Doha International Family Institute (DIFI) has signed a co-operation agreement with the Family Consulting Centre (FCC) to assess the FCC’s preparation programme for people 
intending to get married. 
The agreement will see DIFI conduct an empirical study of the programme with the aim of evaluating and developing the content and improving outcomes. 
Through the co-operation, DIFI, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), and the FCC, a centre operating under Qatar Social Work, aim to achieve their common objectives of supporting Qatari families. 
In addition, this agreement falls within the scope of DIFI’s action to provide assistance to family policies in Qatar by strengthening the knowledge base on local families, evaluating policies, and developing relevant programmes.
The preparation programme for Qataris intending to marry is considered very important in terms of providing the basics and know-how required to establish a well-functioning, successful, and stable family through the adoption of a preventive approach that contributes to reducing marital conflicts and divorce rates. The study, which will be conducted by DIFI, is the first of its kind to be carried out since the inception of the programme in 2003 and forms part of the development efforts exerted by FCC.
Noor al-Malki al-Jehani, executive director, DIFI, said: “The study we are going to carry out, to investigate the impact of the preparation programme on its beneficiaries and how to develop it, is in line with our continued efforts to support the formulation of evidence-based policies and programmes, drawing on best practices. We are fully aware of the importance of this program; therefore, DIFI will implement this study and fund the related research activities.” 
Rashid al-Dosari, director, FCC, said: “The co-operation agreement between the FCC and DIFI is an important step in supporting the community outreach services provided by the centre, especially the preparation program offered to people intending to get married. This programme marked our first awareness endeavour that introduced the Family Consulting Centre to the community for the first time back in 2003.” 
Al-Dosari added that co-operation between the two entities would be fruitful in terms of community partnership and in the process of sustainable development of the community.
The FCC attaches special importance to the programme because of its relation to young people, the cornerstone of family building.