Monique and Fr. Wolfgang witnessed refugees who had no papers coming to seek assistance in the Catholic Church in Nairobi and around AMECEA office. By then, Fr. Wolgang was working with AMECEA in Pastoral Department; he felt the need to hear the story behind these refugees who came to him. Monique and Schonecke found out that most of them had no papers, and those who attempted to register with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) were frustrated. ... Some were outright rejected as they could not defend themselves appropriately according to UNHCR or got appointment ranging from months to years. The General Refugees Association (GRA) could only register them and give them temporary papers and appointments for future dates. The challenges many as without papers the refugees could not get employment and in most cases they harassed by police. Thus, many of them could not get even one meal day. The refugees had other challenges ranging from trauma to physical health challenges.
Monique Vermandele and Fr. Wolfgang Schonecke started making contact with the refugees; getting to listen to their stories knowing where they were or lived. Their plight was brought to the knowledge of AMECEA Secretary General and to the Archbishop of Nairobi Archdiocese.