Since 1991, Tostan has been registered as a 501(c)(3) nongovernmental organization in the US. Based in Senegal, West Africa, Tostan is dedicated to educating and empowering Africans who have had little or no access to formal schooling. We work primarily in rural regions to provide basic education and increase community engagement in projects related to health and hygiene, child welfare, human rights and democracy, the environment, and economic development.
 

From our early beginnings with the work of Molly Melching in the 1970s to our present-day composition of hundreds of African staff members--working with volunteers, partners, and supporters from around the globe--Tostan has remained committed to grassroots development.  Recognized repeatedly as a leader in non-formal education and community development, we are now expanding our operations to meet increased demand across Africa.