When a Community Finds Its Own Resources through SALT : Learnings from Football Initiative by Narayanganj Harijan Community

[Brinty Saha]

When we talk about change in a community, it’s easy to focus on what’s missing like lack of funds, lack of infrastructure, lack of external support. But the essence of SALT is different. SALT is not about always identifying problems. It’s about uncovering what’s possible with the resources already in the community.

The story of a football tournament in Narayanganj Harijan Community shows us that communities already hold the strengths, resources, and energy they need to make things happen, when those strengths are recognized and appreciated.

It all started with a SALT conversation with Ruptanu from Narayanganj Harijan Community, a passionate adolescent boy who had been playing football for seven years. Over time, he had already gathered resources like footballs, trophies and jerseys, and he also had the support system of his father having experience of playing football at national level, who was willing to guide him and help manage the field arrangements during tournaments. Yet, despite these strengths and resources, Ruptanu had not taken initiative before. Through SALT conversation, he began to recognize his own potential, the resources already around him, and the networks he could mobilize. With the support of his father, who helped with arrangements, secured field permission, and even served as a referee, Ruptanu designed and organized the Bhai-Brothers Football Tournament on 26th march, 2025, 24 adolescent players (aged 8–14) gathered at Allauddin Khan Stadium, Narayanganj.

The energy didn’t stop there. Inspired by the football tournament, Ruptanu soon after, along with other adolescents, invited Munshiganj Bede Community for a friendly football match again with his father stepping in as referee. What began as one adolescent’s passion turned into a chain of initiatives, strengthening bonds not only within Narayanganj but also with neighboring communities.

In Narayanganj, a simple football tournament & match reminded me that solutions don’t always come from outside. Communities already hold many of the resources they need to bring about change. These resources are often overlooked because they are so familiar and close at hand. They are often waiting within the community itself, ready to be recognized, appreciated, and acted upon.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Amazing facilitation by Alokito Kori and great blog Brinty! Who clicked these beautiful pictures?

[Sadia Jafrin]

Excellent! I can feel the energy from your writing. 

[Parvez Hassan]

Wow this is amazing.. 

Excellent written Brinty

[Nishat Tasnim Liza]

Such a beautiful story, thank you for sharing! 🌸 I really loved how it highlighted the power of recognizing existing strengths within a community. It reminded me that change doesn’t always need big external support—sometimes it just takes trust, encouragement, and appreciation to help people see the resources they already have. Truly inspiring!