Healthy Communities Volunteer Venture

Upcoming Trips:

TBD

*

Register Online

Participant Financial Assistance

About the Venture:

Take part in preventative health activities
Support local health care workers who provide sustainable care year-round
Experience the highlands of Ecuador

"Thank you so much. This week changed my life in a positive way, like I knew it would, but better than I possibly could have imagined. I am truly inspired by this entire week."

-- Matt, volunteer from California

Itinerary

Healthy Communities Volunteer Venture

Overview

Experience life in the highlands of Ecuador while supporting public health initiatives in rural communities. Do preventative health care for schoolchildren, including dental cavity prevention andvision screening and bring fun to the health clubs at the local health centers. Learn more about local culture through a cooking class or a visit with a traditional healer. A delicious dinner and time to socialize with a great group of volunteers in a comfortable inn will cap off your day. Short, but so much deeper than a tour, this opportunity is unique in its ability to connect you with people. You will give to the community and receive much in return. (Please note that you will not be involved in providing clinical treatment to patients, but you will help with important preventative care.)

Cost: $1,685 for one week does not include airfare but does include food, lodging, transportation within Ecuador, and all planned activities (based on double occupancy. For single occupancy add $153 per week.) Discount available if paid in full by check at least 6 weeks prior to program start: $1,650 for one week; for single occupancy add $150. We provide one airport pickup on the first Saturday evening, and two options for transportation back to the airport, on the last Saturday night or Sunday morning. If your plans require different pickups or drop-offs, you will need to cover those on your own.

Did you know that your trip with Tandana is a net zero emission trip? Click here for more details.

Sample Itinerary for Public Health Volunteer Venture

(This is just an example. Actual activities will vary.)

Day 1 (Saturday)

Fly to Quito. We will send a bus to pick up participants at the airport on Saturday evening. Most flights arrive very late in the evening.

Day 2

Welcome and orientation, plan education activities and prepare for the week's work. Participate in a language class and learn about local culture.

Day 3

Visit two rural elementary schools to do preventative health activities. Help a dentist apply sealants and fluoride to children's teach to prevent cavities. Teach children about brushing their teeth and washing their hands, and provide them supplies to be able to do so. Give anti-parasite medication and do vision screening to identify children who need optometry care. After lunch in one of the communities, learn how to make cheese with a local family.

Day 4

Visit two more rural elementary schools to do preventative health activities.
Lead a nutrition cooking class with the pregnant mothers club at a local health center and provide prenatal vitamins. Share the dinner you have prepared.

Day 5

Visit two more rural elementary schools to do preventative health activities. After lunch with the community, then tour the vertical birthing unit at the Otavalo hospital while hearing from midwife Rosa Colta about her important work there.

Day 6

Visit two more rural elementary schools to do preventative health activities. After lunch, tour a medicinal garden and watch a demonstration of Andean healing techniques.

Day 7

Visit two more rural elementary schools to do preventative health education activities. After lunch, visit the midwives' center in Cotacachi and then shop in the leather market.

Day 8 (Saturday)

Shop in the world-renowned Otavalo market, enjoy a fun outing together as a group, such as to Mojanda Lakes or the Lechero tree. You may fly out on late night flights or spend one more night at the hotel.

Health Program

Through our health care program in Ecuador, The Tandana Foundation aims to improve rural community members’ access to basic health care and support local rural health professionals in caring for their population. We support the local health centers with needs, provide patient advocacy and assistance navigating the public health system, support clean drinking water projects, and do preventative health education activities.

Community Health and Well-being Program

One integral part of our health work is the Community Health and Well-being Program. Community members contact us when they have medical issues and need help finding and accessing the resources needed for treatment. Our Community Health and Well-being Coordinator communicates closely with the patients and advocates for them in the public health system. It is our goal that, through this process, patients learn how to use the system on their own.

Through many appointments, first at the rural health center, then at the hospital, and sometimes at specialized hospitals in the capital city of Quito or with other organizations such as Vista Para Todos or the Lions Club, patients access the care they need. Whether they need lab tests, specialists, surgeries, or eyeglasses, our Community Health and Well-being Program Coordinator works tirelessly to help them access the resources that are available. We work primarily with the Ministry of Health, and also with other foundations and private options when the public system does not offer what a patient needs.

Unfortunately, access to health services is very difficult for people living in rural communities for the following reasons:

Difficulties understanding the procedures to be followed
Transportation challenges
Communication gaps among the different levels of care
Difficulty scheduling appointments and long wait times
Cultural differences, language barriers, and racism

Our staff works with patients to navigate and overcome these challenges so that they can benefit from the services to which they are entitled as citizens of Ecuador and improve their health. Our goal is to ensure that once patients are on track and learn how to navigate the health system, from that point forward they are able to take advantage of its resources on their own.

Ecuador

In Ecuador, we work primarily in communities of the Quichinche parish, Otavalo canton, in the Ecuadorian Sierra. Just outside the market center of Otavalo, this area is only 2 hours by bus from Quito but offers a rural atmosphere and connection to the land very different from life in the capital.

The father and mother volcanoes, Imbabura and Cotacachi, stand guard over the valleys and hills where indigenous Otaveleño and mestizo families grow their sustenance. Diverse in their customs, residents are united by their need to work together to improve their communities. They farm corn, potatoes, beans, and other crops, weave textiles and baskets, and commute to Otavalo for secondary education or formal-sector jobs. The Kichwa Otavalo are one of Ecuador's indigenous groups most successful at maintaining their cultural identity and traditions. Speaking both Kichwa and Spanish, they have learned to negotiate the power structures of their nation while retaining pride in their indigenous heritage. The people of Quichinche work hard and also love to celebrate. In general, they are very welcoming to visitors and enjoy sharing food, joking around, and discussing their culture with guests. The landscape that surrounds their home, meanwhile, offers high lakes, waterfalls, and volcanic peaks to inspire a sense of nature's grandeur. The region's 9000-ft. elevation and proximity to the equator combine to give it consistently comfortable temperatures (50's to 80's) all year round.

Scroll down through the story map below to learn about the communities we partner with and see their locations on a map.

FAQ

Public Health Volunteer Ventures Frequently Asked Questions

Do volunteers need to have medical backgrounds (e.g., nurse, physician) or skills? What opportunities are there for people without medical training?

Volunteers do not need to have medical backgrounds. We do not provide clinical treatment during these programs. You will be participating in a variety of activities that do not require special skills. Just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

What are the costs to the communities of participating/hosting the volunteers?

Costs to the community are small. Some communities provide lunch to visiting volunteers. We gratefully accept this lunch when it is offered, but we do not require it. The community leadership councils, school directors, and rural health center staff are responsible for organizing activities with our groups.

Typically how large is the group of volunteers?

The groups are usually 10-15 volunteers with 4-6 Tandana staff.

Are volunteers required to speak Spanish? If not, how are interactions facilitated?

We have many volunteers who don’t speak Spanish. We offer basic (and fun) Spanish and Kichwa lessons during the trip to help volunteers learn at least enough to give basic instructions and greet people. Tandana staff translate for the group.

Do I need vaccinations to go on this trip?

COVID-19 vaccinations are required. The CDC recommends vaccinations against Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus-diphtheria and measles. Yellow fever is recommended for other parts of Ecuador but is not necessary in the mountains where we work. Other than COVID-19, vaccinations are up to your own discretion.

I've heard about the Zika virus. Should I be concerned for my health?

The Zika virus is carried by mosquitoes that generally live below 1200 meters, but Tandana works at much higher elevations--typically above 2000 meters. So the chances of encountering a Zika-carrying mosquito while with Tandana is quite low. Moreover, the main concern for Zika is the damage it can do to fetuses if the mother contracts the virus; for others, the clinical symptoms are mild. Nevertheless, if you plan to travel in lower elevations before or after your time with us, you might want to take precautions with an insect repellent approved by the EPA.

What are the accommodations?

Our health care volunteer venture participants are provided lodging at a wonderful facility right in Otavalo, Ecuador: La Posada del Quinde. Rooms all have private baths, comfortable beds, and have outlets using the same electricity as the U.S. Wi-fi is available in the common area. Breakfast each day is a treat that offers fresh local fruits and juices, excellent coffee and a selection of hot breakfast items to start your day off right. The garden and patio area are an oasis with a view of 2 inactive volcanos. And the location is perfect for market shopping just 4 blocks away.

Will my electronic devices work in Ecuador?

Yes, Ecuador uses the same electrical currents and plugs as the United States does, so you don't need a special adapter.

What should I pack to take on this trip?

We'll send you a "welcome" packet a month or so before your departure, which includes a suggested packing list.

What is the daily schedule like?

Each day we depart the hotel at 8 am and travel (from 15 minutes to an hour and a half) to a different community to work. After lunch, we visit community members, meet students, a shaman, a master weaver, or indigenous leaders, or hike to sacred sites such as the Peguche waterfall and the Lechero tree. In the evening, we sample one of the many delicious dining options in Otavalo, and have a short reflection on the day's experiences.

Who leads the groups of volunteers? Who do I turn to when I need help?

All of Tandana's volunteer programs are led by a team of Program Coordinators who have first-hand knowledge of the region, speak both Spanish and English, have expertise in experiential education and group leadership, hold WFA (Wilderness First Aid) or other certifications that have prepared them to handle emergencies, and are caring and capable individuals. Our permanent local staff is always on hand to help with translation, activities, logistics, and anything else to make sure the volunteers' experience is the best it can possibly be. See here for bios of some Program Coordinators.

What if I can't find the answer to my question on this FAQ page?

Please email your question to us at info@tandanafoundation.org, and we'll answer it as quickly as we can.

Stories

Jan

When health becomes a shared hope: The results of the Sal Community Health Center

For a long time, in many rural areas of Mali, access to healthcare remained limited. Distance, lack of infrastructure and absence of local services shaped families’ daily lives, influencing the way they dealt with illness, pregnancy, and medical emergencies. English Español Quand la santé devient un espoir partagé : les résultats du CSCOM de Sal … Continue reading "When health becomes a shared hope: The results of the Sal Community Health Center"

More...

Sep

In November, Tandana Foundation to join hands at Cincinnati event for a healthier future in Ecuador and Mali

The Tandana Foundation is inviting new and old friends to join hands in support of realizing the dreams of communities in rural Mali and highland Ecuador for important healthcare projects at a celebratory event in Cincinnati on Nov. 14. Español Français Through its annual fundraising event, Joining Hands for a Healthy Future, Tandana seeks to … Continue reading "In November, Tandana Foundation to join hands at Cincinnati event for a healthier future in Ecuador and Mali"

More...

Aug

Delivering exemplary results: News from the Sal Health Center

After opening its doors to the first patients four years ago with support from The Tandana Foundation, the health center serving 9,000 residents in the Sal Sector of Mali is fulfilling its purpose. Español Français Since that day, the Sal Health Center has made great progress in enhancing its operations under the direction of a … Continue reading "Delivering exemplary results: News from the Sal Health Center"

More...

Jun

Tandana strives to build health center in Mali in honor of longtime friend

The Tandana Foundation recently lost a very special member of its family, Susan Napier. Español Français Napier was a member of Tandana’s Board of Trustees for 12 years, participated in the organization’s volunteer trips to Ecuador and Mali three times each, and was a passionate donor to a number of community projects. Many of the … Continue reading "Tandana strives to build health center in Mali in honor of longtime friend"

More...

May

Ready to achieve her dreams thanks to a new hearing aid

In October 2024, in one of the mobile medical clinics supported by The Tandana Foundation, we visited the community of Moraspungo in the parish of Quichinche. There I had the opportunity to see Nayry Flores Cachimuel again. Now 14 years old, she was born without the ear canal in her left ear. Her mother noticed … Continue reading "Ready to achieve her dreams thanks to a new hearing aid"

More...

May

Community members share the impacts of the USAID cuts on services at the Sal Health Center

After a rollback in U.S. government foreign aid, funding for programs that delivered needed medicines and health care in rural Mali were slashed. That includes in Bandiagara and the surrounding villages where The Tandana Foundation has long-time community partnerships. English Español Des membres de la communauté partagent les conséquences des coupes budgétaires de l’USAID sur … Continue reading "Community members share the impacts of the USAID cuts on services at the Sal Health Center"

More...

May

Small NGOs need support following USAID cuts in Mali, says Tandana’s Founding Director

In an op-ed published by Context, Anna Taft, Founding Director of The Tandana Foundation, argues the upheaval caused by the U.S. funding cuts in rural Mali shows the urgency of the work of privately funded non-governmental organizations. Español Français Taft details how in Bandiagara, Mali, and the surrounding villages that are home to Tandana’s community … Continue reading "Small NGOs need support following USAID cuts in Mali, says Tandana’s Founding Director"

More...

Healthy Communities Volunteer Venture: Setting kids up for success

Upcoming Trips:

TBD

*

Register Online

Participant Financial Assistance

"Thank you so much. This week changed my life in a positive way, like I knew it would, but better than I possibly could have imagined. I am truly inspired by this entire week."

Healthy Communities Volunteer Venture

Overview

Sample Itinerary for Public Health Volunteer Venture

Day 1 (Saturday)

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8 (Saturday)

Community Health and Well-being Program

Public Health Volunteer Ventures Frequently Asked Questions

Do volunteers need to have medical backgrounds (e.g., nurse, physician) or skills? What opportunities are there for people without medical training?

What are the costs to the communities of participating/hosting the volunteers?

Typically how large is the group of volunteers?

Are volunteers required to speak Spanish? If not, how are interactions facilitated?

Do I need vaccinations to go on this trip?

I've heard about the Zika virus. Should I be concerned for my health?

What are the accommodations?

Will my electronic devices work in Ecuador?

What should I pack to take on this trip?

What is the daily schedule like?

Who leads the groups of volunteers? Who do I turn to when I need help?

What if I can't find the answer to my question on this FAQ page?

When health becomes a shared hope: The results of the Sal Community Health Center

In November, Tandana Foundation to join hands at Cincinnati event for a healthier future in Ecuador and Mali

Delivering exemplary results: News from the Sal Health Center

Tandana strives to build health center in Mali in honor of longtime friend

Ready to achieve her dreams thanks to a new hearing aid

Community members share the impacts of the USAID cuts on services at the Sal Health Center

Small NGOs need support following USAID cuts in Mali, says Tandana’s Founding Director