Dresden › International Gardens In January 2005 the association "Dresden International Gardens, Inc." was founded – an intercultural association for the promotion of self-initiated activities, integration and social development." The founding members – people with immigrant backgrounds as well as Germans – were united by the idea, to create in the urban setting a green oasis, a place for "culture" to happen. The "Dresden International Garden" wanted a space for self-initiated activities by all parties involved, as well as for the exchange of knowledge. Therefore, they are a place for meeting, communication, as well as production. Those involved in the garden can contribute to their self-sufficiency, meet people from foreign countries, realize their own ideas and develop intercultural competence. Besides horticultural activities there shall also be space for continuing education, as well as cultural and social events. The guiding principle for our work is empowerment of the democratic everyday culture and therefore the civil society as well. The mutual acknowledgement of differing living situations and cultures and the equal exchange between Germans and non-Germans is not merely a side effect of our project. When people get to know each other, it is difficult to maintain prejudices. Educational pursuits, the benefit from resources especially for asylum seekers (e. g. cooking classes, lectures about their native lands, joint language classes, etc.) will not only enable encounters and friendships, but also actively strengthen civil-social citizen engagement against racism and right wing extremism. We are members of the network "Tolerantes Sachsen e.V. (Tolerant Saxony, Inc.). The target group: The Dresden International Gardens are open for everybody who feels a garden promises fulfillment of whatever kind – be it the joy for growing plants or the consumption of fruits and vegetables, or the interest in making contacts during the joint activities or an economical interest, a meaningful occupation in fresh air or just the possibility for relaxation, in the midst of the neighborhood's hectic environment – enjoying the sight of a flower bed. People from ethnic minorities, irregardless of their origin, religion, age and status in society are the main area of interest for the project. Families with children and refugees, are granted special attention, but also engaging people with German backgrounds is explicitly desired. |