Fionnuala O’Connell, youth project worker at the Cork Migrant Centre and Sr Josephine Aboagje OLA. Mission Sunday Supplement
Michelle Robertson
The 6th September saw the official launch of the Solidarity Garden by the Lord Mayor of Cork City, Cllr. Deirdre Forde. The garden was set up on the front lawn of Ardfoyle convent towards the end of last year. The initiative was spearheaded by Dr Naomi Masheti of the Cork Mirant Centre, and began with seven migrant families as a pilot project. It has grown to create a safe space for migrant families from around the world. These are families who are living in Direct Provision Centres; involved with the Cork Migrant Centre and Nano Nagle Place; as well as newly arrived Ukranian refugees. They come together to grow food crops from their home countries.
Some may think it fortuitous that the LTI (Local Training Initiative) Horticulture Programme that was previously in Bessborough, now runs their annual training programme from the old Laundry Garden in Ardfoyle. We believe that Larry and his team were directed to us through an act of providence. The students and team have provided valuable assistance and expertise in the international garden, enthusiastically passing along their own learning to these new gardeners.
However, it’s about so much more than gardening. With childcare always a challenge and often a barrier to participating in activities and learning initiatives, the garden allows for family participation. “Witnessing the pleasure of the children laughing and playing as their parents garden is an unexpected and delightful reward,” said Sr Maura Cranney OLA at the launch.
Fionnuala O’Connell, a youth project worker at the Cork Migrant Centre agrees. She says that the positive impact of being able to grow familiar foods, and then provide that food to their children not only helps families to keep their own culture alive, but also assists them with integration into life in Ireland.
For over 130 years, the OLA have sent Irish sisters, from our house in Ardfoyle, to the African continent. We are well aware of the hardships faced in a foreign land. Now, 136 years later, we have the pleasure of witnessing the full circle of our mission in welcoming sisters from all over Africa to Ireland. We see this garden as an extension of our mission and a part of who and what we are. It is representative of all that we stand for.