Tostan

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Tostan is a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Senegal that works towards the empowerment of African communities. The organization's name, Tostan, means "breakthrough" in the Wolof language. Tostan's approach to development and social transformation is rooted in respect for human rights and the use of traditional African methods of learning and communication.

History[edit | edit source]

Tostan was founded in 1991 by Molly Melching, an American woman who had lived in Senegal since 1974. Melching's work in Senegal began with a children's education project, but she soon realized that the most effective way to bring about lasting change was to educate adults, particularly women, about their rights and responsibilities.

Programs[edit | edit source]

Tostan's main program is the Community Empowerment Program (CEP), which uses a participatory approach to education. The CEP covers a wide range of topics, including human rights, problem-solving, hygiene, health, literacy, and numeracy. The program is implemented in the local languages of the communities it serves.

Tostan has also been involved in efforts to end female genital cutting (FGC) and child marriage. The organization's work in these areas has been recognized internationally, and it has received support from various donors, including the United Nations and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Impact[edit | edit source]

Tostan's programs have had a significant impact in the communities they serve. As of 2018, more than 8,000 communities in eight African countries have publicly declared an end to FGC and child marriage as a result of Tostan's work.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

Tostan Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD