Doha: The Qatari Publishers and Distributors (QPD) Forum, under the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Children's Literature Center, has launched the Comics program. The initiative aims to train young participants in crafting illustrated stories that blend creative writing with visual art, using modern narrative techniques.
According to Qatar News Agency, the program is part of the broader Children's Book Designer initiative, aligning with the Ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance reading and writing skills among the younger generation. It also supports Qatar National Vision 2030, which aspires to build a knowledge-based, creative, and sustainable society.
Targeting youth aged 12 to 16, the program enrolls 15 participants over a three-week period. During this time, they are introduced to the full process of comic creation, from story writing and scene planning to character design, full-scene illustration, adding effects and text, and finally, coloring, inking, and final production.
QPD Forum Director Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain emphasized the significance of the program, describing it not merely as a training opportunity but as a genuine investment in Qatar's cultural future. He noted that the core objective is to nurture a generation of authors and illustrators capable of producing innovative and engaging storybooks.
He added that the program serves as a true platform for discovering and refining talent, enabling children to experience the full cycle of authorship and publishing in a professional and integrated manner. This, he said, instills confidence and encourages early creativity, enriching both Qatari and Arab libraries with original youth-driven content.
Al Buainain also highlighted that the initiative opens wide horizons for young participants, allowing them to explore the world of storytelling in all its stages. Rather than remaining passive readers, children are empowered to craft their own narratives and illustrate their stories, drawing inspiration from their surroundings and national values.
For her part, writer Asmaa Al Kuwari, Director of the Children's Literature Center, stated that the Comics program is part of a series of initiatives jointly implemented with the Forum to promote reading and develop literary and artistic skills among youth and adolescents. She explained that the program allows participants to express their ideas and emotions using both traditional and authentic methods of learning, while also embracing modern digital tools. This dual approach equips children with timeless personal skills while enabling them to actively engage with contemporary creative platforms.
Al Kuwari affirmed that the program contributes to the development of aesthetic sensibility, critical thinking, and the ability to narrate and express through both words and visuals. She noted that the final creative works will be showcased to the public at the Doha International Book Fair.
The Children's Book Designer initiative offers an innovative framework for teaching children and adolescents the complete process of book creation, from writing and illustration to design, marketing, and ultimately, publication in Qatari and Arab markets.