YMCA programmes and activities began in Ethiopia in 1949. In 1951 YMCA Ethiopia was officially established. Operations took place in Arat Kilo in the early days of YMCA Ethiopia. In 1955, YMCA in Addis Ababa was officially opened. That same year saw the beginning of the Ambo Student Centre, in cooperation with the Ambo Agricultural School. There are YMCA branches and activities in several cities across the country, including Asmara since 1960, Adwa since 1961, Bahr Dar since 1963, Dire Dawa since 1963, and the Debre Berhan Student Centre since 1965. The Foundation YMCA was also opened in 1964. YMCA Ethiopia became a full member of the World Alliance of YMCAs in 2006. Today, it serves nearly 25,000 members in six regions including Addis Ababa, Oromya, Amhara, Sidama, Southern Nation and Nationalities, and Tigraye.