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.






Nov
3

A few words of gratitude for support of community health initiatives

The Tandana Foundation partners with villages around the Bandiagara District of Mali on a number of health and wellbeing projects based on the desires of the communities. In recent years, Tandana has supported the construction of a new health center in Sal, provided scholarships for students to receive technical training as nurses and pharmacists, helped … Continue reading "A few words of gratitude for support of community health initiatives"
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Oct
20

Hear from two women about their new abilities and enterprise activities in Mali

After starting with literacy, The Tandana Foundation has steadily expanded its capacity-building programming for women in rural Mali. Now, Tandana partners with villages across the Bandiagara District of Mali to empower women to read, write, calculate, work together in associations, and generate income. English Español Écoutez deux femmes parler de leurs nouvelles capacités et de … Continue reading "Hear from two women about their new abilities and enterprise activities in Mali"
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Oct
20

Leaving a Legacy of Hope: The gift of a new water system in Natividad

Water is essential to life, but communities in many places of the world still long for clean, safe water. One of those communities is Natividad, Ecuador. Español Français The residents of Natividad receive their water from a canal that is open to contamination by animals and parasites, which can result in illness if the water … Continue reading "Leaving a Legacy of Hope: The gift of a new water system in Natividad"
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Oct
13

Leaving a Legacy of Hope: The gift of a new school in Kansongo

For a long time, the residents of Kansongo, Mali have dreamed of having a school for their children. On paper, the Malian government created a school for them, but without providing financial resources for the infrastructure. So, no school could be constructed. Español Français That’s why the village residents would like to partner with The … Continue reading "Leaving a Legacy of Hope: The gift of a new school in Kansongo"
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Oct
6

From Friends to Ambassadors: Introducing a new opportunity to engage with and support Tandana

For those looking for more opportunities to engage with and support the organization, The Tandana Foundation is launching a new Ambassador Program to provide a way to do just that. Español Français Tandana is currently seeking enthusiastic individuals for the new program who are willing to share their Tandana memories and experiences with their friends … Continue reading "From Friends to Ambassadors: Introducing a new opportunity to engage with and support Tandana"
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