A Qatari couple relaxes in the evening
By Fazeena Saleem
DOHA: Qatar Charity has unveiled a unique initiative, ‘Zawaj’, to prevent divorces and ensure marital happiness. ‘Co-living’ — a programme under ‘Zawaj’ — will provide pre-marriage counselling and courses in family life.
Counselling will also be provided to newly-married couples as part of the programme launched on Tuesday at Aspire Zone.
Official statistics for 2009 show the number of divorces per 1,000 Qatari couples increased from 17.4 in 1995 to 19.2 in 2009, and 61 per cent of cases took place in the first five years of marriage.
‘Zawaj’ aims to create awareness about marriage and family responsibilities and prepare couples psychologically before marriage to meet Qatar Charity’s cultural and social objectives.
Ahmed Abdullah Al Mulla, Managing Director of the Associations Affairs at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Saud Al Abdul Hanzab, Chairman, Central Municipal Council, and Hilal Al Kuwari, Head of Aspire Zone, attended the launch.
“This (Zawaj) is a pioneering programme to support Qatari youth and help them get married and lead a happy married life, Hanzab said. “It will have a direct impact on people. Neighbouring countries could adopt it if they like,” he said.
CMC will assist Qatar Charity in implementing the programme across the country.
Zawaj is an extension of a previous initiative of Qatar Charity and Aspire Zone to provide free wedding tents to Qatari couples to reduce marriage expenses.
The programme is open to citizens, but couples must take part in the accompanying awareness programme.
It aims to hold at least 50 weddings a year. A reception marquee, dining marquee, sitting arrangements outside the marquee and video recording of the marriage will be done for free.
QNA//The Peninsula
