Marguerite (Maggy) Barankitse is a Burundian humanitarian activist who works to improve the welfare of children and challenge ethnic discrimination in Burundi and beyond. She established Maison Shalom 30 years ago to provide shelter and access to healthcare, education and culture to children in need. During the 26 years that it operated in Burundi, Maison Shalom grew into a large network of schools, hospitals, and healthcare services across the country. Its purpose was to improve the lives of Burundi's children, through integrated and sustainable development with the ultimate aim of fostering lasting peace in the country. In 2015 when political unrest flared up, Maggy was forced to flee her country: she shifted her focus to helping Burundian refugees in Rwanda.