YOUNG MUSLIM ASSOCIATION & GARISSA MUSLIM CHILDREN'S HOME

ESTABLISHMENT OF GMCH(YMCH)

It is against the above background that an SOS message was sent by the local Muslim Community in Garissa to the Muslim community of Nairobi.

A team was constituted to undertake a survey by touring the region. It was upon the completion of the grueling trip that covered the entire route of Nairobi – Garissa – Wajir – Mandera and back to Nairobi, that the Young Muslim Association decided to start a shelter for the orphaned and displaced destitute children in Garissa.

A small room which was about 30ft square, zinc roofed, half wall and half wire mesh was hurriedly put up near Garissa towns main mosque and was officially opened in August 1969.The first batch of boys, about 25 were virtually picked from the streets. They had all the symptoms of neglect, malnutrition and disease. But God saved them and substituted their misery with fortune.They were now able to get shelter, food and good care in the new set up.

The first few years were indeed difficult for Association. Resources were scarce and the whole concept of childcare particularly in an institution was new and communication between the main base(Nairobi) and Garissa was a nightmare. The founding fathers have a lot of interesting experiences on their difficult encounters as they travelled between Nairobi and Garissa during those years(1969 - 1973). However, despite these difficulties, the founders had high spirits and a high degree of commitment. This has enabled them go over all obstacles with confidence and hope. Their steadfastness and patience has indeed paid for all the progress realized during these subsequent years.