Lutala Kabe

A well respected business woman, in her native country, The Democratic Republic of Congo  Lutale Kabe was forced to flee when the country descend into violence.

While in her native land, Lutala spent time travelling to areas were people were in need, channeling all the profits from her business into helping vulnerable groups. Added to this she was a published author of several books including Des Tenebres a la veritable lumiere .

However, as the conflict worsened Lutala witnessed the brutal murder of her friends, and family before having both of her legs broken in a violent attack. With the help of the Red Cross Lutala escaped to the Ivory Coast , but after her political enemies followed the attacks resumed. After numerous incidents of torture, Lutala finally had no choice and fled to the UK where she arrived desperately sick, severely depressed and suicidal having lost all those she loved, including her children.

Lutala began to rebuild her life in London, before moving to Newport where she enrolled on a Skills for Life course at Entry 1 Level. Learning English has been vital to Lutala, and with her newly acquired writing skills she has began work on a new book, written in English called Kapi the Dog.

Lutala's nominator, Claire Lovell of Coleg Gwent, Newport, says that 'Despite despite her disability, abundant medical tests, heavy medication and her reliance upon walking sticks to mobilize herself she continues to arrive at the college with smiles and enthusiasm. Her experiences are unimaginable to most of us, but her will to carry on, and build on her experiences are truly inspiring.'