I thought to share with you some of my experiences at the Kalisher Community Garden. I’ve been surprised and amazed to see how much potential there is in the community garden and how important it is for the Ethiopian community. It is a significant place both for the adults and for the children from the absorption center. While visiting the garden, you can see how meaningful it is that the community has a place of their own connecting them to the land (as well to the physical land as to their new home country). A place where they can see their accomplishments and be proud of themselves.

The Garden is also a meeting place for people from different backgrounds and cultures. It unites people. Whenever a foreigner steps into the garden, he/she can be sure to, in a second, get surrounded by a bunch of kids. Languages are often a subject discussed. So many times I’ve been asked to say something in my mother tongue. Once when the kids asked which languages I speak and I listed them all, a little boy looked at me, at the same time amazed and at the same time really serious, and asked (being totally serious): “Can you speak with animals?” (I wish I could get the tone of his question here as well :) )

Many times I’ve also witnessed different volunteers having a talk with the kids about different cultures. I remember one special moment when I just loved to see how important it was for the young boys to be able to tell about life in Ethiopia and to see that the other person was really interested and respected their culture.

The community garden also offers so many possibilities for different activities. Only imagination sets a limit. I love to see the field kitchen in use and everyone so exited about it, cooking and of course eating :) So if you haven’t yet, I invite you to come and see the garden. The coming festival, Ecothiopia, offers one good opportunity for a visit in the garden.

Heli,

Intern from Finland