“Love makes us inventors”
Maggy Barankitse’s story begins with courage in the face of war—and grows into a lifelong mission of healing, education, and radical compassion. Through orphanages, schools, and a global message of peace, she has changed tens of thousands of lives. Our goal is to help her story reach and transform our world.
Our Founder –
A life of serving others
Maggy Barankitse was a teacher, a mother, and a guardian of over 20,000 children orphaned by the civil war in Burundi. In 1993, during an act of unspeakable violence, she saved 25 children, and her life changed forever. She went on to found Maison Shalom, a groundbreaking community for children affected by conflict, offering not just shelter, but dignity, education, and hope. Today, her work spans continents, and her voice has become a call for healing through love and justice.
Love Made
Me an Inventor
By David Toole
This authorized biography tells the powerful story of Maggy Barankitse—a woman who answered genocide with love. Written by David Toole, the book traces her journey from the founding of Maison Shalom to her ongoing work with refugee communities, offering a profound reflection on compassion, courage, and human dignity.
“Saints are made by ordinary people doing brave and humble things in extraordinary circumstances. Maggy Barankitse is one of those saints.”
— Rosie Marie Berger, Senior Editor, Sojourners Magazine
What is Love’s Inventions?
Love’s Inventions is an organization built to share the work, vision and voice of Maggy Barankitse. It honors her legacy of fierce love in action—through educational programs, healing, advocacy, and global storytelling.
