Sowing Seeds of Change: The Journey of Prokash bhai and Manira apa

[Sadia Jafrin]

Have you ever experienced that moment when you witness someone's growth firsthand and it fills you with an indescribable sense of joy and pride? That's exactly how I felt recently when I had the opportunity to visit our operation site Byaspur village in Bangladesh during the Eid vacation and observe our two SALT facilitators, Prokash bhai and Manira apa, in action.

 To be honest, my expectations weren't sky-high. Both Prokash bhai and Manira apa were relatively new to the SALT approach, and I knew firsthand that mastering it isn't a walk in the park. However, what I witnessed left me pleasantly surprised.

During a SALT conversation, I noticed some areas where a little tweak could make a big difference. So, I offered them a small feedback and suggested they start the conversation afresh. What followed was beyond my expectations.

Manira apa, in particular, stunned us all with her powerful and heartfelt storytelling. Her demeanor, the way she sought permission to begin, and her overall presence were simply captivating. I couldn't help but feel a shift in the atmosphere, especially when I noticed my cousin's response. Her engagement was palpable, I could see her eyeballs moving very fast, and her voice was trembling with full of emotions, yet her response was remarkably profound, even though we all knew what the questions would be.

Afterward, when I asked Prokash bhai and Manira apa if they noticed anything different, their affirmative response filled me with pride. They not only recognized the change but could articulate it eloquently. Even my cousin shared her experience of the shift she felt during the conversation.

What struck me the most was the realization that both facilitators had undergone a transformation from within. Initially driven by the task at hand, they now approached SALT with a genuine desire to learn from the community. They understood the deeper purpose behind their work, and it reflected in their improved approach.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of lightness and happiness knowing that our facilitators were making tangible progress. From relying on pen and paper to confidently navigating conversations, their growth was evident. They now approached each story with a deeper understanding, analyzing it with newfound clarity.

Witnessing this transformation reminded me of the profound truth: to effect change, we must first change ourselves. Prokash bhai and Manira apa embraced this truth wholeheartedly. Their journey from task-driven facilitators to passionate learners exemplifies the power of personal growth.

As I reflect on this experience, I can't help but feel immense pride in our facilitators. Their journey is not just about mastering a technique but about embracing a mindset shift—a shift that has the potential to create ripple effects of positive change within our community.

In the end, it's not just about conducting SALT conversations; it's about embodying the spirit of SALT—of listening, learning, and growing together. And in that spirit, our facilitators are truly shining bright.