Orphaned sisters to reunite with sibling in Australia

By Jessie Halladay
jhalladay@courier-journal.com

Two years ago, Oscar Niyiragira went to the Louisville International Airport to greet a mother and her two daughters as they arrived in their new home in America from Burundi, Africa.

Yesterday, Niyiragira watched as the daughters -- who were orphaned last October when their mother was killed by a hit-and-run driver -- left on the first leg of a journey to Australia, where they will be reunited with an older sister.

"It's a mixed feeling," Niyiragira said as the girls made their way through security while a dozen friends waved goodbye. "It's sad, but at the same time it's OK, because we are sure now that they will live peacefully with someone who cares about them."

On Oct. 11, Maria Ndimuzigo was killed as she crossed Southside Drive near Kingston Drive, not far from the family's apartment. The driver did not stop, and police are still investigating.

Since then, her daughters, Regina Singirankabo, 13, and Anna Mukeshimana, who turns 17 today, have been cared for by people who not too long ago were strangers.

The girls were left to rely on other members of the Burundian community, the help of Kentucky Refugee Ministries and donations from people whom they'd never met.

After the news of the girls' situation, more than 100 people stepped forward to help, collecting about $18,000 for their education, said John Koehlinger with Kentucky Refugee Ministries.

"Thank you for the help," Regina said to the Louisvillians who came to their aid. "They were so helpful and kind. They have just been so nice to us.

"God will bless them because they did good things."

Anna echoed her sister's sentiments, but added that she hopes people don't forget the Burundi families who remain in Louisville and continue to need support.

"We need to have them to help the other people," Anna said. "God bless all the people who helped us."

Niyiragira said it has been wonderful to watch the broad outpouring of support for the girls.

"It has become like one village united around a cause. Americans, Africans -- all united around saving, helping," he said. "It touches me."

For the past several months, Anna and Regina lived with Pierre Nkurikiye's family, which includes his four daughters. At times the transition was challenging, Nkurikiye said at the airport yesterday. But he said hopes the girls will continue on successful paths in their new life in Australia.

"They became like part of the family," Nkurikiye said through a translator. "It's sad to see them leave."

The girls say they plan to keep in contact with their Louisville friends through e-mail.

Anna and Regina say they know little about their new home in Adelaide, a coastal city on the eastern shore of South Australia.

"Some people say that English is not the same," said Anna, who has just recently become comfortable enough to speak freely in English.

They do not know what school will be like. They have never seen the beach or the ocean.

But they are optimistic.

"I think I will have new friends," Anna said.

It has been years since they've seen their older sister, Ephrasie Nduwimana. She left the refugee camp where they'd been living in Tanzania in 2006 for Australia with her husband and child. And she has since had another child that the girls have never met, Anna said.

As they made their way through security at the airport yesterday, Jill Erwin watched with tears streaming down her face. Erwin spent a lot of time with the girls as one of their mentors.

Erwin had no idea when she met Anna and Regina what a tragic turn their lives would take with their mother's death. She said the experience of helping them cope with their loss has been inspirational and life-changing.

"It's been an amazing experience for me to see how strong they are," Erwin said. "It's been wonderful to see such an amazing community in the Burundis."

Reporter Jessie Halladay can be reached at (502) 582-4081.