Celebrating 50 Years Together
For decades, the stories emerging from Tostan’s partner communities in rural West Africa have illuminated the power of collective action to drive transformative, community-led change. These are stories of people uniting across cultures, languages, and generations to shape a future rooted in dignity, equity, and shared wellbeing.
Last year, our campaign honored a remarkable milestone: the 50th anniversary of our Founder, Molly Melching’s, journey in Senegal. We also celebrated the visionary local leaders who have been instrumental in shaping Tostan’s evolution and enduring impact.
As we look ahead, we are deeply grateful for the strong foundation built over the years—and for the countless volunteers, partners, supporters, and collaborators who continue to make our mission possible.
Why This Moment Matters
We’re thrilled to launch the next phase of our campaign: Rooted in Resilience, Rising Together with A New Generation of Leaders. This chapter marks a renewed focus on uplifting new voices and expanding our collective vision.
We are welcoming fresh perspectives, new storytellers, and dynamic leadership, including Tostan’s new CEO, Sobel Aziz Ngom. As we continue to shape a future grounded in community, dignity, and lasting impact, three core pillars guide our work:
- Strengthening the Movement : We are amplifying the voices and stories of those driving grassroots change—community members whose leadership is inspiring a broader movement to advance wellbeing.
- Engaging the Collective: We are deepening connections across continents through storytelling, collaborative gatherings, and shared learning—building a global network rooted in solidarity and mutual respect.
- Investing in the Future: We are equipping communities and emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to drive lasting change—whether advancing from local CMC roles to elected office, promoting good governance, or strengthening leadership within the wider development ecosystem, including our own Tostan team.
How You Can Support The Movement
This movement has always been driven by people—by dedicated partners, community leaders, and steadfast supporters who believe in the power of trust, deep listening, and long-term commitment.
Here are a few meaningful ways you can support communities as they lead and shape their own future:
- Make a Gift to advance community-led education, leadership, and systems change
- Share your story by writing to [email protected]
- Spread the word within your networks and communities
- Become an Ambassador for Tostan by collaborating with our U.S. Philanthropy Team
“Investing in the next generation is how we build lasting change. Across West Africa, young people are already leading with courage and purpose. What they need now is access to empowering education, trust, and the tools to shape their future. With your support, they can unlock their full potential and drive sustainable progress in their communities.”
We will continue to share stories, strengthen connections, and celebrate the transformative power of collective action. We invite you to join us on this journey, walking side by side as we shape the future together.
