International Institute of Rhode Island's mission is to enable all area residents, especially immigrants and refugees, to become self-reliant, invested participants in our communities, while fostering respect and understanding among all people. Read more
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July 8, 2011

A Garden Grows in South Providence

Refugees reconnect with the soil in their new homeland

A group of 17 refugee families has transformed a blighted lot on South Providence's Greenwich Street into a sprouting community garden.  The new garden is within walking distance of IIRI, allowing the refugees easy access to their raised bed plots. The refugees, recent arrivals from Bhutan, Burma, Burundi, Eritrea, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have been working with staff from IIRI and Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT) to plan, build and plant the garden.

Littlest helpers take a break from planting

Last fall, IIRI and SCLT partnered to solicit support from the Cedar Tree Foundation, which provided generous support for SCLT to purchase the land and develop critical infrastructure, such as wooden raised beds, a fence and water access. The grant also includes support for leadership development and skill-building for refugees.  Several garden leaders have been selected by their peers to coordinate workdays and help make decisions affecting all the gardeners.  In the build-out phase of the project, gardeners have been gaining construction skills and confidence that will prove useful in their job search. Technical support will also be available to the refugees, many of whom were farmers in their former homes, as they adjust to the unique challenges of urban gardening in a new climate.

First Step: Clear the trees!

Making the garden has been transformative and inspiring.  Men, women and children have worked together in sun and rain to fill several 30- yard dumpsters with garbage and debris, cap the site with fill, construct 36 wooden raised beds, and fill them with rich, safe compost. In their newly reclaimed piece of ground, participants are excited to be growing beans, corn, tomatoes, hot peppers, amaranth, cabbage, and much more.

The neighborhood has gained a garden; refugees have a new community focus and a place to grow their own food; and a corner of Providence just got a little bit greener and little more global.

If you would like to donate household/garden items or would like to learn more about volunteering with refugees contact Mary Ellen Lynch at 401-784-8649.

Building the Garden and Planting Day

Photos and story by Ben Torpey