QNL and Wifaq celebrate family storytelling heritage with ‘A Story from a Loved One’

Doha, Qatar - The Qatar National Library, in partnership with the Family Consulting Centre (Wifaq), recently organized an event titled "A Story from a Loved One: Family Cohesion and Storytelling Heritage" aimed at celebrating the enduring power of family narratives. The gathering emphasized how sharing stories connects generations, strengthens emotional ties, promotes shared values, and safeguards cultural knowledge.

Opening the event was a panel discussion moderated by Dhidan Al-Mejba, focusing on the impact of storytelling on family dynamics. The discussion highlighted the newly released book, Qissa Min Ghali (A Story from a Loved One), which serves as a model for chronicling human experiences and transmitting core social and familial values. Experts emphasized the significance of preserving family memories for future generations and the crucial role cultural and community institutions play in maintaining this heritage.

Writer and published author Issa Abdullah discussed how family stories transmit values and foster intergenerational belonging. Lolwa Al-Yazeedi, Director of Community Awareness at Wifaq, noted the human messages in the book and the role of real-life stories in promoting family dialogue. Dr. Sharifa Noaman Al-Emadi, Executive Director of the Doha International Family Institute, explored strategies for preserving family folktales for the future.

Wifaq Director Lolwa Al-Yazeedi stated, "At Wifaq, we believe that family cohesion is built on the details of daily life. The stories passed down through generations create a vital space for dialogue, carrying values, memories, and shared experiences that foster a deep sense of belonging."

The event aimed to encourage families to preserve their heritage by involving young people in listening to, engaging with, and documenting the stories of their parents and grandparents. This initiative aims to transform spoken memories into a lasting written legacy that connects generations. Maram Al Mahmoud, Manager of Programmes and Services for Children and Young Adults at the library, echoed this sentiment, reminding families that the everyday narratives they share are as much a part of their national heritage as the works on library shelves.

To make these familial legacies accessible, 200 copies of the book were given to attendees, with several copies donated to the Qatar National Library for its permanent collection.