Welcome

The Tandana Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports community initiatives in Ecuador's Otavalo Canton and Mali's Bandiagara District as well as offers intercultural volunteer experiences. Tandana comes from a Kichwa root meaning "to gather together" or "to unite" and it represents the spirit of our work. Learn more.





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Join Hands with Us

Our community initiatives support community members in Ecuador and Mali as they work toward their dreams of education, health, food security, water resources, environmental conservation, income generation, and more. Together, we are making those dreams come true.





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Travel with Intention

Our volunteer programs offer visitors the unique opportunity to be guests rather than tourists, form intercultural friendships, participate in a rich indigenous culture, and make a difference in the lives of new friends. Trips With Intention provide individuals, groups, and families with unforgettable experiences in Ecuador and Mali.




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Learn From Anywhere

Our virtual offerings allow individuals and groups who cannot travel with us to engage with our friends in Ecuador and Mali. From interactive remote cultural activities that give a glimpse into Kichwa life in Otavalo to remote speaker’s bureaus on real-life issues like the effects of climate change in Mali, and student exchanges, we offer many different ways to build global connections and awareness. Read more about our Remote Connection offerings.




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Mission & Values

We support the achievement of community goals and addressing global inequalities through caring intercultural relationships. Responsibility, respect for people and their culture, win-wins, inclusiveness, and organic evolution, are among our core values. Read more about our approach.




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Where We Work

We are committed to operating in areas we know well and working with people of longstanding and genuine relationships. At this time, our work is in highland Ecuador and Mali's dry plateau country, which not only offer amazing cultural and natural opportunities but most importantly are home to friends and communities we can collaborate with confidently. Learn more about our partner communities.





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Give With Intention

Our community partners have many initiatives that they are working on to strengthen their communities. Donors can make it possible for them to advance on one of these important projects or programs.






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Our Stories

One of the best ways to get to know us and our work, our partners and friends, volunteer opportunities, and what we can accomplish together is through the stories on External link opens in new tab or windowThe Tandana Foundation Blog. Check out our latest posts below and check back every Sunday for the newest blog post. We cover everything from our projects in Mali and Ecuador to staff and volunteers, as well as our guiding philosophy.






Jul
21

Lessons from soccer: How team spirit can develop professional skills and lead to success

While growing up in Belgium and spending time in several parts of the world, soccer (“football”) has always had a special place in my heart. I see soccer as a universal language that transcends barriers thanks to its simplicity, passion, emotions and global appeal. The game’s basic rules tend to be easily understood in any … Continue reading "Lessons from soccer: How team spirit can develop professional skills and lead to success"
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Jul
14

A future businesswoman setting a strong example for her son

Tandana Foundation sponsor, It is a great pleasure for me to address you, my sponsor, and send you a cordial greeting. In this letter, I also want to share a summary of the educational experience that I have had during my fourth semester at the university. English Français Una futura empresaria que da un buen … Continue reading "A future businesswoman setting a strong example for her son"
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Jul
7

Tandana hosts virtual tour of completed Tangali school projects

So they could see the impact of their work, several volunteer groups who participated in trips organized by The Tandana Foundation were invited to take a virtual tour of the flourishing school garden in Tangali, Ecuador. Español Français Ten volunteers from Ohio Master Gardeners and Trip With Intention groups participated live in the virtual tour … Continue reading "Tandana hosts virtual tour of completed Tangali school projects"
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Jun
30

Charging ahead toward a career in electric vehicles

A very warm greeting, It’s been almost a year since I wrote to you and I’m sending you a letter again to tell you how this semester went and to thank you for your support because thanks to you I’m achieving one more goal in my life. English Français Avanzando hacia una carrera en vehículos … Continue reading "Charging ahead toward a career in electric vehicles"
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Jun
23

Income-generating activities support parents in Tandana’s Displaced Students Program

This year, The Tandana Foundation expanded a program aimed to help students from internally displaced families in Mali to reach more students as well as to provide additional support to parents in generating income for their families. English Español Des activités génératrices de revenus soutiennent les parents du programme d’étudiants déplacés de Tandana Cette année, … Continue reading "Income-generating activities support parents in Tandana’s Displaced Students Program"
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