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.






Jun
4

Tandana scholarship students in Ecuador and Mali sow seeds of intercultural friendship

They may live in vastly different countries, oceans apart, but the post-secondary students soon found out they had much in common, including motivation, perseverance, and ambitious goals for what they wanted to achieve in life. Español Français The revelation happened when The Tandana Foundation’s scholarship recipients in Ecuador and Mali connected over Zoom for the … Continue reading "Tandana scholarship students in Ecuador and Mali sow seeds of intercultural friendship"
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May
28

Never too young for intercultural friendships

“This dance is called the Sandyeli. It is used to show joy. We’re dancing to show that we’re so glad to meet you!” Español Français Ambaobou Kouriba, Timothée Tembiné, and Aramata Tembiné – preschoolers from Bandiagara, Mali – demonstrated the dance for their North American counterparts over Zoom, a simple rocking back and forth with … Continue reading "Never too young for intercultural friendships"
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May
22

For a better future

For Cindy Belén Perugachi Sinchico, the story of her education begins years before she was even born. Cindy’s parents, Rodrigo and Olga, married when they were 15. Immediately, they had to work to support themselves. Español Français “I am from a humble family. My parents didn’t have the opportunity to study, to start school,,; Cindy … Continue reading "For a better future"
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May
14

All about Saline High School’s intercultural volunteer trip to Ecuador

Saline High School (SHS) senior Michael Moore stood by and smiled as a group of enthusiastic kindergarten students painted golden sand dunes on a beach. The children were energetic helpers and worked quickly to depict a young Ecuadorian boy walking by the sea at sunset as a crab, whale, and fisherman look on. Español Français … Continue reading "All about Saline High School’s intercultural volunteer trip to Ecuador"
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May
7

Healthier together: The Quichinche Health Center’s Seniors’ Club

Before the meeting began, none of the gathered assembly were inclined to talk. They formed a circle in front of the Quichinche Health Center and looked down at their feet. A few of the women who had arrived together talked quietly. María Flores, one of the women in attendance informed me that the group was … Continue reading "Healthier together: The Quichinche Health Center’s Seniors’ Club"
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