The Empowered Communities Network

Summary

In 2006, Tostan created the Empowered Communities Network (ECN) to help communities partner with other organizations on development initiatives to help realize their community vision.

Following the establishment of a CMC and the implementation of the Tostan CEP, many CMCs register as official community-based organizations (CBOs) in their respective countries. Often these CBOs join together with other CBOs and form Federations which provides them with increased rights and opportunities.

We connect trained CMCs with NGO partners, microfinance institutions, businesses, government authorities, and other service providers so they can access resources and funding to continue their community-led development projects.

Currently the ECN only operates in Senegal but the plan is to expand the project to all other countries where Tostan implements its program.