When someone hears us

[Santi rambari]

Ashirbad organization has been working in Dalit community in their own way in Mymensingh, Bangladesh  This organization is a community based organization.

After Arshibad  joining GFC, Shanawaz and Rituu B Nanda  visited Arshibad as representatives of GFC .  First they were welcomed by the executive members and staff of Arshibad Sansthan, Dalit community leaders.  Through personals introduction, build a relationship, everyone sat around a circle . Usually visitors sit in the front and community members sit at the back.

Session was interactive. So  People from Ashirbad and Dalit community open their minds and talk to them.  Session in particular have managed to create an environment where they all participate and speak their minds.  No one had ever heard of them like this before.  Nawaz and Ritu's approach was excellent, wich was very well received by the community.  

When the two of them entered the community to visit, many people were looking at them but did not understand anything, but when Ritu stood up and let an old woman sit down and started talking, Ritu and Nawaz won their hearts.  It is not just a matter of Ritu and Nawaz but through them the community gained awareness of the GFC.  They have at least some idea about the GFC.  Thanks and appreciation to GFC for reaching out to the Dalit community and listening to them.  Thanks to Ritu and Nawaz for introducing their beautiful minds.  The community for once did not feel marginalized, untouchable peoples.  Thanks again from the bottom of my heart. 

I did not know that they were using SALT in meeting us but now after two day SALT training I understand this. Arshibad and community people liked Salt Visit for two reasons.  First of all they came to Arshibad and the community, the community did not have to go to them.  The second is that they listened very carefully to the community, there was no pressure or anything.  Everyone was given an opportunity to speak. usually visitors speak but do not listen to the community. Community people were encouraged when they discovered  their own strength and the power within them. 

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Thanks for posting the first blog of ARC initiative! Look forward to more

[Sadia Jafrin]

So inspiring. Thanks a lot for writing and sharing this experience.