Time line of Imam Sadr Foundation
Home > Time line of Imam Sadr Foundation
Latest update : 6/11/2011


As Israeli military forces withdrew from South Lebanon in the beginning of 1985, the Imam Sadr Foundation prepared to set the cornerstone of the Cultural Compound in Tyre by leasing a 30,000 square meter plot of land on the southern coastal shore.

From 1985-2005 Imam Sadr Foundation experienced rapid expansion.  Below is a timeline of the establishment of various Imam Sadr Foundation programs.  Detailed information about each may be found in the Program section or under Income Generating Units in the Structure section of the website.

1978-1991
  •  The darkest periods in contemporary South Lebanon history
    Considered to be one of the darkest periods in contemporary South Lebanon history, the late 1970s to mid 1980s saw the ravages of war like never before. As the ferocity of Israeli attacks increased along the border regions, thousands upon thousands of citizens fled to safety in cities like Tyre and Beirut. Absorbing this massive displacement caused obvious strain on local services and infrastructure, including the populations receiving them. The period also saw increased strife between local sectarian militias and Palestinian factions, who likewise sought refuge in coastal cities and villages. During this time, Lebanon suffered greatly from repeated Israeli offensives crossing into southern territories. The most serious incursion occurred during the 1982 invasion in which the war was brought into the very heart of Beirut.
    The darkest periods in contemporary South Lebanon history
  •  Launch of the Rihab al-Zahra orphanage
    Throughout these harrowing times, the work inspired by Imam Sadr continued to bring the light of hope into the darkness of a war-stricken Lebanon. In an effort to reach out to girls who had become orphaned, as well as those who were living in vulnerable conditions as a result of unrelenting civil war, in 1981, the Foundation launched an Elementary School through the Rihab al-Zahra orphanage.
    Launch of the Rihab al-Zahra orphanage
  •  Cornerstone of the Cultural Compound in Tyre
    As Israeli military forces withdrew from South Lebanon in the beginning of 1985, the Imam Sadr Foundation prepared to set the cornerstone of the Cultural Compound in Tyre by leasing a 30,000 square meter plot of land on the southern coastal shore.
    Cornerstone of the Cultural Compound in Tyre
1992-1998
  •  The Green House was established
    Developed in 1992 as an agricultural training space for girls, the Green House offers instruction in how to properly care for a garden, as well as professional skills in the art of flower and plant arrangement.
    The Green House was established
  •  The Imam Moussa Sadr Center for Research and Studies was founded
    The Imam Moussa Sadr Center for Research and Studies was established in August 1995. The Center exists to preserve Imam Sadr’s methodology and to disseminate his ideas to a wider audience of scholars. Among its main activities, the Center continues to collect and publish Imam Sadr’s intellectual output, participate in inter-religious dialogue, as well as organize symposiums throughout the region such as the annual Common Terms conferences.
    The Imam Moussa Sadr Center for Research and Studies was founded
  •  The Special Education Section is launched
    The Special Education Section is launched
    The Special Education Section is launched
  •  Intensive Vocational Training (IVT) programs begin
    As part of a continued objective to socially and economically empower women, in 1998 The Foundation began several Intensive Vocational Training (IVT) programs. Through an intensive nine-month format, IVT offers professional training in hospitality, gardening and flower arrangement, secretarial skills, child care assistance, hairdressing and cosmetics.
    Intensive Vocational Training (IVT) programs begin
2000-2003
  •  The Milk Factory is opened (Income Generating Unit)
    In an effort to merge the Foundation’s interests to develop rural communities and generate income for local farmers, in 2000 the Food Production Unit created a program called The Milk Factory. Through the purchase of their surplus raw milk, the program has succeeded in producing a variety of dairy products marketed throughout the region. The children of the school also benefitted from the Factory as they were given access to nutrient-fresh milk instead of powdered milk.
    The Milk Factory is opened (Income Generating Unit)
  •  Mobile Medical Clinic program in villages of South Lebanon begins
    Mobile Medical Clinic program in villages of South Lebanon begins
    Mobile Medical Clinic program in villages of South Lebanon begins
  •  Shawatina Restaurant opened (Income Generating Unit)
    Shawatina Restaurant opened (Income Generating Unit)
    Shawatina Restaurant opened (Income Generating Unit)
    Shawatina Restaurant opened (Income Generating Unit)
2004-2005
  •  The Foundation’s Al-Afaq Development Institute establishes The Social Work Branch
    In 2004, the Foundation’s Al-Afaq Development Institute established The Social Work Branch. One of the fastest growing programs offered, the Social Work Branch uniquely prepares women to become active participants in their community’s development projects. Technical Baccalaureate (BT) and the Professional Brevet (BP) degrees are offered.
    The Foundation’s Al-Afaq Development Institute establishes The Social Work Branch
  •  Filling a gap in Arabic development vernacular
    In association with the World Bank and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), the Foundation creates a much needed Arabic Glossary of Development Terms to fill a gap in Arabic development vernacular
    Filling a gap in Arabic development vernacular.
2006
  •  Pre-War situation
    Prior to the 2006 July War, the Foundation strategically situated its medical relief facilities in many of the most historically afflicted areas of South Lebanon. The Foundation’s presence in these epicenters of suffering proved to be crucial in its capacity to quickly respond to the needs of these communities. Upon the announcement of the ceasefire, virtually every displaced resident returned to their villages. The sudden influx of injured and traumatized populations was tremendous.
    Pre-War situation
  •  500 consultations took place in any given month
    Once the initial removal of debris and repair of necessary infrastructure began, the first mobile health centers reopened. Whereas before the war, an average of 500 consultations took place in any given month, after the fighting concluded that figure rose to an estimated 5,000.
    500 consultations took place in any given month
  •  Summer camp for 330 war-affected children
    Following the reopening of the Cultural Compound, the Foundation hosted a summer camp for 330 war-affected children. Through activities like drama, singing, playing sports and group discussions, the children were provided an opportunity to normalize their experiences of the war by telling their stories and sharing their fears and hopes for the future.
    Summer camp for 330 war-affected children 2006
    Summer camp for 330 war-affected children
  •  Resuming Educational support
    In addition to the provision of medical support, the Foundation resumed all educational services during the first week of October. In order to accommodate a larger class of returning and newly enrolled female students, the Elementary School increased the number of classrooms.
    Resuming Educational support
2011
  •  The Fiftieth Anniversary
    The Imam Sadr Foundation looks forward to the coming months as it will commemorate its Fiftieth Anniversary. Over the next year, the Foundation will celebrate past achievements. We will organize new conferences, evaluate current projects and propose new ideas that will lead the Foundation into the future.
    The Fiftieth Anniversary
1978
1985
1992
2000
2006
2011