Participants during a discussion.
Doha: To celebrate the enduring power of family narratives, Qatar National Library, in collaboration with the Family Consulting Centre (Wifaq), hosted the “A Story from a Loved One: Family Cohesion and Storytelling Heritage” event yesterday.
The gathering underscored how the simple act of sharing stories serves as a vital bridge between generations, strengthening emotional bonds, cultivating shared values, and preserving cultural knowledge.
The event opened with an engaging panel discussion moderated by Dhidan Al-Mejba, where specialists examined the profound impact of storytelling on family dynamics. A key focus of the session was the newly launched book, Qissa Min Ghali (A Story from a Loved One), highlighted as an exemplar for chronicling human experiences and transmitting core social and familial values. The panel underscored the vital importance of preserving family memory for future generations, while spotlighting the pivotal role of cultural and community institutions in championing and safeguarding this rich heritage.
Writer, novelist, and CEO of Roza Publishing, Issa Abdullah, discussed how family stories transfer values and build intergenerational belonging.
Director of Community Awareness at Wifaq Lolwa Al-Yazeedi highlighted the human messages embedded in the newly launched book and the role of real-life stories in fostering family dialogue. Rounding out the panel, Executive Director of the Doha International Family Institute Dr. Sharifa Noaman Al-Emadi explored strategies for preserving family folktales for future generations.
Reflecting on the initiative’s core objectives, Al-Yazeedi said, “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.”
“Through this session, we aim to encourage families to reclaim that space. By giving youth the opportunity to listen to, engage with, and document the stories of their parents and grandparents, we are strengthening intergenerational communication. Ultimately, this initiative underscores the importance of involving young people in preserving their family’s heritage—transforming spoken memories into a lasting written legacy that binds generations together.”
Adding to this sentiment, Library’s Manager of Programmes and Services for Children and Young Adults Maram Al Mahmoud said, “Every family carries its own archive of stories that shape our identities and what matters to us, long before anyone writes them down. Partnering with Wifaq on this event enabled us to remind families that the everyday narratives they share are as much a part of our national heritage as the works on our shelves.”
This vision was brought to life through the official launch of the book, A Story from a Loved One, which features a unique collection of stories written by children and young adults between the ages of 12 and 14. These young authors drew direct inspiration from the oral histories and tales shared by their parents and grandparents, translating oral heritage into written works. To ensure these familial legacies remain accessible to the public, 200 copies of the book were distributed to attendees, and several copies were officially gifted to Qatar National Library to be added to its permanent collection.
