Read our books for free
ISF trustee, Kri Centofanti (far left) and organiser Pam Eadie (third from left) with fellow storytellers at the event near Toulouse, France.
The Idries Shah Foundation and HoopoeShare Literacy came together to donate a collection of beautifully illustrated children’s books written by Idries Shah for a storytelling event near Toulouse.
On 14 March, the welcoming community space Oasis des Cultures in Colomiers, just outside Toulouse, hosted a lively storytelling afternoon celebrating cultures, languages and traditional wisdom.
Located among the tall apartment buildings of this multicultural neighbourhood, Oasis des Cultures is run by dedicated volunteers and offers a variety of activities - art workshops, language classes, English lessons and community gatherings.
It has become a friendly meeting place for residents of many different nationalities, where people can come together, share their cultures and enjoy a strong sense of community.
The storytelling afternoon was organised by Pam Eadie, who invited people from many backgrounds to share stories.
Throughout the afternoon, participants told traditional tales from their own cultures, each with its own distinctive style and flavour.
The result was a delightful mix of voices and traditions reflecting the diversity of the local community.
The stories of Idries Shah draw on traditional wisdom literature shared across cultures for centuries. Through simple yet thought-provoking tales, they encourage imagination, reflection and understanding between people of different backgrounds.
The visitors were particularly interested in the bilingual editions, including English–French and French–Arabic titles. These books allow parents and children to share stories together while supporting literacy and cultural exchange. The books were on display throughout the afternoon and some of them will be left at Oasis for the enjoyment of future visitors and the remaining collection will be used to organise readings in local French libraries, schools and associations in the Midi Pyrenees.
The afternoon showed how simply sharing stories can bring people together for a thoughtful exchange of ideas.
If you are organising or would like to organise an event involving our publications or works by Idries Shah, please contact us on info@idriesshahfoundation.org to see how we can support you.