As part of the implementation of the Community Empowerment Program (CEP) in the Xitole sector, Tostan’s area coordinator and her team met with local public institutions to assess the progress of community-led initiatives and public service delivery in partner communities.
During a recent visit to the public elementary school of Sintcham Mole, the team held a working meeting with the school director, Mr. Abulai Câmara, who shared encouraging results in student enrollment and community engagement since the introduction of the Tostan program.
According to Mr. Câmara, parents and guardians have become increasingly involved in their children’s education—monitoring attendance, supporting school activities, and helping maintain a clean and safe learning environment.
“Before Tostan began its program here, there were frequent dropouts and little interest in education,” he explained. “Now, families understand the value of school and want their children to succeed.”
Enrollment figures reflect this positive shift. The school registered 321 students in 2025—up from 276 last year—with 169 girls and 152 boys now attending classes regularly. This increase highlights both improved community awareness and growing confidence in the public education system.
With classrooms now at full capacity, the Community Management Committee (CGC) has begun discussions with the school to expand infrastructure. Plans are underway to build a new pavilion with two additional classrooms to accommodate the growing number of students of school-going age in Sintcham Mole.
“The most important thing is not only to build schools,” said Mr. Câmara, “but to raise awareness so that the community values education.”
Through dialogue, collaboration, and shared commitment, the Xitole community is demonstrating how Tostan’s education model fosters both mindset change and concrete improvements in local development.