About us

Working principles of the "International Gardens"

1. Create moments of common experiences, learning and growing together.
   The basic principle underlining the concept of the International Gardens is to create moments of common experiences, of learning and growing together. To create bridges to the mainstream of the society, which by itself is in rapid transition, we need to have common experiences; only then we can develop a common language. We apply these principle in our project on a smaller scale - with success.



2. Diversity
   We respect the diversity and variety of all the participants inside our project and of the host society.



3. Selfworth, Self-confidence
   The families discover their own resources and build up their self-esteem and confidence. This influences the attitude of people in the society around the project and strengthens recognation of refugees. Refugees in the project are not only receivers of information: they initiate and conduct many activities. Mostly women were and are the most active participants in the International Gardens.



4. Participation and social inclusion
   The participants are involved in the whole work process; i.e. idea, drawing up the policy, developing the learning styles that are adapted to the participating families, practical work in the garden, organising multiculturel events, etc. Participation in the activities of the local community is part of the process. Vice versa many participants from the local community are integrated into the project and are enjoying the friendliness and kindness of refugee families.



5. Adressing practical needs
   Eventhough in Germany there is a well functioning welfare system and accepted refugees are secure, there are still many refugee families who are confronted with a shortage of money to keep up with many requirements of the society. The project offers to those families with little income a possibility for some to have access to garden plots and take part in other activities; like learning the local language.



6. Respectful relationships
   We promote the principle of solidarity and social cohesion. Good relationship helps us bring our strength, our skills and valuable experiences together.



7. Sharing and contributing
   Many of the participants enjoy sharing everyday life experiences. We say, everybody can contribute
   everyone in his way. The elder members take their time and often listen to the problems
   of the members.



8. Conflict management
   When people from different cultures and with different expectations come together,
   this may lead to conflicts. In the project families learn and work out
   together in a sensitive and culturally appropriate way how to handle the
   various conflicts in every days life. One important aspect is to
   contribute to a peaceful coexistance of all.



9. Integration of the local people and cooperation with local institutions
   We believe that we have to open ourselves even more to the local people. We have
   to show the local people that there is no reason for them to fear refugees.



10. Holistic approach
    As a familiy oriented project we make all efforts to be good examples for
    the youth. We take into consideration the needs of each, the generations,
    the different cultures, the expectations, well-being etc. We take and
    give back, we share and receive.