Marguerite Barankitse received Baker Prize

Marguerite Barankitse received Baker Prize

The inaugural Laureate of the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity and the founder of Maison Shalom and REMA Hospital Marguerite Barankitse received the prize on April 13, 2017, presented by the Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. 

Baker Institute honored the mission and work of Ms. Barankitse for her commitment to the prevention of violence and genocide and to the stabilization of Burundi, now and in the future.  

“Tonight's honoree truly awes me. She reminds me that true leadership is found in simple acts of decency,” said James A. Baker III, Honorary Chair, Baker Institute.

“The kindness and love Maggy exudes and confidence she radiates will inspire us all to stand up to injustice,” said the honorable Edward Djerejian, Director of Baker Institute. 

“We try to put a candle in darkness. We cannot help 82 thousand Burundian refugees in Rwanda, but we do what we can to create hope,” said Marguerite Barankitse. “I choose love. I choose hope. I choose compassion,” she added.

The James A. Baker III Prize for Excellence in Leadership recognizes nationally and internationally renowned individuals for outstanding achievements in government, business, science, education or philanthropy. Recipients embody the institute’s mission to nurture the ties between academia, government and the private sector.

Marguerite Barankitse received the Aurora Prize for the exceptional impact of her actions on preserving lives during the years of civil war in Burundi. To date, she has saved 30 thousand children and offered them shelter and care.