I will speak, I will be my strength

[Shahrukh Atpade]

SALT Activity is conducted in Vashi village through the Avani organization.
A SALT family from Vashi village contacted me over the phone and asked me to take SALT in a family. There were some problems in that family regarding their children. I went to their house. There were 2 small rooms of 10 × 10. 1 elderly grandmother and a family of 4 lived in that house.
I started discussing with them and got to know them.

After a while the SALT process started Mother, father and little boy were talking. But their elder daughter who was in 8th grade was not talking. Everyone started telling good things about their life. Father and mother started talking very heartily. Parents encouraged their daughter to speak.

She started talking. She said, I am very scared. In the school I study in, a boy in my class used to abuse a lot. I didn't like it. I used to think that I should drop out of school and stay at home.
After a few days it was realized that he was addressing me and insulting me. I felt very sorry for this. I came home and for one reason or another the school took a break. I did not say anything when my parents asked. I used to sit quietly at home. Didn't talk to anyone. My mother started to know that I was hiding something. When she took me closer and asked me, I told my mother everything that had happened.

After going to school with mother, mother told the teacher about this type and asked them to take action on it. Mother did all these activities for me without fear. I felt so much better. And I thought I want to be strong like my mother. She has to learn to deal with situations like hers. Today I feel great to share this story with everyone. My mind is opening up.

AER
1. Today I was able to talk to my parents very freely. - girl
2. As a father, I will strive to fulfill all the dreams of my family. - Father.

Reflections

• I came to know from this SALT that even when children are in some difficulty, they are not able to tell this to their family with confidence. But when we connect with them through SALT, they are able to tell, that too with courage.
• Next time I go to a family to take SALT, I will encourage the children to speak more.