heks

Migrants suffer greatly from being uprooted and the ensuing physical and mental effects. Refugees are particularly badly affected by this. Many of them have no work permit and it is very hard for them to find a job. They live alone or with their families, isolated in their homes. They have no social network, which makes it harder for them to integrate into life in Switzerland.

To counteract this, HEKS leases plots of land in family gardening communities, which it cultivates together with migrants. In March 2011 the first two garden projects were opened in western Switzerland, one in Villeneuve and one in Yverdon-les-Bains. A third project was opened 2012 in Lausanne. They are all situated in close proximity to residential areas with a high number of migrants.

All those taking part sign an agreement with HEKS for one season (March to October), undertaking to maintain their share of the garden at least once a week and to attend the garden workshops organised by HEKS. These are held weekly on all sites. The children are involved with the support of volunteers.
Every week, opportunities for exchange are also organised so that participants can bring up issues relating to everyday life in Switzerland. HEKS provides information on the provision of integration services and language resources in order to facilitate access to information and everyday communication.