New bread ovens installed at the Azadi Community Garden

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 Community Garden.

Meeting the growing demand for bread

Bread baking has been a central activity at the garden, with Syrian khubz (flatbread) being a daily staple for many. After the Azadi garden’s expansion in October 2023, which brought in an additional 50 gardeners per day, the existing oven couldn’t keep up with demand.

The two new ovens will help increase bread production for both the gardeners and families in need, while sustaining the tradition of baking daily khubz.

Bread dough being shaped into balls, before being baked in the Azadi community bread oven.

Roasting fresh produce – a taste of home

Beyond bread, the ovens are used to roast vegetables, adding variety to the food shared in the community, with Syrian dishes like baba ghanoush made from the aubergines grown in the garden.

Community grown aubergines roasting.

Supporting the community

The new ovens are part of the broader development of the Azadi Community Garden, which plays a key role in improving food security and providing a space for families to grow and share food.

With more gardeners now involved, the garden continues to thrive as an essential community hub for Domiz 1 camp, where people can build connection and belonging, they can improve their wellbeing, their environment, and build a better future for themselves and their families.

A gardener with freshly harvested molokhia in the extended Azadi garden; gardeners prepare molokhia and take tea together.

Help us grow in Gawilan

As Azadi flourishes, we’re working to bring similar support to Gawilan refugee camp through our Gawilan Community Garden Appeal. Your donation will help create a new garden and community bread oven for the 10,000+ residents of Gawilan.

All donations are currently being match-funded, doubling your impact.

Visit our Gawilan Community Garden Appeal to learn more and donate today. Your support makes a real difference to families in need.

Gardeners in the Azadi Community Garden.