Last summer, Riada Kullani found herself facing a familiar scenario when anti-immigration riots shook the UK. Having fled Albania to escape danger, she had experienced hostility upon her arrival in Britain, initially being detained in Wakefield and later moving to shared asylum-seeker housing in Stockton-on-Tees. The memories of those times, marked by red-painted chipboard doors in rundown buildings slated for demolition, still haunt her.
Living with other traumatized women from various countries, Riada endured nightly harassment by hostile groups outside their residence, who would pelt objects at their windows and hurl insults. The constant fear prevented them from even buying groceries without trepidation. Visiting her former shared house, Riada was overwhelmed by memories of those distressing times.
The recent riots, occurring close to her current residence, reignited the same fear and apprehension among Riada and fellow refugees, making them reluctant to venture outside once again. The unrest, following a tragic knife attack in Southport, resulted in chaotic scenes in Middlesbrough, with widespread vandalism and damages exceeding £750,000.
Despite the turmoil, the community in Middlesbrough displayed resilience and unity by swiftly cleaning up the streets and protecting vulnerable locations like mosques from potential harm. Projects like The Flower Patch, a gardening initiative where locals and refugees collaborate, symbolize this collective strength and determination to rebuild and coexist harmoniously.
Riada, a former lawyer from Albania who self-taught English by watching children’s shows, emphasized the importance of integration and cooperation with the local community. The Flower Patch, she explained, goes beyond gardening by fostering well-being, harmony, and mutual learning among participants.
In the face of adversity, Riada’s vibrant personality shines through, symbolized by her colorful attire and positive outlook on life. Despite past challenges, she remains optimistic and values the sense of community and purpose instilled by projects like The Flower Patch, which provide solace and a sense of belonging to individuals like herself, Shirley, and Abubakarr.
Shirley, who escaped an abusive marriage, expressed her transformation and newfound confidence nurtured by the Flower Patch experience, highlighting the empowering impact of self-belief and communal support. Abubakarr, a football referee seeking a meaningful life in the UK, found solace and purpose in the gardening project, reinforcing his self-worth and contribution to society.
The Flower Patch’s resilience against vandalism mirrors the resilience of its participants, who continue to replant and rebuild, embodying hope and perseverance. The project’s impact extends beyond the garden, touching lives and fostering connections within the community, as evidenced by locals like Annie and Raph Harrison, who incorporated the Flower Patch’s blooms into their wedding celebration.
Shirley’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment through the Flower Patch serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, encouraging others to embrace their true selves and strive for a brighter, united future. The transformative power of community endeavors like the Flower Patch embodies the potential for collective growth and mutual understanding, paving the way for a more inclusive and harmonious society.
