Representatives from diverse ethnic groups gathered for a gardening event in Montpelier, Virginia. Participants included Vietnamese, Anglos, Hispanics/Latinos, and other ethnic groups, who gladly got their hands and feet in the dirt and learned about the benefits of home gardening.
The event’s goals were to get outside, connect with nature and others, and build community in a cross-cultural environment. The event helped to strengthen the participants’ cross-cultural skills. In contact with nature and on a gorgeous day, participants shared the benefits of gardening for mental and environmental health. Preparing the soil for planting seedlings and seeds, playing softball, soccer, and volleyball, children, youth, and adults created a sense of shared humanity. Group dynamics and activities contributed to generate a sense of community and create bonds beyond age, ethnicity, origin, and culture. Sharing food was also an integrating activity.
The Comboni Missionary Disciples, Comboni Missionary Sisters, and Amigo Azteca Landscaping, Inc. organized the event. This is a Comboni Sisters-led initiative, One World Encounter (OneWe), which aims at building greater understanding, healing, integration, and a sense of shared humanity among diverse individuals and peoples.
Community of Richmond, VA
In partnership with other organizations, a follow-up program will be designed with this same group to contemplate the developments of the vegetable garden, and on October 16, we are planning a fishing event.
