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International Garden
Present day Ireland is a multicultural society. 17.2% of the total population is comprised of non-nationals, from 202 nationalities (CSO, 2016). Included in this are vulnerable individuals seeking International Protection from the state, often accommodated in Direct Provision Centres (DPs) spread across the country. There are approximately 9560 adults and children accommodated in DPs – including those in Emergency Accommodation Centres, such as asylum seekers or resettlement refugees. In Cork Country there are approximately 250 families and 320 children living across six DP centres.
Empirical evidence indicates that families and children living in DP centres struggle to integrate into Irish society. Barriers include lack of target supports, the locations of some DP centres (some of which are located in very remote areas), financial constraints (the families are on €38 a week allowance), prejudice and general stigma associated with living in DPs, and migration related vulnerabilities/trauma, among others.
This was exacerbated by the COVID 19 lockdown and restrictions, as the lack of own door accommodation made it difficult if not impossible to social distance or adhere to other prescribed protocols. DPs were among the HSE recognized vulnerability pockets that registered high amounts of covid cases, with very lacking isolation or management protocols.
There is a need for a coordinated approach by stakeholders in this field towards designing responses tailored to the needs of this population. Importantly, though the literature on asylum seekers and refugees tends to be lacking and passive, there are also huge strengths, resilience, and agency. Therefore, responses need to be framed by a conceptual framework that is holistic, and takes into consideration the risks and strengths embedded in their migrant/racial/ethnic/cultural positions, as well as the structures that frame their lives in DPs. This framework should also create an enabling environment for families to rebuild their agency and direct or co-direct interventions that are relevant and acceptable to them.
These interventions need to be framed within a human rights perspective that prioritizes human dignity and value, as opposed to a charity model.
The current project is premised on creating a ‘safe space’ at Ardfoyle, Ballintemple, Blackrock – where families living in DPs can create an International Garden to grow food from their own countries in solidarity with local community groups.
The Aim
The aim is to provide asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants in general, an opportunity to be involved in gardening work in cooperation with local members of the community, towards supporting their wellbeing and integration into society. The objective is to work towards creating a network of gardens in close proximity to the DPs in Cork, that would be independently run but in consultancy with a committee from this group. This model becomes the connecting tool within this network of communities, and across other ethnic minority groups involved in the community garden.
Project Partners
The partners in this project bring huge and varied expertise, experience and resources.
Cork Migrant Centre, Green spaces, Food Policy Council, Johnson Controls, SHEP, Horticulture School
Support Organizations
St. Vincent Department, Cork City Council, Social Inclusion Office, Community Garda, Anglesea Street Garda Station, Cork City Council (Parks and Recreation Dept).
