Humanitarian work

Barankitse began providing food and shelter to 25 children on October 25, 1993, one of the worst days of the Burundi Civil War

Burundi Civil War

The Burundi Civil War was an armed conflict lasting from 1993 to 2005. The civil war was the result of long standing ethnic divisions between the Hutu and the Tutsi tribes in Burundi...

. She saw many people brutally killed before her very own eyes and gathered 25 children who were there as well so she could help them. With the help of European and Burundian friends she organized a help network that managed to provide care for a growing number of children. In May 1994 the Roman Catholic Bishop of Ruyigi

Ruyigi

Ruyigi is a city located in eastern Burundi. It is the capital city of Ruyigi Province....

, Bishop Joseph Nduhirubusa agreed to transform a former school into a children's shelter called 'Maison Shalom'.

Her activities expanded to other cities such as Butezi and Gizuru where she opened other children's shelters.

In 2004 an estimated 20,000 children had benefited from her help, either directly or indirectly.^{[dead link]}

The scope of her action, as well as the fact that she protects all children without consideration of their origin, Tutsi

Tutsi

The Tutsi , or Abatutsi, are an ethnic group in Central Africa. Historically they were often referred to as the Watussi or Watusi. They are the second largest caste in Rwanda and Burundi, the other two being the Hutu and the Twa ....

 or Hutu

Hutu

The Hutu , or Abahutu, are a Central African people, living mainly in Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern DR Congo.-Population statistics:The Hutu are the largest of the three peoples in Burundi and Rwanda; according to the United States Central Intelligence Agency, 84% of Rwandans and 85% of Burundians...

, brought her praise from all corners of the world:

• 1998 : « prix des droits de l'homme » (Human Rights award) of the French government
• 2000 : North-South Prize
  North-South Prize
  The North–South Prize is awarded annually by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe to two public figures who are recognised for their deep commitment, outstanding achievements and hope they have generated in the field of protection of human rights, the defence of pluralist democracy and...
  
   from the Council of Europe
  Council of Europe
  The Council of Europe is an international organisation promoting co-operation between all countries of Europe in the areas of legal standards, human rights, democratic development, the rule of law and cultural co-operation...
  
  
• 2003 : World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child
• 2004 : Voices of Courage Award of the Women's Commission for Women and Refugee Children
• 2004 : Nansen Refugee Award
  Nansen Refugee Award
  The Nansen Refugee Award formerly known as the Nansen Medal is given annually by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to individuals or groups in recognition of outstanding service to the cause of refugees. It is one of the most prestigious awards in the United Nations system...
  
  
• 2008 : Opus Prize
• 2008 : UNESCO Prize

External links

• Official Web-site of Maison Shalom (in French)