Newcomers Cultivate Community Connection on the Farm
We’re excited to share a story of growth, unity, and the remarkable journey of racialized newcomer women on Common Roots Urban Farm. Amidst the bustling cityscape, these women from different cultures and countries have found a shared purpose: to cultivate community, learn new skills, and embrace their new home. In honor of Welcoming Week 2023, our Newcomer Women Program is proud to present this heartwarming video of how a simple plot of land has become a thriving hub of connection, understanding, and empowerment. This is more than just farming, it's a celebration of diversity, friendship, and the boundless potential that emerges when diverse individuals come together.
Specioza Vumilia Nyirandarama
Kinyarwanda
Nkunda guhinga lengalenga. Nunva nishimye iyo ndi gukora mu murima. Byanfashije guhura n'abantu batandukanye bo ntari kumenyana nabo iyo ntaza gukora aka kazi. Ndimo kwiga amagambo y'icyongereza ntajyaga niga mu ishuri ry'icyongereza. Mbabwirako aha arahantu heza ho gukora akazi kubantu bashyashya bakeneye kwimenyereza kuba muri Nova Scotia. Nifuzako uyu murimo wagumaho igihe kirekire k'ubw'abantu bashyashya.
English
I love growing lengalenga. I feel happy when I work on the farm. It helped me to develop farming skills and it connected me with different people who I would not connect with if I did not be part of the farm. I am learning English words that I was not learning in the English classroom. This is a great workplace for newcomers who need to connect and integrate in Nova Scotia. I wish this work can be long term for newcomers.
Translation for Kinyarwanda and English provided by Newcomer Women Navigator Janet.
Arabic
-انا في الفارم بشعر بالراحة النفسية والسعاده والطاقه وانا بأجواء الطبيعه.
زراعه البندوره وخضروات السلطه.
اكثر شي اني كونت اصدقاء جدد وزادت معارفي وهذا جعلني اكثر ثقه بالنفس.
العمل في الفارم جعلني اكثر التزام وكيفيه العمل بنجاح في مجموعات.
التعاون مع فريق العمل كأننا أسرة واحدة
نصيحتي للناس الجدد القادمين الى كندا انهم يمروا بالتجربه والمشاركه في الفارم.
لتكوين صداقات والاندماج بالمجتمع.
المشاركه في الفارم صحيه لصحتنا البدنيه والنفسيه.
English
Working on the farm makes me happy and very energetic. I like to plant tomatoes and vegetables for salad. Mostly, the farm helped me to make new friends and increase my community and that makes me more confident. From working on the farm, I learned about commitment and working in groups. I recommend the farm to everybody for many things, to meet new people and make friends, have different skills and more involvement in the community. Working on the farm is good for our well being!
Sana Arafat
Translation for Arabic and English provided by Newcomer Women Navigator Iman.
Khadro Jeele
Somali
Waxa ugu jeclahay bixideeda wa yanyo. Wan ku farax sanahay marka an beerta kashaqay nayo. Siwanagsan bay iicawiyeen. Waxan kabartay warabinta iyo wax yabo kala duwan. Shaqa way fiicantah dadkana waa dad fiican.
English
My favorite thing to grow is tomatoes. I feel happy when I work on the farm. They help me a lot. I learn different things such as digging and watering plants. I will say there’s really good people, and good opportunities. It’s nice to work with the farm.
Translation for Somali and English provided by Newcomer Women Navigator Deko.
