Tostan, an NGO established in 1991 and headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, works to empower rural and remote African communities to bring about positive social transformation and sustainable development through a holistic empowering education program. Our human rights-based program has reached more than five million people across eight African countries.
Women’s Empowerment
women have been selected for leadership positions in their communities, with many running for public office
Health
people live in communities that publicly declared their intention to end female genital cutting
Child Marriage
communities have publicly declared that their daughters will not marry before the age of 18
The Tostan Model
Our three-year, nonformal education program puts rural communities in charge of their own futures. We support our partner communities to define and fulfill their own vision for well-being, allowing them to create positive and lasting social transformation. Our approach is:
HUMAN RIGHTS BASED
Knowledge of human rights and responsibilities forms the foundation for learning
RESPECTFUL & INCLUSIVE
Information is shared in a non-judgmental and participatory way, using local languages
HOLISTIC & SUSTAINABLE
The program has impact across multiple areas, with sustainability at its core
Sharing our Model
Tostan seeks to respond to ever-increasing demand for its model from a range of local and international partners by providing training and support. Through programs organized at the Tostan Training Center (TTC) in Thiès, Senegal, the organization offers training and support to traditional and religious leaders, local activists, government representatives, and NGO leaders.
News and Stories
African Youth Wellbeing Challenges at the Forefront of the Hearth Summit Thiès
Thiès, September 30, 2024 – From October 7 to 9, 2024, Tostan is hosting the second edition of the Hearth Summit Thiès (Senegal), a wellbeing summit for social change. This African gathering brings together experts, community leaders, youth, artists, development...
Mariatu Cande : Championing Human Rights in Guinea Bissau
In 2021, Mariatu Cande, a dynamic leader from Carauasse in Guinea-Bissau’s Gabu Region, stepped forward as a powerful voice for women’s rights and leadership. As the Coordinator of Carauasse’s Community Management Committee (CMC), Mariatu was among the many community...
“Listen carefully…Support people to build upon what they already know.”- Cheikh Anta Diop
It all began with a library book. It was May, 1975 and I had recently arrived in Senegal, learning Wolof and studying at the University of Dakar. I was fascinated with language, culture, and education. I was especially interested in a book on semiology - the study of...
