My Journey with SALT: Empowering My Community

[Humaira Yasmin Peya]

As the head of programs at BRED, my work often keeps me occupied in the office or traveling to oversee initiatives. However, I recently decided to try something new—something deeply personal. I wanted to use the SALT approach in my own village to connect with my roots and see if I could truly initiate any change within my own community.

One evening, while sitting with a group of neighbors over tea, a conversation naturally unfolded about the issues they face in my community. It is the most pressing problem that emerged: the lack of access to clean drinking water. There was no tubewell in the area, and people had to walk long distances to collect drinking water. Children often fell sick due to contamination from alternative water sources, which are polluted.

Hearing this, my neighbors turned to me for help, knowing I work for an NGO. “Humaira, can’t you get us a tubewell through your NGO?” Someone asked earnestly.This was a pivotal moment for me. Instead of immediately stepping in to solve the issue as I might have done in the past, I remembered the essence of SALT: Stimulate, Appreciate, Learn, and Transfer. I asked them a question that paused the conversation.”Why haven’t we acted together on this problem ourselves?”At first, there was silence. Then came a variety of responses.“We tried, but nothing happened,” said one elder.“We even collected some money, but it wasn’t enough,” added another.

The frustration and helplessness in their voices were evident, but I also saw something else—a spark of determination that had been dimmed but not extinguished. So I decided to dig deeper to understand their collective story. Over the next few weeks, I facilitated several SALT-inspired conversations. I didn’t lecture or direct them. Instead, I encouraged everyone to share their experiences, their small attempts, and their aspirations.

Through these conversations, something remarkable began to happen. The community realized they had the resources and the strength within themselves to address their problems, but they hadn’t yet channeled that energy collectively. With this realization, we began listing out not just the water issue but other challenges too. What stood out was a collective desire to take ownership of the situation rather than waiting for outside help.

We decided to draft an application to the local Union Parishad, seeking their support for installing a tubewell. This process itself was transformative. Everyone contributed their ideas, and it became a true community effort. A few representatives volunteered to take the application to the Union office. When they returned with the news that our request was approved, the excitement was palpable.Everyone was happy.

A few weeks later, the tubewell was installed. Seeing clean water gush out of it for the first time was an emotional moment for all of us. Children laughed and played, and elders shared how much this would change their daily lives. What moved me most was seeing how proud everyone felt—not because someone from outside had come to “save” us, but because we had done it ourselves.

This experience taught me something profound. As much as I work to empower others through my role at BRED. It’s the simple, heartfelt conversations—the SALT Approach—that create lasting change. My village didn’t just gain a tubewell; we rediscovered the power of unity and self-reliance. And as I reflect on this journey, I feel grateful to have been both a facilitator and a part of this collective transformation

[Sadia Jafrin]

Excellent! Congratulations

[Shahrukh Atpade]

An inspiring story of community empowerment, using the SALT approach to solve the water crisis through unity and self-reliance.

[Tasnim Hassan]

It’s amazing how a simple shift in perspective—focusing on the strengths and resources already present—can lead to such transformative outcomes. Thank you for sharing!