Before writing was developed, cultures passed along their traditions, history and identity, through stories, proverbs, poems, songs and riddles. These are all oral art forms. In other words they are spoken, sung or chanted, and can form part of dance, drama or discussion.

They are a way to communicate everything that matters without putting anything into writing.

In this new 'How To Build Community' episode, I chat with an orality expert from Sierra Leone, and hear that even…

Hi all!

In this recent episode of the 'how to build community' podcast you can listen in on a conversation of community leaders from around the world - all members of Arukah Network - in which they discuss how to make the global health system fit for the future. And the answer, they argue, is to put ‘community’ at its centre. It's an interesting conversation, featuring voices from India, Laos, Nepal, Nigeria and…

Met with Anganwadi Sevika while working in connection with SALT in Vashi. Anganwadi sevika explained their problem that the number of children in Anganwadi is decreasing and parents are admitting their children to English medium schools. At that time Anganwadi sevika find the solution is that they should communicate with parents through SALT. It is one of impact of SALT. Anganwadi sevika realize the strength of SALT.…

SALT process is being implemented in Nandwal village, Maharashtra, India under the project Gender Equality through Avani organization. This work has reached many people in the village.

Six months ago when village panchayat elections were held in Nandwal village, a woman named Trishala (name changed) stood in our ward as a woman candidate. She used to visit my house…

Recently, in a candid conversation with a friend, I asked him a question that caught him off guard: "What makes you feel proud?" His immediate response was that pride seemed like too high an emotion to truly experience. Intrigued, I followed up with another question: "Can you recall any incidents from your past that brought you happiness?" Although he hesitated at first, he eventually opened up, sharing a few instances where his work had taken him around the world, offering him a lot…

Hi everyone ! 

I just want to share my thoughts on SALT by indicating the SALT as a beautiful Balloon. The thought emerged or something stimulated me to think on it today when I was on the way home from the office, I  realized myself…

The How To Build Community podcast recently published its 50th episode! Over 6 years, I've spoken with 61 interviewees, from 23 countries, all with stories, wisdom and insight on ways to build and sustain a healthy community. 

In it, I reflect on some of what I have learned during this time, and share some highlights. See what you think, and if you like it do subscribe in your podcast app and tell others about it!…

In the heartwarming tale of the Das family, we encounter the power of discussion and encouragement in transforming a young girl's life. Rina (name changed), a bright and eager learner, was forced to abandon her education due to her family's circumstances.

However, through the utilization of the SALT technique and sheer determination, her parents managed to reignite hope and ensure their daughter regained access to education. Despite their initial enthusiasm, Rina's attendance at the…

Knowledge Fair is the fair where the different peoples without experts join together in one umbrella (objective) to learn and share their experiences and challenges. They don’t only share their experience but also learn from each other.  …

Loss and grief affect all of us at some point in our lives.

In this recent episode of my 'How To Build Community' podcast, I spoke with Barnabé Anzuruni, a theologian based in Kenya, who shared with me his personal experiences of loss and also his experience of supporting others through their grief.…

I facilitated SALT conversation in a village where. children and men were present. In the beginning, everyone was looking at each other, wondering what to say, but eventually everyone started talking...

One of the girls,…

Members of the Thanjavur Medical Journal (TMJ) Community, had its first online meeting about a week ago. The main point was to discuss sources of funding to start the Journal. 



After this online meeting, I posted the points discussed in the TMJ WhatsApp groups of over 460 doctors, which sparked of a series of discussions. Presented is one of the…

A short proud story from the life of 38 years old woman, she is temporary worker at Bhatpara tea garden.

Hi everyone, I’m Nityam Ghosh. I work with Rural Aid NGO with support from Global Fund for Children is in Alipurduar District, Kalchini Block, State of West Bengal, India. We work in the tea gardens on the issue of trafficking and child labour. When we had SALT conversation, she shared one of the best proud story from her life, her story fascinated me.

When the wife of any…

I am sharing some sweet memories of these 3F's with you through a short video. It was a different experience for us. It was a huge energizer for us. So let's see this awesome experience..Fair of Learning, Fair of Friendship, Fair of Culture That's called Knowledge Fair.

https://youtu.be/xmAwpmSb7fY…

In the village of Nandwal, work has been going on for the last two years through SALT under Avani organization. Gram Panchayat, other villagers, children, and women had created a dream in their village. 

n the common village dream, the Gram Panchayat, and the villagers dreamed of planting trees in it. Everyone had this dream but no one could take the initiative…

Hi everyone ! This is Ujana Minj, Rati Lama and Pancham Minj from Rural Aid NGO work with support from Global Fund for Children is in Alipurduar District, Kalchini block (State of West Bengal, India). We work in the tea gardens on the issue of trafficking and child labour. Blog written & supported by Dheeraj Lepcha.      

Community sustainability and ownership is one of the dreams of…

We would go from 10 am to 6:30 pm to take SALT Activity in the villages of Pirwadi, Vashi Nandwal, Kandgaon, and Kerli through Avani Organization. During this time we were able to meet y Anganwadi Sevaka, Gram Panchayat, and some women. But during this time we could not meet men or other people who are engaged in any job or business or farming. 

1. As a solution to…

Philip Forth describes, "A Knowledge Fair is an event is which people come together to learn and to share based on their experiences. The guiding principle is that all of have something to learn and that all of us have something to share. There are no experts."

I have been part of several learning festivals and Knowledge Fairs. I wrote a blog/compiled photos after almost all the events.