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
20

An inspirational journey: Representing my ancient and living culture in the U.S.

I am Margarita, a member of the Kichwa Otavalo indigenous community, and I live in Panecillo, Otavalo, Ecuador. I work with The Tandana Foundation, an organization with a presence in Ecuador, Mali, and the United States. For many years, I have shared my time with foreigners who come to our communities as volunteers. I always … Continue reading "An inspirational journey: Representing my ancient and living culture in the U.S."
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Jul
13

The experience of travel and friendships

Denise Roell is a friend I just met, but her sincerity in offering her friendship makes her feel like a longtime friend. My friend Denise told me how, despite being older, she does not believe it has been an obstacle to combine academic work and agricultural work. At one point, she told me that she … Continue reading "The experience of travel and friendships"
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Jul
6

Two Bills, one unique story of intercultural friendship

There is a tradition in the Dogon region of Mali by which babies are given names of an ancestor that has passed on or one that is still alive. Sometimes, this is done when a baby is born following the death of a close relative or important friend. This was the case in a very … Continue reading "Two Bills, one unique story of intercultural friendship"
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Jun
29

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"
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Jun
22

Engineering that matters: Helping communities achieve their dreams

Growing up, I always wanted to be in a place that nurtured and cultivated change, whether I was aware of it or not. As a child, I often volunteered around my community from mundane tasks at the library to helping out at the food shelter. I tried to give my time to all things. As … Continue reading "Engineering that matters: Helping communities achieve their dreams"
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