Author: Kelsey McFarlane
Date: November 30, 2024
I was fortunate enough to represent my family and travel with Tostan Canada to Senegal and The Gambia this past November.
This was my first time in Africa, and I thought Tostan did an outstanding job of showing us both the beauty of African culture and the impact their programs have on the communities they partner with.
When in The Gambia, we witnessed how Tostan has become a household name. They showed us firsthand how they work at all levels to ensure that their partnerships last generations. We were taken into a rural community that can only be accessed by a riverbed during the dry season, to then sitting in on meetings with state governors and their executive committees.
It was inspiring to witness how many women and children are being positively impacted by the partnerships with Tostan. When they spoke, you could see the confidence and feel the passion they had to making their communities prosper. They praised Tostan in helping give them a voice and knowledge to advocate for themselves.
I am forever grateful for the opportunity to experience and witness the Tostan programs firsthand and look forward to continuing to support Tostan and their goals.
With so many different organizations to support, Tostan showed how tangible and impactful their programs can be not only to women and children but the whole community.