After a manic Miss DRCongo UK 2010 competition and DRC Independence Day celebration night in June, Mike Batanga snapped up an opportunity to interview the winner, Ms Amelia Lola…
Name: Amelia Lola
Age: 20
Area: Leytonstone
Height: 5ft11
How does it feel to be the Miss DRC UK 2010 winner?
I feel good; I can't even explain my feelings but I’m just so proud…
What responsibilities would you be willing to take on now that you’ve won the competition?
I would like to take responsibility of defending women in our society, because many women can forget what they live for. Consequently I have joined up with CPD charity which creates remedies for parenting classes and women’s integration. I want to be an example for everyone to relate to and give advice for changes towards a better future.
Describe the role of women in modern society…
There are many ways to describe women’s role in the modern society, but I will simply say a woman is a light that shines for everyone to see clearly their paths.
How would you change the image of women from the Congolese community?
Congolese woman have been renowned for the wrong reasons, sometimes for their dancing skills for example. But we have many other qualities and abilities; and I hope my position and actions as Miss DRCongo UK 2010 will represent the rest of the community positively.
What do you think are the main issues with the youth in the UK?
In my opinion, most issues originate from the lost of interest in education which leads to the antisocial behaviour and youth crime.
"... the whole country - for the displacement sufferers and those affected by the killings, robberies, rapes and any other sort of crimes - needs to find remedies to these issues that last for more than years, but decades to come."
Who is your role model, and why?
My role model is my grandmother because she is a caring and ambitious person; she has also been the fulcrum of my entire family with very traditional yet creative methods to handle issues between her children, her grandchildren, and now her grand GRAND children. Tolerance has been her policy for years in a way that she is my dependable source of comfort - or in other terms - my cushion to rely on for any issues. She would sacrifice everything to support me. I love her more than she knows, she has my total respect, and it will be a great accomplishment if I could be half the person that she represents.
What does family mean to you?
In my opinion, the word family means the whole world because the world is made of many networks of people, groups and families.
What makes you proud to be a Congolese woman?
I am proud to be a Congolese woman because we are a great country, even though we have our own problems; one of which currently prevents the development of every country – the dilemma of the financial crisis. Despite that, we have many positive aspects to look at, such as our lush forest called “Equatorial” where you can find some remarkable sea life, amazing healthy food, and a wealthy history. We have a rich culture that differentiates us to other countries with so many tribe languages. And we have kind, thoughtful and passionate religious people, artists, and wonderful football teams like Leopard and Mazembe.
What message do you send to the victims of the civil war in Africa and those affected in the DRCongo?
My message to the victims of war in eastern Congo is that the whole country - for the displacement sufferers and those affected by the killings, robberies, rapes and any other sort of crimes - needs to find remedies to these issues that last for more than years, but decades to come. I love all of them and send a message of peace and a prayer to protect them from any harm, especially the women and children.
Words and photo: Mike Batanga