Starting and Managing a Peace Garden: A Step-by-Step Initiative by YVO
At YVO, we believe in promoting peace and community engagement through meaningful environmental projects. One of our initiatives focuses on creating Peace Gardens, where local communities can come together, plant trees, and celebrate the values of peace. Here's a detailed look at how we started and managed the Peace Garden project across three districts.
Step 1: Community Engagement and Planning
The journey began with a meeting between YVO staff, three community focal points, and local residents. The role of the community focal points was crucial, as they were involved in both the planning phase and in supervising the day-to-day activities of the Garden. Their deep connection with the community ensured that the project was aligned with local needs and aspirations.
Step 2: Site Selection and Preparation
The next step involved choosing suitable locations for the Gardens. Working together, the YVO team and volunteer focal points assessed various areas for their potential to support plant life. The selected sites were evaluated for access to water and soil conditions. Before any planting began, necessary ground preparation was done, including addressing compacted soil and ensuring adequate irrigation.
As part of the preparation, the team also developed and wrote messages for the planting day. These messages highlighted the importance of the project, encouraging participants to view the garden as a symbol of peace for their community.
Step 3: Selecting Locations for the Garden
In consultation with the community, several potential sites were identified across different regions. After careful consideration, we selected three prime locations for the Gardens:
Rodat: A public space near a madrasa was chosen as an accessible and central location for the community.
Chaparhar: A community area was selected to serve as gathering point for residents.
Pachir Agam: The border area of Tora Bora, which is rich in history, was chosen as a symbol of resilience.
Step 4: Selecting the Right Trees
With the locations set, the next step was to choose the right types of trees for planting. We selected a variety of fruit trees, including:
Persimmons – Symbolizing harmony
Apples – Representing knowledge and growth.
Citrus Trees – Known for their resilience and bright, vibrant nature.
These trees were chosen not only for their symbolic significance but also for their potential to thrive in the local climate.
Step 5: The Planting Ceremony and Community Discussions
The planting ceremony was a key event in this initiative. At each of the three locations, participants gathered to plant the trees, marking the occasion with discussions about the importance of the Peace Garden. The participants spoke about the garden as a symbol of hope, unity, and within the community..
Celebrating Success and Gratitude
At the end of each event, YVO expressed its appreciation for the active participation of everyone involved. Special thanks were extended to the youth for their dedication and hard work in bringing the Garden to life. The community’s involvement .
Through this project, YVO aims to promote long-term sustainability by fostering collaboration between local residents, raising awareness about environmental stewardship, and symbolizing hope for future generations.