Molly Melching

Molly Melching, a visionary leader and creative director, initiated her journey toward societal transformation in Senegal in 1974. Her profound interest in working with children led her to establish the "Demb ak Tey" Center, a haven for street children in Dakar. She also ventured into broadcast media with a weekly radio program in Wolof, a major national language of Senegal, providing families with essential information to enhance their lives. Collaborating with UNICEF Senegal, she expanded the nonformal education program to other languages and regions of Senegal, demonstrating her innovative approach to community outreach.

In 1991, Melching founded Tostan, a non-profit organization, and developed the Community Empowerment Program (CEP), a human rights-based curriculum delivered in local languages. The CEP focuses on democracy, human rights, health, literacy, problem-solving skills, and project management, aiming to empower both adult and adolescent learners. The Tostan Model, with Melching's expertise, promotes environmental sustainability, female empowerment, and the abandonment of harmful traditional practices. As a result of the program, over 7,700 communities in various African countries have publicly declared their abandonment of female genital cutting (FGC) and child/forced marriage.

Melching's tireless efforts have been acknowledged worldwide. Her work with Tostan earned recognition from UNESCO as one of the most innovative education programs globally in 1995. The World Health Organization lauded Tostan's education approach as a "Best Practice Model" in 2003. Melching has also received several prestigious awards, including the University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Prize, the Sargent Shriver Distinguished Award for Humanitarian Service, and the Thomas J Dodd Prize in International Justice and Human Rights. Her remarkable journey is featured in the book "However Long the Night: Molly Melching’s Journey to Help Millions of African Women and Girls Triumph" by Aimee Molloy.