: Lee Ae-ran para niños
