Since we began, our human rights-based education program has reached more than five million people across eight African countries.
Women’s Empowerment
women have been selected into leadership positions in their communities, with many running for public office
Health
people live in communities that publicly declared their intention to end female genital cutting
Child Marriage
communities have publicly declared that their daughters will not marry before the age of 18
The Tostan Model
Our three-year, non-formal education program puts rural communities in charge of their own futures. We support our partner communities to define and fulfill their own vision for wellbeing, allowing them to create positive and lasting social transformation. Our approach is:
HUMAN RIGHTS BASED
Knowledge of human rights and responsibilities forms the foundation for learning
RESPECTFUL & INCLUSIVE
Information is shared in a non-judgmental and participatory way, using local languages
HOLISTIC & SUSTAINABLE
The program has impact across multiple issues, with sustainability at its core
Ndéye Fatou’s Story: Walk On My Own
In Walk On My Own, 13-year-old Ndeye Fatou Fall tells the story of her community in Senegal and the social transformation they have sparked to end harmful practices and ensure education, self-determination and wellbeing for girls and women.
News and Stories
Leadership Transition: Partnering for Success
Molly Melching (Tostan's Founder) and Elena Bonometti (Tostan's CEO) are featured in a webinar hosted by Ashoka's Elders Council for Social Entrepreneurs titled "'Don’t stop me now:' What’s it like taking over from the founder." They are talking about their experience...
#Tostan30: Mah Cissé’s extraordinary success
The 30th anniversary of Tostan is an opportunity to honor Kadidia Sounfountera known as Mah Cissé, Coordinator of the Community Management Committee of Yirimadio in Mali. Discover her exclusive interview here! What is your relationship with Tostan? "I was a...
#Tostan30: Fatoumatta Jabbie, an inspiring example of local leadership
Fatoumatta’s Tostan journey includes six years as a facilitator, sharing Tostan’s effective educational model with partner communities and building her own public speaking skills and confidence. Unlike most of the program participants, Fatoumatta attended public...
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