The importance of SALT in development sector: An observation

[Lakshmikanta Singh]

In the context of planning development processes for any NGOs “SALT” can be an acronym representing approach to community development. SALT stands for “Stimulate, Appreciate, Learn, and Transfer”. This approach emphasizes collaborative and community driven development. Here’s brief overview of how SALT can be applied for NGOs development process.

Stimulate: Meaning: NGOs should stimulate local initiatives by encouraging communities to identify their strengths, needs, and aspirations.

Implementation: Facilitate discussions and activities that empower community members to recognize their potential and take the lead in shaping their development.

    Appreciate: Meaning: Acknowledge and appreciate the existing capacities, assets, and positives aspects within the community.

Implementation: Encourage a positive and appreciative mindset, focusing on what the community already does well and building upon those strengths rather than focusing solely on deficiencies.

    Learn: Meaning: Facilitate continuous learning within the community and among NGO staff.

Implementation: Foster an environment of shared learning, where community members and NGO staff exchange knowledge and experiences. This can involve training sessions, workshops, and collaborative problem solving.

Transfer: Meaning: Empower communities to take ownership of their development process.

Implementations: Support the transfer of responsibilities, skills, and decision making power to the community. This can involve capacity–building initiatives, mentoring and creating mechanisms for sustained community-led development.

Applying the SALT approach in NGO development processes encourage a participatory and strengths-based approach, fostering sustainable development that is rooted in the community’s own resources and aspirations. It emphasizes collaboration, mutual learning and the empowerment of local communities. I have learnt all of this important process during my last two day (on 17^th and 18^th Nov. 2023) long ARC partner gathering meeting organized by GFC in Dhaka. I do believe this lesson will be very helpful for me to initiate any development program in my organization. So, lots of thanks to GFC team members Ms. Rituu B. Nanda and Mr. Shahnawaz for their cordial and skillful facilitation in that partners gathering meeting.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Thanks for the blog, am very eager to hear more as you are a fascinating story teller. Warm greetings!