When I approached Geeta Munda, our newly joined facilitator, during the 'SALT' conversation kickoff and asked her to share something she loves about her life. She then conveyed the following sentiment to me;

‘As a community facilitator, I recently had the opportunity to invite a middle-aged tea worker (Anita Das-55) from my neighborhood to attend the opening ceremony of a project at the upazila office. Initially, she hesitated, citing her responsibilities in the garden. However, after some persuasion and explanation about the event, she agreed to accompany me.

During the ceremony, I noticed a remarkable change in her demeanor as she listened to how the ECDO project aimed to foster local community development through the SALT method. On our way back home, I inquired about her experience, and she expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity. It was evident that attending such an event and learning about the power of acknowledging and praising individuals had left a lasting impression on her.

Her words resonated deeply with me, reaffirming my belief in the transformative potential of the SALT process. It was heartening to witness firsthand how it can empower individuals and communities alike. Her enthusiasm for future participation underscored the impact of our efforts in promoting community engagement and development.’

This conversation served as a powerful reminder of the effectiveness of the SALT approach in awakening intrinsic motivation and fostering community-driven initiatives. It instilled in me a renewed sense of purpose and optimism for our venture's potential to effect meaningful change.

In conclusion, this encounter reaffirmed my conviction that SALT is indeed an ideal tool for uplifting and empowering marginalized communities. The dialogue between us highlighted the immense value of fostering a culture of mutual respect, appreciation, and collaboration—a cornerstone of sustainable community development.