She fled Congo, became a doctor in Ukraine and is now waiting for asylum in Eindhoven

In the Brainport region, we desperately need every talent. Especially in sectors like technology, security, and healthcare. Summa is actively committed to giving everyone a fair chance to discover and develop their talents, so people can contribute to society, regardless of background or background.

The story of Gracia Katombe Nkulu shows what is possible when someone is given the space to take steps. Gracia fled Congo to become a doctor, completed her studies in Ukraine, and continued her education through a trajectory of Summa steps in elderly care. At the same time, she is now facing obstacles regarding the recognition of her diploma and her residency status.

Read her story below, recorded by Studio040 -.

29-year-old Gracia Katombe Nkulu fled her native Congo to study medicine in Ukraine. Just before completing her studies, war broke out there, and she fled to the Netherlands. In Eindhoven, despite numerous problems with her work permit, she is trying to fulfill her dream of working in healthcare.

Her father died when she was 16. Not from a rare disease, but from a minor infection. "In Congo, you can die from that because the healthcare is so poor," Gracia says. The poor conditions in which she grew up formed the very foundation for her dream: to contribute to better healthcare. "When there's more structure, everything goes better. I saw that there."

Congo is a country where violence and instability are commonplace. "It's a dangerous country; terrible things happen there." Gracia's mother doesn't want her daughter to grow up there and does everything she can to give her a better future. Through connections, she meets someone with the connections to help Gracia leave. In 2015, when Gracia is 19, she emigrates to Ukraine to study medicine.

Read more at Studio040 -.