Knowledge Fair : Where Community Teaches, Funding agency learns

[Rituu B. Nanda]

My takeaways from the Knowledge Fair which was a part of the Addressing Root Cause (ARC) Convening held on 19th April'25. I work with a grantmaking organization Global Fund for children (GFC).

Objective of a Knowledge Fair : In CLCP (Community Life Competence Process) Knowledge Fair is a critical step when communities come together to share what actions they are taking or facing challenges. The idea is that they  learn from one another.

Not as grantmakers but as human beings. For grant making organizations, it is a chance to step into the heart of community experience with a SALT mindset: to listen, learn, and appreciate. Go where the community is, the land they live, the way the live, what are their practices to learn from the lived experience.

SALT ignites change from within which cannot be captured in reports A Knowledge Fair allows us to witness that spark. For funders and NGO staff, the fair reveals what’s often unseen: the power of intangible resources like trust, dialogue, courage, dignity a profound observation by Indrani from GFC.  Joynagar school in Byaspur has used SALT and CLCP in the  school. For instance, when the teachers started listening to the dream of the students, both teachers and students took ownership. Assistant head teacher reflected: “Education is a mindset. It’s not about delivering information. It’s about helping children reflect on their behaviour.” He was inspired by students who had taken the responsibility to ensure that they maintained the cleanliness of the school toilet.

Boys are becoming allies for gender transformative change Another striking moment came during the AER (Afer Experience Reflection) in the Konweldge Fair when a teenage boy said that he was motivated what he saw in the role play by a group of boys who are exploring masculinity through SALT. In the role play, girls cried how they were confined indoors due to fear of harassment. Moved by this, group of boys working on masculinity approached parents in the village to reassure them, “We’ll will see to it that boys do not harass girls. Let them play.” That shift has led to a change, more girls are now seen playing outside.

Knowledge Fair in a SALT mindset stimulates further community action  ARC NGO partners and my team mates at GFC  -Beaw, Becca, Indrani, Nawaz, Shristi, Rodri, Tyas were there as fellow travellers, listening to stories, immersing in the culture, reflecting with humility. Rodri and Tan were very popular with the young boys. This SALT mindset encouraged the community members who felt  seen, valued, heard and appreciated and were raring to take more acton. 

Sadia, who heads Grow your Reader Foundation, the organization which is facilitating CLCP in the village reflects, "The recognition they received helped them see the true impact of their efforts. As others spoke of their stories with admiration, a quiet pride grew within them. They no longer saw themselves as ordinary, but as individuals with strength and purpose. Being acknowledged made them feel valued, capable, unique and inspired to dream and achieve—just like anyone else." The head teacher was deeply inspired after the Knowledge Fair. As part of their shared dream, the students had created a school garden, but it was repeatedly damaged by cattle. Immediately after the Fair, the head teacher took action and built a fence to protect it.

Conclusion If we want to understand change, we must witness it. We must go where the learning is happening—in school corridors, village gardens, and commnity gatherings with a SALT mindset and connect as a human being.

Photos courtesy: Maroof and Sadia

[Santi rambari]

This is such a powerful reflection, thank you for sharing Ritu.

[Sharmin Eva]

The emotions in your writing are deep and powerful.The way you connect dreams,strength and recognition brings out a sense of heartfelt emotion that truly points to meaningful change.Thank you,Rituu for sharing this beautiful reflection with us!

[Allen Selima Hossain]

This is such a powerful reflection, thank you for sharing the real, lived moments from the Knowledge Fair. It’s inspiring to see how a SALT mindset not only nurtures connection but also fuels real transformation at the community level. The stories of student ownership, gender allyship, and quiet pride growing into visible action are deeply moving. Your words remind me that meaningful change happens when we truly see people, not as beneficiaries, but as co-creators of their own futures.

[shristi joshi]

What a powerful reminder that true change begins with listening and love, not as experts, but as humans. The SALT mindset doesn’t just shift communities; it transforms hearts. Well written Rituu!

[Parvez Hassan]

Wow excellent written Rituu

[Manira khanam]

Thank you so much Rituu. This blog is so marvelous. 

[Bonna Basfor]

Wonderful blog.thank you Rituu for sharing 

[Prokash Biswas]

1. wonderful blog 

[Sadia Jafrin]

Thank you so much, Rituu, for sharing your thoughtful reflection. I am deeply grateful for your trust and support, which enabled us to hold this space with genuine love and care. It was a valuable opportunity for all of us to learn together with and from the community.

[Bayazid Bostami]

This reflection was very informative. Thanks Rituu for Sharing!!!