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
Celeste Barone Named to Tostan Board of Directors
Tostan, a leading non-profit organization supporting community-led breakthroughs in Africa is pleased to announce that Celeste R. Barone has joined their board of directors. Barone is a co-founder of 4Pines Fund Services, LLC and serves as President and Chief Client Officer.
Webinar: How Do Partnerships Move the Needle Towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa?
On Thursday 9th February, 2023, Tostan hosted a globally reaching webinar in partnership with Catalyst 2030 to ask: How do partnerships move the needle towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa?
A Letter from our CEO: 2022 was a Year of Celebration, Reflection and Preparation
2023 has well and truly begun here at Tostan. Before we look ahead to the rest of the year, however, we want to thank you – Tostan’s partners and allies – for your unwavering support in 2022.
