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
AMFE, Grow Academy and Tostan launch the « Let’s give them wings » project in Matam
Matam, June 12, 2024 – The Association pour le Maintien des Filles à l'École (AMFE), Grow Academy and Tostan launched the “Donnons-leur des ailes” (Let's give them wings) consortium project. Implemented with the support of the Fondation Marcelle et Jean Coutu (FJMC),...
Long-Lasting Social Change From the Bottom-Up
Earlier this year, Elena Bonometti, was featured on an episode of System Catalysts, sharing Tostan's approach to wellbeing and our experiences with community partners. In conversation with Jeffrey Walker, philanthropist and co-host, Elena highlighted Tostan’s work...
In Dakatéli, 27 communities proudly declare abandonment of female genital cutting and child marriage
Kédougou, May 26, 2024- On Sunday, twenty-seven communities in the Kédougou region (Southeast Senegal) organised a public declaration to promote human rights and share their vision of community wellbeing. On this occasion, they publicly declare their abandonment of...
