The collapse of Siyad Barre’s regime was followed by civil war, anarchy and chaos, tragically affecting in particular women and children
In 1991-1992 hundreds of thousands of people died of starvation and famine.
The appalling situation aroused the will and commitment of a group of educated and determined persons in Merka, who, following the guidance of princess Maana ‘Abdurahmaan ‘Ali ’Iise, founded a NGO called AYUUB to mitigate the plight of the mostly vulnerable people, orphans of war and famine in the first place
Maana became the chairperson, a post she retained till her death on 14 December 2007
Before the end of 1992, 823 orphans were rescued from death of famine by AYUUB
Instead of opening an orphanage, it was decided to give them a new family by entrusting them to adoptive mothers, possibly in their original community
a new village was gradually constructed in the outskirts of Merka
“Ayuub” was the name given to a little child committed to Maana
Today, One of the main Victoria is the grown up orphans among thousands rescued in 1992 are educated and now became member of AYUUB NGO management team and many are working with public and private sectors.