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 actors, and government representatives for an intergenerational dialogue on the wellbeing challenges facing African youth.
Over 200 participants from all across Africa will attend the Hearth Summit Thiès, organized by Tostan in collaboration with The Wellbeing Project, under the theme: “From Eldership to Youth, an Intergenerational Dialogue on Wellbeing.” This summit offers a space for dialogue and hands-on learning around crucial topics such as ecology, parenting, art therapy, youth mental health, sexual health, the localization of development funding, and the growing role of youth in driving social change across Africa
Intergenerational Challenges and Solutions
In Africa, young people increasingly face complex, interconnected challenges that make them vulnerable to violence, migration, and depression. Social, economic, technological pressures, and climate effects threaten their livelihoods, resulting in uncertainty about the future. These challenges negatively impact their physical, mental, and overall wellbeing.
“In the African context, where respect for the wisdom of elders is a core value, it is essential to have an intergenerational approach to address these issues. The Hearth Summit Thiès creates a space for dialogue between the past and present to inspire innovative solutions for today’s challenges and build a better future,” says Antoine Boubane, Artist and Speaker at the Hearth Summit Thiès.
Co-created with young leaders and social change agents from across Africa, the Hearth Summit Thiès reflects Tostan’s mission to bring together sustainable development stakeholders and spark a global movement for wellbeing.
“The Hearth Summit Thiès fully aligns with Tostan’s vision, bringing communities together to discuss today’s challenges and imagine collective solutions. This summit creates a space for shared ideas and mutual inspiration, aiming to build a common future based on wellbeing and solidarity,” said Dame Gueye, Senior Program Officer at Tostan.
Artistic and Cultural Immersion
In addition to thematic sessions, interactive workshops in artistic expression and active listening, as well as artistic performances, will fill the three-day event. The Hearth Summit Thiès will also offer an immersive artistic and cultural journey into the rich heritage of the Bassari community, located primarily in Senegal and Guinea-Conakry. A physical and virtual cultural exhibit will highlight the ecological wisdom of this community, their role as “Guardians of the Earth“, and their commitment to preserving their cultural and natural heritage amidst modern environmental challenges.
“This journey into Bassari culture offers a fascinating perspective on how traditions can coexist with modern sustainability issues,” said Antoine Boubane, Artist and Ritual Alchemist for the Hearth Summit.
Hearth Summit Thiès Partners: The Wellbeing Project – Global Fund for Children – Grand Challenge Canada – Vitol Foundation – Consortium Jeunesse Sénégal – Yield Hub – Girls Generation – GIZ – West African Democracy Radio – Rescapart – Ouagadougou Partnership.
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About Tostan
Based in Senegal, Tostan is a community development organization with over 30 years of commitment to empowering communities to realize their vision of wellbeing based on respect for human rights. Tostan operates in five West African countries and its holistic programs focus on empowering women and girls, protecting children’s rights, promoting education, improving maternal and child health, protecting the environment, promoting respect for human rights, and abandoning harmful social practices such as child marriage and female genital cutting. www.tostan.org
About The Wellbeing Project
The Wellbeing Project is the global leader in researching and advocating for the wellbeing of changemakers, and for wellbeing in changemaking. Co-created with Ashoka, Georgetown University, Impact Hub, Porticus, Skoll Foundation and Synergos, The Wellbeing Project is a network of more than 1,200 organisations dedicated to:
- Strengthening the research case for inner wellbeing at the heart of social change
- Connecting a growing network of organisations building a culture of wellbeing
- Accelerating the growth of wellbeing initiatives around the world
- Convening Summits at the intersection of inner, organisational, societal and planetary wellbeing
- Mainstreaming a wellbeing and social change narrative
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and stories from The Wellbeing Project, the global Hearth Summit, and the regional Hearth Summits by subscribing to our newsletter and following us online.
For further information, please contact:
Fo-koffi DJAMESSI, Head of Communications
fo-koffidjamessi@tostan.org
+221 77 355 72 34
