Reflections on My Journey with the ARC Project: Challenges, Growth, and Learning

[Ayush Malla]

Working with the ARC project was far from easy—it pushed me out of my comfort zone and tested my abilities in ways I hadn’t experienced before. As a community facilitator, one of the biggest challenges was introducing and explaining the SALT approach to communities. It was a new approach not just for them, but also for me. At first, I had very little idea about how the project worked or how to apply SALT effectively, which made it hard to convince community members and gain their trust.

To overcome this, I spent time reading and analyzing different articles about the SALT approach. Slowly, I began to understand its principles and how it could be applied to engage communities meaningfully. This process not only increased my confidence but also helped me guide others and support the team in implementing the approach.

The journey was full of challenges—coordinating fieldwork, managing data collection, and navigating unexpected problems in the community tested my patience and problem-solving skills. At the same time, these challenges became opportunities for learning. I developed skills in teamwork, planning, and communication, and learned how to adapt quickly to changing situations.

By the end of the month, I felt a significant shift in my professional growth. I understood the importance of preparation, persistence, and truly listening to the community. Working with the ARC project gave me practical insights into community engagement and reinforced the value of empowering people through participation and dialogue.

Overall, this experience was raw, real, and rewarding—a journey of trial, learning, and growth that has prepared me for future work in community development.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

So how did you explain ARC initiative to the community? how can I learn from you? Thanks Ayush!!