1998年-世界发展银行全球_Senegalese_Women_Remake_Their_Culture_4页_594kb

Senegalese Women Remake Their Culture: A Summary

Core Content

The document discusses the impact of the TOSTAN program, an innovative rural development and women's education initiative in Senegal, on cultural change and community empowerment. TOSTAN, meaning "bracing out of the egg" in Wolof, is an 18-month learning program that combines literacy in national languages with practical skills for solving local issues. It emphasizes participatory learning and problem-solving, leading to significant cultural shifts, particularly in the abandonment of female genital cutting (FGC).

Main Points

• TOSTAN Overview:
  TOSTAN is a program that integrates literacy with life skills, focusing on health, hygiene, and community development. It provides participants with tools to improve their standard of living and address local challenges.

  • Duration: 18 months
  • Language: Uses Wolof and other national languages
  • Approach: Participatory, community-based, and problem-solving oriented

• Impact on Female Circumcision:
  The program led to the successful abolition of FGC in the village of Malicounda and inspired similar actions in neighboring villages.

  • Malicounda: Women educated through TOSTAN organized a delegation to neighboring villages to promote the abandonment of FGC.
  • Ngerin Bambara: Women endorsed the "Oath of Malicounda" to stop the practice.
  • Ker Simbara: Men and women collaborated to address the issue, with facilitators traveling to villages to discuss the negative effects of FGC.
  • Casamance Region: A similar declaration was made by Pulaar communities, supported by local imams and health workers.
  • National Recognition: President Abdou Diouf proposed the "Oath of Malicounda" as a national model.

• Educational Methodology:
  TOSTAN uses a five-step problem-solving process to teach literacy and practical skills:

  1. Identify and analyze the problem
  2. Study adapted solutions based on resources
  3. Plan the solution (steps, timing, responsibilities, etc.)
  4. Implement the solution
  5. Evaluate the results

• Cultural and Linguistic Integration:
  The program is rooted in African culture and uses national languages to foster pride and effective learning.

  • National Languages: Wolof and other local languages are used, reducing the dissonance felt by children educated in French.
  • Cultural Roots: Modules are based on local stories, proverbs, and traditions, enhancing relevance and engagement.

• Participation and Empowerment:
  TOSTAN involves villagers in its development and implementation, promoting community ownership and empowerment.

  • Community Involvement: Learners and facilitators work together to design and adapt the curriculum.
  • Women's Leadership: Women are the primary beneficiaries, gaining confidence and leadership skills.
  • Male Participation: Men are also involved, contributing to community initiatives and problem-solving.

Key Information

• Female Literacy: In 1995, female literacy in Senegal was 23% compared to 44% for men, with a greater gap in rural areas.
• FGC Abolition: In 1997, Malicounda became the first community in its history to avoid FGC during the traditional period.
• Program Adaptation: TOSTAN has been adapted by other NGOs due to its effectiveness and cost-efficiency.
• UNESCO Recognition: UNESCO highlights the program's ability to provide comprehensive, life-changing education to marginalized groups.
• Sustainability: The program sustains the link between education and development, offering long-term benefits to communities.

Conclusion

TOSTAN exemplifies how integrating literacy with practical problem-solving can lead to meaningful cultural change. By empowering women through education and involving the entire community in the process, it has successfully reduced the prevalence of harmful practices like FGC. The program's emphasis on national languages and cultural relevance has made it a model for sustainable development and education in Africa.