About Us
The Story Behind Our Foundation
The idea of the Orphans of Our Lady of Sorrows Foundation was started by Regina Nsanzimana and Didier Nsanzimana. During the summer of 2015, their father made a trip to Nairobi, Kenya. While he was there he took a photo which happened to have some poor children sleeping on the ground in the background. When the two siblings saw the picture, they were greatly distressed and saddened at the sight. From that moment they could think about nothing else but helping the poor orphaned children of Africa. They spent months researching and finding information about orphans. It wasn’t until the winter of 2021 that Regine went to Burundi and saw the significant need of the children firsthand. With great fervor, she used her personal savings to purchase land in Kabezi (a province in Burundi). From that moment on, she worked to reestablish the foundation and has since been working ceaselessly in order to build a home and care for the countless orphan children that she met while in Burundi.
Our Founder, Regina
Regina is a Burundian refugee, born in a refugee camp in Tanzania, whose life and mission are deeply shaped by her Catholic faith. After immigrating to the United States in 2007, she felt a persistent call to return, not just to help, but to love and serve the children she once stood among.
Through years of hands-on work in Burundi, Regina has walked closely with orphaned and vulnerable children, witnessing both their suffering and their resilience. Her faith compels her to go beyond temporary aid, committing instead to presence, dignity, and long-term care,believing that every child deserves not only to survive, but to be deeply known and loved.
Our Vision
Our vision at Orphans Of Our Lady of Sorrows Foundation is to build and maintain an orphanage in Burundi and provide orphans with education, safe shelter, food, and emotional/physical support. As a foundation, we have very high hopes for our future. Although it is a lofty goal we hope to accomplish the impossible — that no orphan in Burundi will be left destitute.
"Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:40