Hêvî Community Garden update, spring 2025: Growing together

The Hêvî Community Garden in Gawilan camp in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq continues to grow, both in greenery and in community impact. ‘Hêvî’, meaning ‘hope’ in Kurdish, remains a fitting name for this space, which brings people together to cultivate not only produce, but also connection, purpose and resilience.

Gawilan camp is home to more than 10,000 people and around 2,400 families, most of whom are Kurdish and originally from the Syrian cities of Al Hasakah and Aleppo. In this setting, the garden is more than a plot of land – it is a green sanctuary for healing, nourishment and hope.

Thanks to the ongoing dedication of our team and beneficiaries, and with invaluable support from partners and donors, the garden has seen a season of strong development. These recent improvements are helping to make Hêvî a more beautiful, accessible and productive space for all who use it.

40 new raised growing beds complete

This spring saw a significant expansion in growing space, with 40 new raised growing beds constructed and assigned to beneficiaries. These additions bring the total number of growing beds in Hêvî to 92, marking a major milestone for the project.

The new beds were filled with nutrient-rich soil and are already being used by newly registered gardeners. This expansion means more families now have access to a productive plot where they can grow fresh food, build skills and connect with nature.

Infrastructure and access improvements

Several key upgrades this April have significantly improved the garden’s functionality and ease of access.

To support reliable irrigation, a cement base was constructed for the installation of new water tanks, which are now fully operational. These were connected to the main water line via a 1.5-inch hose, and new cable wiring was laid to power a pump and tap system, ensuring consistent water distribution throughout the garden.

To make the space safer and more welcoming in the evenings, a projector light was installed on the roof of the bakery house. This additional lighting allows beneficiaries to continue gardening after sunset, especially during the warmer months.

Access around the site has also been enhanced. A newly built walkway now connects the main entrance to key areas such as the office, storage room and facilities. Near the office, a decorative fence was installed to define the garden’s layout and create a more inviting, thoughtfully designed space.

Planting developments and greening the garden

Seasonal planting is well underway. On 5 April, beneficiaries began sowing summer crops, including molokhia, okra, corn, aubergine and peppers. While the current crop yield stands at around 600 kilograms (a slight dip due to the transition from winter to summer planting), harvests are expected to increase steadily as new plantings mature.

Two-tiered flowerbeds were built beside the bakery house, painted a soft pink and filled with ornamental flowers. Raised growing beds were refreshed with lemon yellow paint and benches across the garden were repainted in cheerful colours to brighten shared spaces and invite community use.

Tree planting efforts brought added shade and greenery. Ten new trees were introduced to replace unsuitable varieties and two damaged trees in the nearby market area were removed and replaced. One beneficiary kindly donated five additional trees, contributing to the continued development of the garden’s landscape.

Partnerships and outreach

Spring has also brought rich opportunities to connect with partners and raise awareness of our work.

Visitors from The Lotus Flower organisation toured the garden and learned more about our model and impact. Local stakeholders, including the Director of DOLSA Kindergarten, members of the local police and Asayish (security) also visited the site, receiving a full overview of our current activities and future plans.

In addition, our team participated in coordination and management meetings with camp authorities and other NGOs. These meetings provided a platform to share updates, celebrate progress and advocate for additional support to enhance daily operations.

Looking ahead

With every season, Hêvî Community Garden continues to grow stronger. New infrastructure, fresh plantings and engaged community members are all helping to shape a space that is practical, uplifting and full of potential. Our vision is to continue expanding the garden with new shared spaces, educational activities and areas for children and families to enjoy.

We’re deeply grateful to all who make this work possible – our donors, our partners, our team and our beneficiaries. Special thanks to Othman (manager), Roken (garden facilitator) and the Azadî team for their ongoing dedication, care and support. Their hard work and guidance remain essential to the garden’s continued success.

Help us grow this community

As we approach Refugee Week (16–22 June) and its theme of ‘Community as a Superpower’, we’re raising funds to take the next steps in developing our community garden before the summer heat sets in.

In a camp where temperatures often reach 45°C and the landscape is dry and exposed, the Hêvî Community Garden is a rare patch of green. It provides space to grow food, share knowledge and build community from the ground up.

We’re aiming to raise $960 USD / £710 GBP / €846 EUR to support three key developments.

🌳 A Resting Area

A shaded, canopied space with seating where women can take tea together, exchange seeds, swap gardening tips and take part in workshops. It will provide a safe, welcoming space for women and their children to come together, build friendships and strengthen community ties.

(Target: $700 USD / £518 GBP / €617 EUR)

🍵 Refreshments

Tea and light snacks provide a chance for gardeners to refuel during sessions, while also creating moments for connection and conversation.

(Target: $60 USD / £44 GBP / €52 EUR)

🌱 A Polytunnel

This will allow us to start seedlings under partial shade, shield young plants from hot winds, and introduce drip irrigation and shade netting, boosting our ability to grow more food and increase food security for families as we head into the autumn season.

(Target: $200 USD / £148 GBP/ €176 EUR)

Your donation could contribute to one of these elements or help us meet wider needs as they arise, supporting a growing, working space at the heart of Gawilan camp.

Help us cultivate community as a superpower – donate today.

Thank you.