Passion or Profession: humanitarian

Period: unavailable

Barankitse has been called the “Angel of Burundi” for her humanitarian work among her nation's orphans. In 1993, during Burundi's civil war, she rescued 25 children from ethnic violence. She established orphanages and children's shelters and has provided care for tens of thousands of orphans and vulnerable children. Barankitse has received many awards for her work, including the Nansen Refugee Award from the United Nations in 2005.