TEHRAN – A special ceremony was held in Tehran on Monday, honoring the storytelling mother and reminiscing about her mother’s memories of the 12-day war.
The event took place at Rainbow Kindergarten, which was severely damaged during Israel’s brutal attacks on Iranian soil, Isna reported.
The ceremony included Laheleamini, advocate for information dissemination in the country’s defense, Zafra Mosenifard, a children’s literature researcher and youth book expert, and Somye Ostada, a storyteller and active cultural educator.
“The Mother of Storytelling” is an initiative launched by the Arts and Culture Organization of Tehran on June 16th, and one organizer said it will help children connect with important human values.
The project aimed to promote a deeper understanding of resilience, patriotism and community spirit through the art of storytelling, she added.
The organization invited all enthusiasts of children’s literature, regardless of gender or whether they had children, and participated by reading and documenting stories centered around Iran, its heroes and its nation’s progress. The goal was to present a narrative that emphasized the strength of the country and its people, particularly in a challenging time, in order to develop a positive outlook among young audiences.
She explained that despite the challenges faced with virtual activity during this period, the project continued and was received warmly by the audience.
“The campaign received nearly 1,000 stories. The mother shares stories centered around the children’s victory and hope. Over 450 stories have been uploaded to the contest channel. The ju-describers chose the 14-storey building based on criteria such as narration, content and random drawings.
Najafimanesh further emphasized that Rainbow Kindergarten on Sabonchi Street was one of the places that suffered serious damage during the Israeli regime’s attack on Iran. Storytelling mothers who spoke memories of this era for future generations gathered here to explore new ideas for storytelling and portray Iran’s resilience and martialism.
She also announced that the second phase of this campaign will continue, focusing on telling the story of a child’s victory.
The “Mothers of Storytelling” campaign not only encouraged parents and caregivers to be more actively involved in their children’s literary and emotional development, but also turned storytelling into a precious family activity. Through this collaborative effort, organizers imagined a rich treasure trove of stories to be passed down over generations.
The project demonstrated the power of storytelling as a tool for teaching during ordeals, emotional healing, and community building. Its success underscored the importance of cultural narratives in fostering hope and pride among young Iranians, ensuring that narratives of resilience and patriotism continue to inspire future generations.
sab/