These past few months has been extremely challenging for Mercy to Mankind Foundation. Humanitarian work in Somalia is particularly difficult due to constant conflict and crisis. But with your support, we have been able to overcome many of these obstacles and provide a safe haven in Um Ayman Center for Orphans (formerly known as Baraka Orphanage) for 50 children whose lives have been affected by the prolonged conflict in Mogadishu.
For the month, we have been monitoring an escalating conflict between Al-Shabaab and the Transitional Federal Government supported by AMISOM troops five kilometers away from Ceelasha (also spelled as Elasha Bihaya), where Um Ayman Orphanage Center is located. Unfortunately the situation has reached an unsafe level, and many civilians have fled Ceelasha and have moved back into the capital city, Mogadishu. A week ago, extended family members of the children in the Orphanage took them out for their safety and fled either to Mogadishu or Afgooye, another region outside of the capital. Our Orphanage Director, Mohammed Shiekh, has kept close tabs on the children and their guardians. Most have safely settled in Mogadishu. We are in close contact with the children and intend to continue supporting the most vulnerable.
It saddens us that Um Ayman Orphanage Center had to be closed so abruptly, but the safety of the children is our top priority and we cannot work in such an unstable environment. We have decided that the next step is to relocate Um Ayman Orphanage Center to Mogadishu, where it has become more peaceful. Relocating to Mogadishu offers us the opportunity to start fresh and build a better and more sustainable orphanage. To do this efficiently, we will need to do a thorough assessment of where the new orphanage should be; hire the appropriate staff; and calculate all costs associated with education, health, and other necessitates of this project. All this will take time. At this critical stage, Mercy to Mankind Foundation sees it best to raise the necessary funds to open a new and improved orphanage center within 6 to 8 months.
With our recent achievement of becoming a 501c3 nonprofit, we plan to begin this fundraising campaign by applying for grants, hosting larger scale events, and seeking new sponsors and donors.
It is at times like this that we rely even more heavily on you, our generous supporters.It will require a lot of funds to relocate and fully operate the orphanage. We would like to raise the necessary amount within the next 6 to 8 months. In order to succeed, we need your donations now more than ever. If you would like to show your support, please donate today. We greatly value your input.




