By Haneen Khaled | Program Director
Fouad is a Palestinian refugee living in Burj Barajneh camp in Beirut, where space is limited and access to fresh, affordable food can be challenging. Despite these constraints, Fouad was eager to find practical ways to improve his living conditions and support his household.
Through Jafra’s rooftop gardening initiative, Fouad gained hands-on training in urban agriculture, learning how to make the most of small spaces to grow vegetables and herbs. Motivated and committed, he began applying these techniques on his own rooftop, gradually transforming it into a productive green space.
What makes Fouad’s journey especially inspiring is his continued dedication beyond the training. He is still actively implementing what he learned, experimenting with new types of crops, most recently introducing a new variety of tomatoes to his garden. Fouad remains in close contact with Jafra’s engineer, regularly sharing photos of his progress and seeking technical advice to improve his results. This ongoing communication reflects both his commitment to learning and the sustained support provided by Jafra.
During Ramadan, Fouad’s rooftop garden became especially valuable. As the war affected the region and movement was restricted, many people struggled to access markets and buy fresh vegetables. As a result of his harvest, Fouad was able to rely on his own production to support his household, ensuring access to fresh food during a particularly difficult time.
Today, Fouad’s rooftop garden contributes to his household’s food needs and represents a growing source of knowledge and self-reliance. His initiative highlights how continuous guidance and individual perseverance can turn learning into long-term impact.
Due to your continued support, more individuals like Fouad are able to transform knowledge into sustainable solutions for their households. Your contribution helps turn rooftops into reliable sources of food, resilience, and dignity.
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