Reflections from Dhaka: A Journey of Heart, Hope, and Learning

[Vaibhav Sharma]

On April 19th, I had the distinct honor of representing Safe Society, India, at the 2025 Knowledge Fair: Reshaping Education, hosted in the vibrant city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Organized by the Grow Your Reader Foundation and supported by the Global Fund for Children (GFC), this landmark gathering convened partner organizations from across South Asia, each driven by a shared commitment to addressing systemic inequities and nurturing child- and youth-friendly ecosystems.

What struck me most profoundly was the intentional focus on community ownership and agency. This was not a typical project review or policy dialogue—it was a transformational space where grassroots wisdom met evidence-based practice. The dialogues centered around lived experiences, collective aspirations, and localized strategies to drive sustainable change. We were not just talking about Monitoring & Evaluation in abstract terms; we were exploring how communities themselves become agents of data, of insight, and ultimately, of transformation.

A major highlight of the fair was the immersive deep dive into the Community Life Competence Process (CLCP), particularly the SALT approach—an acronym for Stimulate, Appreciate, Learn, and Transfer. Though seemingly simple, the approach offers a nuanced and scalable methodology for engaging communities. It shifts the power dynamic by valuing local knowledge, recognizing community strengths, and fostering intergenerational dialogue. For practitioners like myself, SALT reaffirms that sustainable impact is rooted not in intervention for communities, but with them—as equal stakeholders.

I also had the invaluable opportunity to visit local school, where the theories discussed at the fair came alive through practice. Witnessing educators and students co-creating inclusive spaces using SALT principles was deeply affirming. These were not just classrooms—they were ecosystems of hope, healing, and learning, where every child’s voice mattered. It reminded me that our mission is not simply to provide services, but to build capabilities and foster resilience.

This fair was a catalyst for introspection. It challenged us to reimagine how we define success in development. It reminded me that behind every data point is a human story—of courage, of struggle, of triumph. That every log frame must be grounded in empathy. That participatory processes are not optional add-ons but foundational to ethical and effective programming.

As I return to India, I carry with me not just a toolkit of innovative practices, but a revitalized purpose. Our work at Safe Society must continue to reflect these values—of listening with humility, facilitating leadership from within, and co-designing solutions that honor the dignity and dreams of the most marginalized.

To GFC, Grow Your Reader Foundation, ECDO, BRED,DHARA, Ashirbad, Alokito Kori and to every changemaker I met in Dhaka—thank you for holding this space for learning, unlearning, and collective imagining. Let us move forward with a renewed belief that real, lasting change is possible—when communities lead, and we walk beside them, not ahead of them.

With deep gratitude and solidarity,

Vaibhav Sharma
Director, Safe Society

[Shahrukh Atpade]

SALT in action is always powerful—thank you for sharing your journey.

[Santi rambari]

Nice reflection. Excellent blogs.

[Vaibhav Sharma]

Thank you to all my dear friends for your unwavering support and heartfelt encouragement. It truly means a lot to me.

[Sadia Jafrin]

Thank you so much Vaibhav for taking the time to be with us during our Knowledge Fair. It was truly a pleasure to have you. I learned something invaluable from you — the art of observing, appreciating, and fully embracing each experience, even in the face of adversity.

You are an inspiring human being. Your genuine curiosity and passion for learning are truly infectious, and it left a lasting impression on me.

I’m very much looking forward to reading more of your blogs in the days to come.

[Bayazid Bostami]

It was a great and learning day. Thanks for sharing your refection Vaibhav bro🫰

[Lipika Das Gupta]

Excellent,we are so proud of you.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

I gained a lot of energy hearing stories from communities during the Knowledge Fair, but your reflection on the KF has amplified that energy even more. Thank you Vaibhav!