Empowering Tigrayan Refugees Through Gardening in Sudan Refugee Camps

The “Planting for Hope and Peace” project was initiated in response to the nutrition and mental health needs of Tigrayan refugees in Hasheba and Tenedba camps in Sudan. By leveraging the power of gardening, this project aimed to improve access to nutritious food, equip refugees with a coping mechanism, and empower them through community efforts.

Objectives:

The primary aim of the project is to enhance access to nutritious food, provide a coping mechanism for refugees through gardening, and promote community engagement and empowerment.

Project Implementation and Support:

To kickstart the project, a budget of $3921.17 previously raised for another project was repurposed for the “Planting for Hope and Peace” Teana Sabawian’s initiative. These funds, which had been sitting unused for some time, were redirected towards this project thanks to the persuasive efforts of our board members. The successful collaboration between the supporters and project members ensured that the funds were dedicated to the gardening project in the refugee camps.

Beneficiaries:

The project was launched with the participation of 800 women-headed households, distributed evenly across the two refugee camps. The project’s inclusive approach involved conducting a preliminary discussion with Mihret Haile, Teana Sabawuab’s Director of Project Development, and Tigrayan community representatives in Sudan. This dialogue provided an opportunity for the women and community leaders to provide valuable input and suggestions, which were fully honored and incorporated into the project design.

Adjustments and Community Empowerment:

The input received from the refugee community proved invaluable in tailoring the project to their specific needs. For instance, recognizing the importance of securing their gardens, 50 women-headed households were provided with 2500 Sudanese dollars each to purchase fences. By respecting their wishes and engaging them in decision-making, the project fostered a sense of ownership and empowerment among the beneficiaries.

Project Progress:

The “Planting for Hope and Peace” project in Sudan refugee camps has achieved remarkable success, thriving for over 8 months and actively engaging a dedicated community of 800 households and improving nutrition, mental health, and community engagement among the refugee population. As we embark on the second phase of our journey, we are thrilled to announce a significant partnership with the esteemed Tigray Disaster Relief Fund (TDRF). This collaboration has enabled us to secure a generous $21,000 grant from TDRF, which will play a crucial role in providing essential equipment, seedlings, and pesticides to the resilient Tigrayan people residing in the refugee camps of Hasheba and Tenedba. Our ultimate aspiration is to establish a meaningful and lasting legacy that transcends the boundaries of our immediate impact.