Centre for Minorities Research Podcast

Thank you to Rachael Jefferies for inviting us on to the Centre for Minorities Research Podcast to talk about our work.

The Centre for Minorities Research is based at the University of St Andrews, St Andrews in Scotland, UK. And the centre’s student-led podcast provides a space for students to creatively explore their research interests.

We’re delighted to feature on the first episode of season 2.

“Growing Flowers in the Desert: A Conversation with the Lemon Tree Trust will reveal how one packet of seeds can bring hope to even the most desolate of situations. In this podcast, Rachael Jefferies, a Master of Arts (Honours) student in French and German, explores the power of gardening with Jennie Spears from the Lemon Tree Trust. Discover stories of displaced individuals and see how the act of gardening becomes a common language of dignity between people and a bridge to build community.”

In the 30 minute episode, we answer questions, such as:

  • How did it all start? What was the founder’s inspiration for creating the Lemon Tree Trust?
  • What plants do people like to grow?
  • How can people that have been displaced use their garden space to move on from their previous lives but also to bridge the link between their previous lives and their current situation?
  • Would you say you have come across people who are new to gardening, as well as people who have always enjoyed it?
  • Is there anything that we can do as listeners to support the vision of the Lemon Tree Trust?

Listen to the podcast episode.

Photo: Roadside Plant Store flowers, Kurdistan Region of Iraq © Britt Willoughby Dyer

 

Thanks to the generous support of our donors, the Gawilan Community Garden project has reached a significant milestone. Lemon Tree Trust team members have successfully installed a vital water supply infrastructure, paving the way for the development of a vibrant community garden in Gawilan refugee camp. After a summer break due to extreme temperatures, our … Continued

As well as making a one-off or monthly donation to Lemon Tree Trust to support our work, we love seeing members of our community raising funds for us in all sorts of creative and exciting ways.   So, if you’re eager to help us expand our gardening activities in displaced communities in the Kurdistan Region of … Continued

Two new bread ovens have been installed in the expanded area of our flagship Azadi community garden, enabling our community to bake more fresh bread and support food security for vulnerable families in Domiz 1 camp, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The two new community bread ovens being built in the extended area of the Azadi … Continued