BOISE, Idaho (CBS 2) — One group here in Boise is helping refugees become part of our community. Global Gardens is a program of the Idaho Office of Refugees and helps hundreds of refugees every day.
Abdi Kadir Chimwaga immigrated to the US back in 2004. He and his family came as refugees from the African country of Somalia.
“I moved here to survive,” Chimwaga said. “Because over there, there is not a lot of opportunities for work."
In Somalia, Chimwaga says he and his family farmed their land.
So, when he came to the US, he says Global Gardens was a big help.
"I feel more like I'm working harder and I feel I know more stuff, even in Africa, that I didn't know,” Chimwaga said.
Global Gardens helps over 400 refugees, all who help farm their nine community gardens.
"A lot of people working in resettlement realized that refugees really need gardening space,” said CSA coordinator with Global Gardens, Lauren Grieg. “Most of them were gardeners back in their home countries or farmers. And, when they came here they were often place in apartments, when they first arrived and it was really difficult for them."
Managers with Global Gardens say they also help refugees with income.
"Some of them really want to be farmers and engage in the economy here in that way,” Grieg said. “And, so we evolved to include the entrepreneurial program where we, not only help find land and grow vegetables, but also sell them to the greater community."
The program's members sell produce to local restaurants, farmers markets, and even send out monthly bags to subscribers.
But, Chimwaga says one of the most helpful parts of the program is the relationship with other refugees.
"I'm happy to work with them,” Chimwaga said. “I always have contact with them. If they have a question they ask me, and if they have a question I ask them because they know stuff I don't know and I know stuff they don't know."
If you’re interested in becoming a part of the program or taking part in one of the CSA subscriptions, you can find that information on their website.
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