Dr. Alexia Nibona, Medical and Executive Director
Tenure at FWA: 3 years as MED, 3 years as a volunteer
A doctor in general practice since 2007, Dr. Alexia Nibona researched the“Psychoses resulting from the 1993 ‘Crisis’” while studying at the University of Bujumbura. While in medical school, she also completed rotating clerkships at Roi Khaled Hospital, SOS Nyakabika, and Prince Regence Charles Hospital. Since 2007, Dr. Nibona has worked as the Medical and Executive Director at FWA. In addition to her work at FWA, she also serves as a part-time physician at Roi Khaled Hospital and Vice-President of the Board at the Burundi HIV/AIDS Alliance.
If Alexia could travel somewhere, anywhere in the world, where would she like to go?
Alexia says: If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would go to great cities: Paris, London, Washington D.C., Peking, etc…
You can contact Alexia at nibalex(at)yahoo.fr
Marcelline Girukwishaka, Accountant
Tenure at FWA: 8 years
Marcelline was born in the province of Gitega, in Giteha commune. She is the fifth child of her family and is now married to a local Quaker pastor and has five children. Before joining FWA, Marcelline spent 18 years working in public education. During the war, she abandoned this work and turned her attention to counseling, mediation, and peaceful resolution of conflict. It was during this time that she helped found the Friends Women’s Association. Since 2003, Marcelline has served as FWA’s accountant. In addition to her work at FWA, she is completing a second degree at the University of Administrative and Economic Sciences.
If Marcelline had another job what would it be?
Marcelline says: If the possibility arose, I would help women undertake and manage income-generating activities to promote women’s self-reliance and independence. I believe women are vulnerable because they are dependent on their husbands. If I could do anything, I would want to empower women.
Sapphire Williams, Program Manager
Tenure at FWA: 4 months
Saffy comes to FWA through a partnership with Quaker Peace and Social Witness. Before coming to Burundi, Saffy lived and worked in Paris, France as an English teacher in a number of different language schools and universities. Prior to her work in Paris, she was based in London where she founded a youth dance company. She studied at the Royal Academy of Dance and Laban.
What does Saffy like to do before work?
Saffy says: I like to run through the many hills of Bujumbura — dodging traffic along the way.
You can contact Saffy at saffy(at)fwaburundi.com
Medical Team
Marie Claire Kamugisha, Head Nurse and Technical Coordinator
Tenure at FWA: 7 years
Claire is married with three children, two boys and a girl. Before coming to FWA, she worked as a community health worker with the Congolese Red Cross for two years on maternal and infant health and family planning in Bukavu. She finished her nursing degree in 1999 in Gikongoro in Rwanda, her homeland. Claire has also worked with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), and participated in Alternatives to Violence Project trainings. Shecame to Burundi to do additional studies Social and Community Development.
What does Claire like to do after work?
Claire says: After work I go to night school and then afterwards I take care of my children, clean the house, and sleep well!
Why does she do studies in addition to her hard work here at FWA?
I love the people who do not have the means to help themselves. I like to do everything I can so they can find wellbeing. I asked myself: what can I do in addition to clinical work? Social Services. This is why I am a nurse and I help in the social services branch of FWA. This is why I’m doing studies in social services and community development. Because I love my people and I want them to be well and developed.
Gisèle Misago, A3 Nurse
Tenure at FWA: 2 years
Gisele is 37 years old. She went to high school at Kanyinya-Kirunso and studied to be a paramedic in Bujumbura. Today, she works at FWA and loves her job.
If Gisele had a supernatural power, what would it be?
Gisele says: Nobody would be sick and I would do my best so that there would be eternal peace here on earth.
Jackson Dusabimana, Laboratory Technician
Tenure at FWA: 2 years
Jackson is from the Cibitoke province. He comes from a family of ten children and currently lives in Bujumbura with one of his younger brothers. He attended Le Lycee Technique de Saint Luc where he received a degree to become a Laboratory Technician. He has been at FWA and loves his job because he feels that he is providing his community with an important service.
If Jackson had another job what would it be?
Jackson says: Jackson says that being a laboratory technician is his dream job.
Social Assistance and Development Team
Nadine Ndayizeye, Psychologist
Tenure at FWA: 1 year 
A mother of two children and married to one man, Nadine holds a university degree in clinical and social psychology. She received her degree in 2010 after defending her thesis entitled “Psychosocial Results of Nursing Mothers with HIV.”She did an internship of two years and two months of volunteering in care centers for people living with HIV/AIDS before coming to work for FWA. Today she serves as FWA’s full time psychologist.
If you had a supernatural power what would it be?
Nadine says: I would destroy the HIV virus.
Grâce Horanimana, Social Worker
Tenure at FWA: 1 year
Grace holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Community Development and serves as FWA’s full-time social worker. Specifically, she manages the micro finance program and conducts home visits for FWA’s beneficiaries.
What does Grace like to do do after work?
Grace says: I cook and I sing at my church choir.
General Team
Gudura Ndayikengurikiyi, Staff Cook and Custodian
Tenure at FWA: 7 years
Gudura is a mother of 9 children and has worked for 7 years as the staff cook and custodian here at FWA. Her cooking is the best part of staff’s day!
If Gudura had a supernatural power what would it be?Gudura says: I would love everybody.
Samuel Niyonzima, Head of Maintenance
Tenure at FWA: 7 years
Samual (or “Niyo”) was born in 1972, on Musama hill, Giteha commune and Gitega province. He lost his father as a child and grew up in a family of two boys and three girls. He did primary school at Kibimba before beginning workshops and courses in masonry and bridge construction. From 2003 to 2008, he’s worked as a bridge construction worker in addition to his work at FWA. Today, Niyo also works as a taxi driver and takes care of the FWA clinic, its site maintenance, and security.
If you could travel anywhere you wish in the world and in the universe, where would you like to go?
Niyo says: I would love to visit the United-States.