MEMBERS of a New Lambton family, who escaped war in the Democratic Republic of Congo to come to Australia, have left their troubled past behind and are thriving.
Esther Kalenga and children Lydia, 20, David, 14, and Martha, 13, came to Australia just over two years ago.
In that time Ms Kalenga, a trained physiotherapist, has successfully completed a Masters in Public Heath at the University of Newcastle and now works as an interpreter.
Her eldest, Lydia, followed her lead gaining her Higher School Certificate at St Francis Xavier's College and the principal's award.
She has just started her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Newcastle with a focus on linguistics and international relations. She wants to become a diplomat.
David has developed his sporting abilities and was accepted to train in the UK with soccer club Arsenal.
Martha looks set to be just as successful, topping her year 7 class in geography and art last year.
The second Congo war, between 1998 and 2003, is estimated to have killed 5.4 million people.
Ms Kalenga and her children lived in the south of the Congo and fled to Zimbabwe just a day before the war reached their home.
"I'm happy we got to go to school in peace and live in peace and afford life," Ms Kalenga said.
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