Tortured Liberian refugee finds home and work in UK » Housing » 24dash.com

A Liberian immigration officer, who fled his native country in 2001 after being tortured for his political beliefs has found a permanent home in the UK

Kafumba Fofana, 29, suffered periods of imprisonment, beatings and torture before escaping to seek refuge in the UK. 

He was granted leave to live temporarily in the UK for a four year period only, due to continuing political unrest and war back in Liberia. making it too dangerous for him to be repatriated. 

However, his plight simply worsened, and with no access to social or housing support, Kafumba was forced for many months to walk the streets of London, relying on occasional hand outs and hostel accommodation.

Severe beatings during his incarceration in Liberia had also resulted in serious mental and physical illness, and in October 2001, close to death, he was admitted to Croydon General Hospital. 

Thanks to a chance meeting with a church-based refuge charity in London, he found a solicitor willing to fight his case for indefinite leave to remain, and also secured living accommodation in Peckham, south London. 

Kafumba successfully passed his Maths and English GCSE’s at a local college, and gained qualifications in IT and Business Studies. 

It was a hand to mouth existence, but in 2004 the Home Office referred his case to the High Court in London which ruled in his favour. Kafumba was granted indefinite leave to remain and social support.

In 2005, he was awarded a place at London’s Metropolitan University to read Politics and International Relations but was forced to leave just one year in to the course due to health problems.

During this time, Kafumba had been successful in securing a permanent home from ASRA Greater London Housing Association, which identified his pressing need for accommodation. 

Kafumba met the criteria of their ‘rough sleepers initiative', a partnership between the charitable organisations and community groups to help those most in need.

Kafumba now lives in a one bedroom apartment in Islington, north London.

He currently works full time as a customer services assistant with Marks & Spencer in Richmond, Surrey travelling to work each day by train. In September, Kafumba is returning to university to complete his studies.

“ASRA has always strived to meet the needs of many minority and disadvantaged groups and individuals in terms of housing provision and support services,” said ASRA managing director, Asit Acharya. 

“Kafumba now has a place he can call home, and with a much more stable existence now has the chance to build a successful career and lead a fruitful life.” 
 

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