Tostan has taken an important step in advancing youth empowerment through a new partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Guinea-Bissau. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in August 2024 marks the beginning of a joint effort to equip young people in the Bafatá region with the education and life skills they need to thrive.
In a country where youth make up the majority of the population, investing in their potential is critical. Through the Community Empowerment Program (CEP), Tostan has long integrated young people into community life, with many now serving as secretaries of Community Management Committees and taking on local leadership roles. The new MoU strengthens this commitment, aligning Tostan’s community-based approach with UNFPA’s priorities in health, human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development.
A New Hub for Learning and Innovation
Since its official launch on November 28, 2024, the Youth Innovation and Multifunctional Center in Bafatá has become a vibrant hub for young people seeking to learn, connect, and innovate. Supported by UNFPA and managed by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports, the center welcomes more than 80 youth each day who participate in trainings on information technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, language development, sexual and reproductive health, and online learning.
The partnership has also brought major infrastructure improvements. UNFPA supported the installation of a solar energy system at Tostan’s Bafatá office, providing reliable electricity and water for operations. The center itself has been equipped with modern furniture, computers, and air conditioning.
Expanding Access and Deepening Impact
While the center represents a milestone in youth empowerment, access remains a challenge for many young people in rural areas. To enroll, applicants must have completed six years of formal education and pay an annual fee of 6,000 CFA (10 USD)—a barrier for many in low-income communities. As a result, most youth outside the Bafatá sector still face obstacles to participation due to financial or transportation constraints.
Looking ahead, Tostan and UNFPA are exploring ways to make such opportunities more inclusive. UNFPA has also proposed expanding the partnership to offer psychosocial support for vulnerable youth, particularly girls who have experienced Female Genital Cutting (FGC), early or forced marriage, and other forms of trauma. Plans include the recruitment of a clinical psychologist to provide ongoing counseling and help young people regain confidence and well-being.
The partnership between Tostan, UNFPA, and the Government of Guinea-Bissau is already transforming lives and setting a new standard for collaboration. By combining community-led education with institutional support, it creates pathways for youth to learn, lead, and shape the future of their communities.