SALT Session Inspires Stronger School Community

[Sadia Jafrin]

On November 9, 2024, Jaynagar High School was officially closed, but we (Grow Your Reader Foundation) were there to hold a SALT group session with the teachers, followed by a dream-building session. Initially, I hesitated to ask the principal to hold it on their holiday. But to my surprise, he responded with, “Can we do it on a holiday?” This enthusiasm was an unexpected gain.

When we arrived, we found our two amazing facilitators, Manira and Prokash, had set up a cozy seating arrangement. Notably, the principal had arrived before everyone else, and the assistant head teacher was actively calling everyone to join faster. As I introduced the SALT conversation, the assistant head teacher took the initiative, reiterating the importance of appreciating each other’s unique strengths. It was encouraging to see him champion this message with such conviction.

The teachers then collectively envisioned their school in 2035, drawing and writing poems to express their dreams. They assessed these dreams under the head teachers’ guidance and created an initial 10-point action plan, distributing responsibilities to ensure progress.

Today, I won’t dive into the session details. Instead, I want to share some heartwarming moments that showed the transformations happening among the teachers. If you want to learn more about the session, feel free to watch the full video on our YouTube channel or Facebook page.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vUAeq0LNcf4

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CxX4b8sga/

Incident 1: One female teacher, Kabita, approached me before the SALT session. She mentioned that she’d need to leave early because her daughter, visiting from Dhaka, would be leaving soon, and she planned to cook chicken and fish for her. After the session’s appreciation activity, where we wrote our strengths and posted them on the wall, I reminded her she could leave. To my surprise, she decided to stay until lunch. Later, around 2:15 pm, she returned, saying she’d cook at night because, as she put it, “This dream is ours, and I want to contribute to it.” Her ownership and dedication were so fulfilling to witness.

Incident 2: About four months ago, we had a SALT conversation at Jaynagar High School where three male staff members also presented. At that time, Rituu invited them to join the circle, but they were reluctant. Yesterday, they initially sat in the second row. When I invited them to sit in the circle, they joined with some hesitation, but after the SALT conversation, they actively participated in the dream-building. When I asked about their role in achieving the dream, they proudly replied, “We will be the main supervisors, making sure it’s fulfilled.” Their enthusiasm was heartwarming. I also found one of them at the front of the line while they were assessing their dream under the principal’s supervision.

Incident 3: In past visits to Jaynagar High School, requests for facilities like wash blocks, sanitation systems, and libraries often came up. This time, however, while planning their actions, the principal himself urged, “Let’s make a beautiful plan for a girls’ playground. We have enough funds—don’t worry about that.” This shift from dependency to ownership was truly uplifting. Even the assistant head teacher, who once often requested donations, approached me with a different request: “I checked your website and saw your ‘Reading Secrets’ curriculum. Could you arrange a training session so our teachers can learn about it?” This was the first time I heard a request that wasn’t about money

I could continue sharing these beautiful experiences, but I’ll end with the words of a teacher Md. Sajib Khan, who shared his thoughts after the SALT conversation:

"SALT isn’t just about school or classroom activities. I believe this approach or strategy can be applied to family, society, and even the state. Adopting it leads to more genuine and intimate relationships, fostering richer and more harmonious connections among all."

This session reflected a powerful shift among the teachers and staff, from participation to ownership. It was deeply rewarding to witness and be a part of.

[Sadia Jafrin]

Thank you so much, Manira Apa, for your kind cooperation. I always learn from you, and your input was invaluable.

[Manira khanam]

This Session  has been an educational achievement  for me. Thank you very much for creating such an opportunity. 

[Sadia Jafrin]

Thank you so much, Farjana, for reading it and for your kind words.

[Farjana Yeasmin]

Very inspiring!! 

I'm thankful for this amazing writing, I'll definitely share it with our team. So much to learn from this blog. 

[Sadia Jafrin]

Thank you, Mahamed Rafique Sir, for your valuable input. We might call it a school ecosystem, but since the students and parents were absent, it’s only a part of it.

[Dr. E. Mohamed Rafique]

Once there is ownership, the facilitator can let go. 
And quick ownership is an outcome of good facilitation!

Bravo! Shout out to this School Community!

I have a doubt:
What does this community call themselves as? I mean are they Education Competence? or School Competence? or is there some other name?