Urban gardening for inclusion, interaction, participation and solidarity

<< Background >>This project expanded the experience and the network of the organization and improved the work with marginalized groups. A common need they had, was to increase the knowledge and skills of their members and target groups, in terms of exploring key concepts like culture, dialogue, environment etc. In addition, through this project, they improved their understanding of intercultural dialogue at the European and national level, and they got knowledge on how to use urban gardening as a tool for the integration of socially excluded people. MindSpin, Verde (were newcomers) and Navissos had experience mainly in the implementation of local projects rather than International and they shared their experience and expanded network with new organizations. ACD La Hoya is a very experienced organisation that shared good practices from implementing and participating in previous projects but also wants to explore new tools and methods for community building and social cohesion. During the project, we focused on the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups and on equal opportunities for participation in outdoor urban gardening activities for everyone. More specifically we supported that urban gardens can unite societies that face cultural gap. << Objectives >>The objectives that we aimed to achieve through this project were as follows:1-Promote urban gardening as a tool for active involvement and empowerment of local community members, especially those who are marginalised and at risk of exclusion, such as migrants, seniors, and the long-term unemployed.2-Develop a creative instructional approach to cultivate soft skills such as interpersonal contact, teamwork, management, and preparation through garden work.3-Combat mental fatigue resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic4-Promote an eco-friendly way of living by creating and maintaining urban gardens. 5-Strengthen ideals of active citizenship, socialisation, and volunteering within the community.6-Use urban gardening as a tool for intercultural and intergenerational dialogue. << Implementation >>During the project, we created a Guide about urban gardening and how it could be used for education, equal access, social cohesion, and the development of soft skills. After implementing the Guide, we organized workshops in our local communities to demonstrate the practical importance of urban gardening and test the Guide's effectiveness. Each organization implemented five workshops with at least 20 participants, ensuring equal access for all individuals. We collected feedback from participants to evaluate the impact of the Guide and make any necessary improvements based on their input.<< Results >>Establishment of urban gardens: We successfully set up and maintained urban gardens within the community, providing a common garden space for community members to work and engage in gardening activities.Creation of the Guide: We prepared a comprehensive Guide that provided all the necessary information for the target groups to effectively use urban gardening as a tool for their active participation, education, and socialization within the neighborhood.Increased community involvement: The project resulted in a higher level of active participation and engagement from the local community members, including disadvantaged individuals such as migrants, seniors, and the long-term unemployed. They actively participated in working in the gardens and contributed to their maintenance.Knowledge and skills development: Through the Guide and hands-on experience in the gardens, community members gained valuable knowledge and practical skills related to urban gardening. They learned about gardening techniques, plant care, and sustainable practices, enhancing their understanding and abilities in this field.Socialization and community connections: The project fostered socialization and community connections among the participants.