The targeted groups are prospective parents, parents and caregivers, grandparents, and families facing special challenges.

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, inaugurated the Kanaf Parenting Center in Doha on Tuesday, a new initiative emphasising the country’s commitment to the value of family.

The launch took place at the Wifaq Family Consulting Center under the Ministry of Social Development and Family. Buthaina Al Nuaimi, Qatar’s Minister of Social Development and Family, was in attendance as well as Lolwah Al-Khater, Qatar’s Minister of Education and Higher Education.

“I was pleased today to launch the Kanaf Parenting Center. The family is the first institution of the nation and what we build within it today will shape future generations. We look forward to it becoming a guiding light for every Qatari family seeking support and guidance in their parenting journey,” Sheikh Mohammed said on X.

The centre holds the Arabic word “Kanaf”, which translates to care, protection and support, reflecting the entity’s mission in promoting a family that supports the psychological, behavioural and social development of children and adolescents.

“​​The name Kanaf was chosen for the meanings it carries of care, containment, closeness, and compassion,” Al Nuaimi said.

“[The centre’s program] is a journey of care and growth, designed based on the latest evidence and best practices, and impact evaluations, balancing in its philosophy between rational planning and compassionate emotion, to ensure that our children remain the delight of our eyes,” she explained.

The centre is aimed at supporting Qatari families in raising generations that uphold and take pride in their national values and identity, Maryam Al-Malki, Kanaf’s Chief Executive Officer, noted during the inauguration.

“National identity reflects its vision as an inspiring family that raises generations who uphold values, take pride in their identity, and shape the future,”Al-Malki said

The centre offers training programs delivered by experts, with the target of reaching 12 training programmes totalling more than 70 training hours during this year. Parents are provided with the knowledge that supports family cohesion and adopting the best practices when raising their children.

The targeted groups are prospective parents, parents and caregivers, grandparents, and families facing special challenges.

Al-Malki stressed that “conscious parenting has become a necessity” in light of the current global changes “and the multiplicity of influences affecting children”.

“The establishment of this centre is based on our nation’s Constitution, which affirms that the family is the foundation of society. It also aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places the human being at the heart of development and considers the family the cornerstone of a cohesive and sustainable society,” Al-Malki said.

“Investing in parents is an investment in humanity,” she added.