YOUNG MUSLIM ASSOCIATION & GARISSA MUSLIM CHILDREN'S HOME

DEVELOPMENT OF GMCH (YMCH)

For the GMCH's mission to be achieved a better environment was required and therefore the Association upon application to the Kenya government for institution and agricultural land, was initially allocated with 500 acres of land in 1970 which was later reduced to 200.

The siting was done by the first Director, the late Maalim Juma Abdi and thereafter development started on the current site which is about 2km from the center of Garissa town to the south along Lamu road.

From the time construction work started in 1970, it progressed steadily, initially on a very slow pace (1970 – 1972) and vigorously (1972 – 1974), thanks to the arrival of Sheikh Moti-ur-Rasool (the current Director) who was seconded by the Directorate of religious rulings, research and Islamic propagation(Darul-ifta) of Saudi Arabia in 1972. He mobilized a lot of local resources that saw the completion of the first phase of the center. A group of about 35 children were shifted to the new site in 1973 .

Two dormitories (Arqam and Salaam), Dinning Hall and attached cubicles, current office block, 3 classrooms, Engine room, 2 senior staff houses and the water treatment plant were ready by 1974.

The primary school was constructed between 1978 – 1981, Jamjoom and other staff house between 1982 – 1983, Dispensary 1987, Nursery 1987, Abrar dormitory and Ablution block 1991.

The Mosque was expanded between 1991 – 1994 to the current status and from then on the center grew in leaps and bounds until it attained the current status.

The latest Physical development of the centre include:- The High School(2001-2002), theTahfeedh block(2007) and the childcare department offices(darulhamad, 2008).

Major renovations and rehabilitation was done to many buildings in 2008.