“Listen carefully…and support the people to build upon what they already know, value, and envision for their future.”
Tostan’s origins date back to 1974, when our founder, Molly Melching, first arrived in Senegal as an exchange student from the United States.
She initially came as a graduate student to study African literature written in French, but quickly realized that her true passion lay in development and in the study of national languages.
During this period, Molly was mentored by the renowned historian and scientist Dr. Cheikh Anta Diop. His vision of African self-determination and cultural pride deeply shaped her thinking. From him, she learned the importance of listening carefully, valuing what people already know, and building upon local knowledge and strengths—principles that later became the foundation of Tostan’s approach.
After completing her studies, Molly founded a children’s center in Dakar — where she worked for six years — that adapted children’s stories into Wolof, eventually developing an extensive library of children’s books in national languages. She also created the first radio program for children in national languages.
Her work took her to rural villages, where she found that this lack of access to contextually relevant material did not just apply to literature; she saw how many development efforts were not addressing the true needs and realities of communities in ways that were relevant to their lives.
Relying heavily on community feedback, Molly and a team of Senegalese cultural specialists developed a new type of development program,the Community Empowerment Program (CEP). This program respectfully engaged communities by working in their own languages and using traditional methods of learning. It facilitated community ownership over the development process, allowing communities to fulfill their own potential.
Their efforts grew throughout the 1980s, leading Molly to found Tostan which means breakthrough in the Wolof language in 1991. For over 30 years, Molly’s original concepts have developed into a leading model for community-led change; a model that has now been implemented in 22 languages across eight African countries, is shared internationally with activists and practitioners through our training seminars, and is supported at the international, national, and grassroots levels.
We believe in the power of community-led development and empowering education.
Vision : Dignity For All
Mission :
Empower communities to develop and achieve their vision for the future and inspire large-scale movements leading to dignity for all.
Our Values
Learning and Innovation
Sustainability
Partnership and Dialogue .
Passion and Pride
Awards & Recognitions
Tostan’s Founder Honored with Senegal’s Top Award
Molly Melching received the Chevalière de l’Ordre National du Lion (Knight of the National Order of the Lion), one of the highest distinctions awarded by the Government of Senegal.
Hundreds of other awards, won over years by Toston
We are a positive, vibrant global community of 500 women, men and young changemakers working towards dignity for all.
Leadership Team
Our core leadership team comprises the diverse international staff at our country offices…
Board of Directors
The members of our Board of Directors bring their various skills and experiences to help guide Tostan’s strategic direction…
Sister Organisations
We partner with organizations based in Canada, Denmark, Germany and Sweden, which raise awareness of Tostan in their countries, and mobilize resources to support our programmatic efforts in Africa. More information below:
Tostan Canada
Tostan Canada was founded in 2011 as a registered Canadian charity to help develop Tostan’s infrastructure to attract a wider base of international supporters. To contact Tostan Canada, please email info@tostancanada.org.
Tostan Denmark
Tostan Denmark was founded in 2017 as a registered Danish charity to raise funds and promote awareness of Tostan’s efforts in Africa. To contact Tostan Denmark, please email info@tostan.dk / + 4588389389
Tostan Deutschland
Tostan Deutschland was founded in 2023 as a registered German charity to support Tostan’s fund raising effort and promote awareness of its impact in Africa. Contact: beategolembowski@tostandeutschland.org
Tostan Sweden
Tostan Sweden was founded in 2004 by Anne Charlotte Ring quist, as a membership organization to raise funds and promote awareness of Tostan’s efforts in Africa. To contact Tostan Sweden, email: tostansverige@tostan.org / Tel: +46 70 280 22 72
Partners & Donors
Our mission, to empower communities to develop and achieve their vision for the future and inspire large-scale movements leading to dignity for all, would not be possible without the support of partners and donors. We
are grateful for the continued generosity of all of our
funding partners …
