Portrait of Maty Cissé: leader, businesswoman, and solar engineer in training
Meet Maty Cissé! She was born in Keur Daouda Cissé, Senegal on October 16, 1963. Maty was introduced to Tostan in 1991—the year of our founding. Although her own […]
The Power of Community-Led Development: A Special Look at Mali
With a firm belief in dignity for all, Tostan implements programs across West Africa to support the most vulnerable communities in their quests for well-being and community development. Our flagship […]
Working Towards Collective Well-Being: A 13-Year Journey with the Community of Maradou
In the Malinke language, the word ‘maradou’ literally means “welcoming land” or “the place where we feel protected and safe”. In the 16th century, a hunter named Massia Sidi was […]
Keinti Coulibaly shares her journey to economic empowerment
Keinti Coulibaly, a Community Empowerment Program (CEP) participant, works at the weekly regional market in Sirakorola, Mali, where she cooks small bean and dough pastry snacks, selling them nearly […]
An All Girls Football Game to Entertain—and Fundraise for Tostan!
Tostan supporters play an integral role in building momentum for our community-led development programs. Our Outstanding Supporter Blog Series highlights their creative efforts to inspire support for Tostan in their communities. With […]
Photo Blog: Community leaders share the social impacts of the Community Empowerment Program (CEP)
The community of Hamdallaye Diega in the Kolda region of Senegal participated in Tostan’s Community Empowerment Program (CEP) from 2008 to 2011. After completing the program, they welcomed the Reinforcement […]
Utilizing Focal Points for better monitoring and evaluation
As Tostan continues to expand the Community Empowerment Program (CEP) to new communities, the quality of data and the consistency of collection and treatment procedures remains a high priority. Data […]
Planning a sustainable future for the community: members from 40 Community Management Committees trained in project and financial management
Communities that participate in Tostan’s Community Empowerment Program (CEP) develop several skills during the final phase of the program—the Aawde—which includes sessions on literacy, numeracy, project and financial management. At […]
30 religious leaders gathered for an interfaith meeting in Mali to discuss Tostan’s human rights model
Throughout our partner communities in Mali, religious leaders not only serve as spokespeople for their communities but also play a key role by engaging community members in discussions about human […]
Raising Community Awareness on the Environment during the Cashew Season in Guinea-Bissau
Cashew nuts are the main cash crop in Guinea-Bissau. According to the Ministry of Commerce of Guinea-Bissau, 200,000 tons of cashew nuts were exported in 2011. The cashew harvest occupies […]