SALT Knowledge Fair showcases community-led solutions for a better future

What if communities could solve their own problems without waiting for outside help? While this may seem unlikely in Bangladesh, the people of Byaspur village in Gopalganj have shown that it is possible. The Knowledge Fair of the Addressing Root Cause (ARC) initiative was a testament to this idea. This knowledge fair was supported by The Global Fund For Children (GFC) and hosted by the Grow Your Reader Foundation (GYRF) at Joynagar High School. Held on April 19, 2025, the event brought together people from across Bangladesh, Africa, America, India, Nepal, and Senegal, along with the Byaspur community and teachers and students from Joynagar High School. The fair wasn't just an event—it was a vibrant showcase of community-led changes where people from all walks of life came together to share, learn, and celebrate how the CLCP SALT approach (Support, Appreciate, Listen & Learn, and Transfer) empowers communities to take charge of their own challenges and create lasting impact.

The programme was initiated with a captivating Jarigan performance, where the Joynagar High School students welcomed everyone and shared the changes they've made within their community. The fair showcased real-life stories of transformation, where community members—parents, students, teachers, and facilitators—demonstrated how they used SALT to address issues like children's phone addiction, gender inequality, and strengthening intergenerational bonds to ensure quality education through community empowerment.

One of the most engaging moments of the fair was a series of community-led drama performances. The first drama illustrated how educated mothers within a village started tutoring sessions and engaged children in games, reducing excessive screen time and increasing study time. The second performance focused on how boys in the community, after participating in healthy masculinity sessions, actively supported girls in their right to play outside, challenging traditional gender roles and fostering inclusivity. The third drama showcased how grandparents actively engaged in their grandchildren's lives by organizing storytelling sessions, reducing screen time, and strengthening intergenerational family bonds.

In addition to these performances, students and teachers from Joynagar High School presented posters on how the CLCP SALT approach helped them create a separate playground for girls, while mothers from different communities shared their experiences of identifying and overcoming challenges like school dropouts of their children through SALT. Two coordinators from our Jessore After School and Mymensingh Pahariyapara Agamir School also shared how SALT is bringing changes to their community. A gallerywalk displayed the inspiring one-year transformation of Byaspur village, showing how a community-driven mindset can reshape lives.

"The Byaspur community has demonstrated that when people believe in themselves, they can achieve anything they set out to do. Sustainable change occurs not only through external help but also when the community itself designs and owns the solutions, fostering true empowerment. Development is not just about material gains; it also involves shifting perspectives, mindsets, and behaviours—changes that may not be immediately visible but have a lasting impact," said Sadia Jafrin, CEO of Grow Your Reader Foundation.

The theme of this year's fair, "Reshaping Education," reflected the broader vision of education beyond textbooks—where learning is a shared responsibility and communities come together to build a brighter future. The whole event was filled with the vibrant spirit of Pahela Baishakh—colourful alpana, the sweet smell of desserts, and the joy of celebration! The event concluded with an open Q&A session and a small token of appreciation for all participants.

The event was honoured by the presence of Rituu N Banda, participatory programme advisor for South Asia at the GFC; Indrani Chakraborty, regional co-director for South Asia; Md Shanawaz, programme specialist for Bangladesh; and other core team members of the GFC and the Bangladesh ARC Initiative cohort members. Their insights and encouragement further reinforced the power of community-driven solutions.

As the day came to a close, the air was filled with a sense of hope, determination, and collective purpose. The Knowledge Fair was not just a gathering; it was a powerful reminder that when communities come together, real change happens. With every shared story, performance, and discussion, the event proved that sustainable development begins from within, led by the people it impacts the most.

The author is a programme associate at the Grow Your Reader Foundation.