גינות קהילתיות – שדרות Community Gardens - Sederot

1. גינות קהילתיות – שדרות Community Gardens - Sederot Overview: The community gardens program was started by the quality of life group as part of their work in Sederot with the Hamama (social incubator). On July 2013 the newly founded Sustainability center joined the process. At each neighborhood there was a group of active people from the area, who got help and guidance from the incubator and the sustainability center. On some occasions, the municipality joined and helped the initial preparations. Quality Of life Group Sederot Social Incubator – 2013/2014

2. In this neighborhood an active group of students from Sapir College had worked with the local residents, gained their trust and cooperation. Two of the students are also active in the social incubator. They negotiated with the municipality about improving physical conditions on the neighborhood. Some minor improvements were made but around the time of the municipal elections the process was stalled. Community Gardens - Sederot Neve Eshkol – Bialikstreet

3. On 12/2/2014 a big "cleaning the city" operation was held in sederot. Local residents, together with students from Sapir College and many other volunteers planted trees and flowers, painted the area and built temporary garbage cans. After the success of this operation the newly elected mayor promised the residents that the area will be developed, including a playground for children and youth. The local team now holds an effort to write down a list of principals to planning the area. Community Gardens - Sederot Neve Eshkol – Bialikstreet

4. On this area a community garden was started with the help of sustainability center. The place was developed in 2009 but later ruined in the process of adding protected space to the buildings around it. Together with a group of neighbors the place was restored and an irrigation system was restored. Once a week the local residents come with their children to work and play there. We hope that during the summer more people will come and the place will become a center for activities. Community Gardens - Sederot Neve Eshkol – Ahavat Zion

5. On this area there was a project of Sapir College together with activists from the quality of life group. Along with local residents (most of them from the ethiopian community), an outside sitting area was built. Also there were a few meetings with the former mayor and officials in order to meet residents needs and wants. Community Gardens - Sederot Haneviim neighborhood (Hagay Street)

6. Sapir College moved the project out of the neighborhood, before significant progress has been made. This year we community garden will be located inside the youth and children club. Together with the place manager and local families we decided to build the garden near the club. Adults (most of them retired from work) together with their families and children who attend the youth club, will have personal piece of land to work and grow their preferred food and herbs. Until now there were 3 meetings between the neighbors and the local staff. The quality of life group asked to be involved and help along. Community Gardens - Sederot Haneviim neighborhood (Hagay Street)

7. The Dorot community center for people from the Caucasus region, has an educational garden for children who attend the place for afterschool program. Together with welfare (community unit) we decided to invite the neighborhood residents to participate in the place's activities. Already 2 events were held at the place and more are planned in the coming summer days. Community Gardens - Sederot Dorot Center and youth club