Al-Mahdi Islamic Centre (Haiti)
 | |
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Founder | Brother Shu'ayb |
| Established | 2000 |
| Location | Haiti |
| Specifications | |
| Status | Active |
| Facilities | School • Mosque • Library |
Al-Mahdi Islamic Center is a Shi'a organization located in Haiti, where Shi'a is a small minority among the Christian majority of the population. The goals and objectives of the Center are to promote the religion of Islam and to provide the island's orphaned children and the less fortunate children a safe alternative to living in the streets.[1] After years of the activities of this center, there are nine different Shia communities in Haiti with more than 300 members.[2]
History
The Al-Mahdi Islamic Center was founded in September 2000 by a teacher named Brother Shu'ayb, in a four room house with a very small yard. The Centre began with a school which was free for the children.
Located on the south side of Port au Prince, this establishment was run by a staff of 11 people who comprise the Principal, Vice Principal, secretary, six teachers and two maids who care for nearly 200 resident and non resident children at the Centre in 2010.[3] But it was severely damaged by the great earthquake of January 12, 2010. The destruction was so great, that the entire building had to be demolished, taking away the school.
After a while that the classes continued in a temporary building which was made of wood and covered with sheet metal, the World Federation of Khoja Shia made a commitment to fund the $2,500 USD needed to complete the construction of this interim school.
Now, the Al Mahdi School is up and running in its newly constructed shelter, where the teachers can teach in a more suitable environment and the children can learn in peace and comfort. [4]
Services
The Center consists of four parts:
- School - which has 200 resident and non-resident students,
- Mosque,
- Library,
- and Farm.[5]
Mission
The goals and objectives of the Centre are as follows:
- To promote the religion of Islam
- To provide the island's orphaned children and the less fortunate children a safe alternative to living in the streets.[6]
Notes
- ↑ Al Mahdi Islamic Center, HAITI, Oppression, January 27, 2010, Retrieved September 14, 2015
- ↑ Exclusive Interview with the Leader of the Shia Movement in Haiti, Wahdat, February 2010, Retrieved September 14, 2015
- ↑ Al Mahdi Islamic Center, HAITI, Oppression, January 27, 2010, Retrieved September 14, 2015
- ↑ Temporary school built for Shia students of Al Mahdi School in Haiti, Ahlulbayt, October 6, 2012, Retrieved September 14, 2015
- ↑ Al Mahdi Islamic Center, HAITI, Oppression, January 27, 2010, Retrieved September 14, 2015
- ↑ Al Mahdi Islamic Center, HAITI, Oppression, January 27, 2010, Retrieved September 14, 2015
