Empowering CommunitiesThrough SALT: Success stories from Patro and Tea-labor Communities

[Lakshmikanta Singh]

For the past year, Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO), with support from the Global Fund for Children (GFC), has been implementing SALT (Stimulate, Appreciate, Learn, and Transfer) process within the tea labor and Patro communities in Bangladesh.

This Participatory approach has sparked remarkable community-driven initiatives in communities, demonstrating the power of community individuals strength and action for communities self-reliance. The Journey of SALT Conversations Through one-on-one and group SALT conversations, ECDO has encouraged these communities to recognize their strengths and take ownership of their development. The focus has been on Individual SALT conversation, building trust, and inspiring them to turn their aspirations into actions. Over time, these conversations led to the emergence of initiatives that address local needs.

 

Community-Led Initiatives

Patro Community

1. Tuli Patro’s Home Schooling: Tuli, a graduate and homemaker, has started teaching local Patro children who cannot afford private tutors. Her efforts ensure that education remains accessible to the underprivileged in her community.

2. Shosti Patro’s Sewing Classes: Recognizing the potential of sewing as a livelihood skill, Shosti now teaches sewing to other girls in the Patro community.

3. Kalpona Patro’s Literacy Drive: Kalpona dedicates one day a week to teaching illiterate elderly women how to write their names, giving them a sense of identity and empowerment.

4. Football Training by a Patro Youth: A young Patro boy, Hridoy Patro has started football training for

local youth, fostering physical fitness and a sense of purpose. Tea Labor Community

1. Sewing Training for Girls: Some members of the tea labor community have begun providing sewing lessons to young girls, creating opportunities for economic independence.

2. Football Coaching by Dipa Munda: Dipa, a national-level football player, has initiated training sessions for girls in tea labor community, inspiring them to excel in sports and break societal barriers.

 

Knowledge Fair: A Celebration of Achievements

 

On December 19, 2024, ECDO organized a Knowledge Fair at Sylhet Airport High School to

showcase these inspiring initiatives. The event highlighted the rapid progress achieved through the SALT process, providing a platform for the communities to share their stories and motivate others.The fair concluded with a thrilling Friendship Football Match between Airport High School girls team and Doldoli tea labor girls team. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd, including

community members and participants, who were amazed by the exceptional talents and

determination displayed by the players. The match symbolized unity, resilience, and the potential of empowered communities.

 

The Impact of SALT: These initiatives are a testament to the transformative power of SALT and the Community Life Competence Process (CLCP). They reflect how dialogue, appreciation, and community individual action can unlock the latent potential within communities. By leveraging their own resources and talents, Patro and tea labor communities have demonstrated that sustainable development is

Achievable when people take charge of their destiny.

 

Moving Forward

 

ECDO is committed to continuing its support for these communities, ensuring that their efforts

are sustained and scaled. These stories of resilience and innovation are just the beginning of a

larger journey towards empowerment and equality. The success of  SALT process with

Patro and tea labor communities serves as an inspiring model for other marginalized groups.

Together, we can build a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive—a future

shaped by the communities themselves.