TCV Building Roots project seeks to introduce and connect Syrian refugee families living in Scotland to Scottish heritage and green spaces close to where they live.
Building Roots runs at various sites across Scotland, aiming to help families put down roots in a new country. The project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with support from partner organisations including Historic Environment Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the National Trust for Scotland.
The project has successfully brought Syrian families together to get to know their new local area, with the women joining in with the volunteering sessions when they would have stayed at home otherwise.
One of the women who started volunteering with Building Roots is Roba, who moved to Scotland two years ago with her husband and 2 sons. Since joining the project, Roba now works for TCV as a sessional worker after discovering her passion for conservation through the community group.
I have participated in many activities at Building Roots, including different trips, women’s activities, groups for young mothers, with children, and men’s activities. My favourite is our group in the Botanics every Wednesday, where older Syrian women can come together. I feel it makes a big difference because the women would stay at home every day if it wasn’t for us.
Roba
Building Roots is the perfect example of a TCV project where the main purpose of protecting and caring for local green spaces is just one part of what makes these projects so vital and special.
The project has created a community for these families and given the chance to make their mark on their new home.