Valuing lived experience.
Stories help us make sense of the world around us, learn from our experiences, and form plans for the future. We have seen how in times of crisis, stories play an even more important role, whether it's by creating bonds through shared experiences, fueling communal responsibility - or spreading fear and xenophobia. Through our AWAKEN program, we have been exploring the art of storytelling, and the role it plays in driving people together or apart.
On stories, crises & community
Here are episodes of the webinars we developed as part of our “On Stories, Crises & Community” online series.
Storytelling to empower, heal & redefine
In this first episode, guest speakers Fatmah Al Qadfan and Ghzayil Al Harbi explore the transformative and healing power of stories, and their role in personal and collective trauma, community and empowerment.
Who owns your story?
In this second episode, our three guest speakers, renowned academics, writers and sisters Dr. Mai, Dr. Rania and Dr. Farah Al-Nakib, explore the impact of social constructs on our lives, and how they determine who and what we honor, ignore or vilify.
The storytellers roundtable
In this third episode we speak to four individuals who have taken the step of crafting and sharing their stories publicly as part of our 2019 AWAKEN festival. Together, we explore the process, obstacles and power of discovering our own narrative.
Stories of belonging
Here you will find moving personal narratives shared by our inspiring storytellers at the 2019 AWAKEN festival.
Zainab Mirza
Writer & Community Organizer
Zainab Mirza thrives on diverse experiences and has written for various print and online media over the years. More recently, she has been exploring the realm of fiction, drawing inspiration from personal conversations and observations of society as a whole.
Saif Abu Bakr
Musician & Educator
At age 18, aspiring musician and student Saif Abu Bakr had no plans to move to Kuwait from Sudan. But during an unintended visit, whilst on his way to Germany, he found himself drawn to the electricity and vibrancy of the local music and cultural scene. Forty years later, Saif, a resident educator, reflects on his experiences and the joy and communal spirit of Kuwait in the 70s and 80s.
Batool Al Shimmari
Stubborn Autodidact
At age 14, Batoul discovers a difficult truth about her family and herself, one which will lead her to an unexpected journey of self-discovery, and will force her to question everything she thought she knew about her identity and future.
Eman Al Awadhi
Communications Director
A journalist, a private sector leader, and an active and well-respected member of the community...Eman makes it look so easy - but her stories reveal the deeper choices and challenges that have shaped her life...
Aziz Al Mutairi
Activist
After years as an advocate for accessibility at Training Gate International, Abdulaziz felt confident in his knowledge about disability, but through a series of trips and adventures, he discovered truths that would change the way that he understood himself forever.
Batul Sadliwala
Development Professional
"Expat”, “albino”, “tough”, “quiet”, “inspiring”: These are the labels Batul strives to shed or reclaim. Indian on paper, she’s a local of Kuwait with soft spots for cross-cultural dialogue, the smell of books, impressionist paintings, and civil society development.
Anne Abunda
Human Rights Advocate
"You can either complain or you can work to change things".....Ann Abunda, founder of the Sandigan Kuwait Domestic Worker's Association, asks "are you living your most moral life?" and shares her story of transformation and compassion, from domestic worker to changemaker.