The Journey of Unlearning and Relearning with SALT

[Sadia Jafrin]

In 2023, I was first introduced to the SALT approach. I still remember my initial reaction—it was a mix of confusion and curiosity. On the very first day, I couldn’t quite grasp what SALT truly meant. The ideas seemed abstract, and I felt unsure of how to apply them in real-life community settings. But as time passed and I began visiting communities, witnessing even the subtlest shifts, something in me started to change.

SALT—Support, Appreciate, Learn, and Transfer—has gently guided me through a personal and professional transformation. It didn’t happen overnight. It happened through quiet observation, active listening, and a willingness to reflect on my own approach. Slowly, I began to unlearn the habits I had picked up over the years—the tendency to diagnose problems, to speak before fully listening, to arrive with answers instead of questions.

With SALT, I started arriving in communities with a new mindset—one rooted in humility and curiosity. Instead of searching for what's lacking, I began looking for strength. I noticed the resilience in people, the unspoken wisdom in their stories, and the small acts of care that often go unnoticed. SALT helped me shift my focus from identifying visible problems to exploring deeper, often hidden, root causes.

This shift wasn’t just about method—it was about mindset. I became more present. I learned to listen with my heart, not just my ears. I discovered the value of silence, of allowing space for others to express themselves without interruption or judgment. I stopped giving advice and instead started asking meaningful questions. Through these questions, I was able to go deeper—not just into the lives of community members, but into my own understanding of what it means to truly connect.

SALT taught me that we don’t need to lead with solutions. We can walk alongside communities, learn with them, and grow together. I’ve come to see that every interaction is an opportunity to learn, to unlearn, and to relearn. And in doing so, I find that each day I become a better version of myself—more compassionate, more thoughtful, and more open.

What I value most is how SALT encourages us to embrace imperfection. It’s not about doing things perfectly, but about being present and intentional. It’s about appreciating what already exists—the strengths, the stories, and the silent efforts—and building from there.

Today, I carry the SALT mindset with me wherever I go. It has become more than just a tool for community engagement; it has become a way of seeing, of listening, and of being. I no longer enter communities with a checklist. I enter with a curious mind and an open heart, ready to learn, ready to grow.

And in this quiet transformation, I’ve discovered the true beauty of SALT: the power of connection, the strength in stories, and the endless journey of unlearning and relearning—together.

[Sadia Jafrin]

Thank you so much Shristi for your kind and thoughtful words. I'm truly touched, and I'm excited for your journey with SALT in Nepal—may it bring meaningful connections and beautiful transformations along the way.

[Sadia Jafrin]

Thank you so much, Rituu, for taking the time to read the blog. I believe there is a profound sense of freedom in embracing our own imperfections and those of others—accepting ourselves and each person just as they are. This is something I continue to learn through SALT.

[shristi joshi]

A very heartfelt reflection! You've beautifully captured your journey with SALT and how meaningful change begins with a shift in mindset. Deep listening and genuine curiosity can transform both community engagement and personal growth, and I look forward to starting it here in Nepal and experiencing the transformation myself. 

[Rituu B. Nanda]

What a powerful reflection, dear Sadia. I remember discussing appreciation in SALT with a colleague who reflected that SALT is about accepting a person as is. So this sentence from your blog stood out for me - What I value most is how SALT encourages us to embrace imperfection.

Thank you!