More than 120 first-grade students participated in a morning of creativity and cultural exchange during a special event held at the La Moneda Cultural Center (CCLM) in Santiago, Chile. The programme was jointly organised by the Years of Culture initiative, Qatar National Library (QNL), La Moneda Cultural Center, and Trama Cultura as part of the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture.
The event introduced young Chilean participants to elements of Qatari culture through an interactive mix of storytelling, art, and cultural discovery. At its centre was Kalila wa Dimna, a collection of fables more than a thousand years old, recently translated into Spanish and integrated into educational activities across Years of Culture partner countries.
Discovering Common Threads Between Chile and Qatar
The fables were brought to life through an engaging performance by the Nadando en Cuentos duo, whose adaptation encouraged children to reflect on the universal messages within the stories. “As we read these fables, we realised that the animals, metaphors, and lessons are much more universal than we think,” the storytellers shared. “As we researched, we discovered fauna, climates, and characters from Qatar that also exist here in Chile. That made it very easy for the children to feel part of the story.”
Following the storytelling, students took part in an art workshop where they collaboratively created a mural inspired by the ocean that unites both countries. The children explored themes of connection and cultural exchange, reinforcing the idea that stories can travel, evolve, and link places across the world.
Earlier this year, Qatar Reads, an initiative of Qatar National Library, presented the Kalila wa Dimna Art Exhibition at the Biblioteca Ricardo Güiraldes in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The exhibition showcased twelve original artworks by Qatari artist and author Wadha Al Athba.
Encouraging Intercultural Understanding from an Early Age
Reflecting on the collaboration, Fatema Al Malki, Manager of Qatar Reads said:
“It’s important for children to realise that even cultures that appear very different often share the same values, symbols, and interests. For centuries, fables have passed down lessons about empathy, cooperation, and what it means to be human. Sharing a book as historic and meaningful as Kalila wa Dimna reminds us that these teachings continue to resonate in Chile, in Qatar, and across the world.”
Created in the delicate tradition of Islamic miniature painting, Wadha’s illustrations captured the humour, wisdom, and cultural depth of the original fables. These artworks also appear in the Spanish-language edition of Kalila wa Dimna, written and illustrated by Wadha Al Athba and published by Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press.
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