By Sophie Champagne
Donor and Tostan Canada Board member since 2023
After three decades in marketing, I began searching for a meaningful way to give back. I had volunteered on fundraising committees before, but I was craving something deeper and something that would truly inspire me. When I was invited to join the Tostan Canada board, I said yes, looking forward to learning and contributing as best I could, but not really knowing just how profoundly the experience would affect me.
In November 2024, I traveled to Senegal and The Gambia with Tostan. Over 10 unforgettable days, I witnessed the power of Tostan’s community-led approach. In rural villages, young women stood up proudly to share their dreams for the future and their community’s long-term vision, using hand-drawn vision boards. Whereas before Tostan, they would have never dared to speak up in public, they were now confidently expressing themselves in front of men, elders, and religious leaders who were all listening with obvious respect.
One regional government official I spoke to deeply moved me by sharing that, without Tostan, she would likely have undergone genital cutting, been married at 13, and denied an education. Thanks to Tostan, she now leads and inspires.
Another moment that stayed with me was being surrounded by school girls who reached for my hand, their eyes bright with hope. Even at 11 or 12, they understand that they now have the right to education and the chance to dream of careers and futures of their own.
During this trip, I also spent time at Tostan’s Training Center in Thiès, meeting founder Molly Melching and Executive Director Sobel Ngom. I was struck by the strength of the organization’s leadership and governance and by the clarity of its vision. Sobel brings both passion and professionalism, and I’m confident he will continue to scale Tostan’s impact across West Africa.
I am now more committed than ever. Tostan is empowering communities – especially women and girls – to lead lasting change from within. Everyone deserves the opportunity to shape their own future. But sadly, the voices of marginalized groups too often go unheard. I believe that it is our responsibility as global citizens to support and uplift those who are frequently overlooked. Supporting Tostan is one way I choose to contribute to a more just and equitable world. It’s a way to be part of something bigger than myself – a movement that is making communities stronger, more resilient, and more hopeful. And in doing so, I believe we’re making the world a little better, one village at a time.