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Tostan
Tostan is a US 501(c)(3) non-governmental organization specializing in non-formal education and headquartered in Dakar, Senegal. It is currently implementing its program in eight countries in East and West Africa. Since its inception in 1991, Tostan has reinforced community capacity for development in over 3,000 African communities.
What we do
Tostan's mission is to empower African communities to become their own agents for sustainable development and positive social transformation based on respect for human rights. The Community Empowerment Program is a 30-month holistic education program that provides information and builds skills around democracy, health and hygiene, literacy and project management.
Why we do it
Our visions is "human dignity for all." To realize this vision, Tostan works with marginalized communities, especially women and girls who have not had access to formal schooling, giving communities the tools and skills that empower them to set their own vision for their future and work towards that goal.
How we do it
Tostan classes are taught by facilitators from the same ethnic group, use local languages and traditional methods such as poetry and song, and engage community members from varied backgrounds in open discussions. Communities democratically select management committees comprised of 17 members, at least 9 of whom are women.
Achievements
2010: Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship;
2007: Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Award;
2007: UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize;
2005: Anna Lindh Prize for Human Rights
Founder(s) of Social Enterprise
Molly Melching
Legal Form
Non-profit corporation
Founding Year
1991
Impact Opportunites for this Social Enterprise
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This Social Enterprise have been carefully selected for their quality, credibility and long lasting impact.
