Marguerite Barankitse

Marguerite "Maggie" Barankitse, a courageous humanitarian activist from Burundi, has dedicated her life to promoting peace and providing hope to thousands. After rescuing 25 children from a massacre in 1993, she founded Maison Shalom, a beacon of hope offering healthcare, education, and culture to over 20,000 orphaned children amidst Hutu-Tutsi conflicts. Despite facing exile due to her opposition against President Pierre Nkurunziza's regime, Barankitse's impact continued to grow, with Maison Shalom expanding into a network of schools and hospitals. In 2015, she extended her efforts to support Burundian refugees in Rwanda through the Community Center Oasis of Peace in Kigali, emphasizing dignity and nurturing dreams. Her remarkable contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity in 2016, underscoring her unwavering commitment to transcending ethnic divisions and fostering peace. #MargueriteBarankitse #Peace #Humanitarian #Refugees #MaisonShalom