The people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea often lack access to things we take for granted in the western world. Everyday commodities like internet, food, clothing and shelter are scarce. Freshman Sophie Dunn started the US-DPRK Friendship Club to help change that.

“I wanted to start this club because I want to help people,” Dunn said. “People in the DPRK often struggle to survive, especially those in the military, and I want to do my best to change that.”

The club’s objective is to work with US-based humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross to help the people of the DPRK. For Dunn, the other important element of the club is cultural exchange.

“One of my goals is to start a pen pal program with students in the DPRK and students at McNeil,” Dunn said. “Establishing a line of communication between people of different cultures is valuable for everyone involved.”