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.






Aug
17

Tandana to bring university scholarship recipients from rural Ecuador to U.S. for first-of-its-kind program with local and indigenous communities

In September, five university students from highland Ecuador will be traveling to Southeastern Colorado and Northwestern Arizona as part of a new service learning and cultural exchange program organized by The Tandana Foundation, a nonprofit organization that partners with communities in remote regions of Ecuador and Mali. Español Français For The Eagle and the Condor program, … Continue reading "Tandana to bring university scholarship recipients from rural Ecuador to U.S. for first-of-its-kind program with local and indigenous communities"
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Aug
10

Urgent need: Tandana works to build shelters for displaced families in Mali

After already fleeing their homes due to ongoing insecurity in other regions, hundreds of people who have sought refuge in Bandiagara, Mali, are now living without shelter for their families. Español Français Around 240 families from six different villages were living in government housing in the remote Malian city, but since that housing was already … Continue reading "Urgent need: Tandana works to build shelters for displaced families in Mali"
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Aug
3

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"
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Jul
27

It’s not too late: Restoring the environment and improving food security in Mali

There are now 36 villages across the Wadouba Township of Mali that have joined the Olouguelemo Environmental Association and are working together on climate change adaptation and regeneration initiatives. English Español Il n’est pas trop tard : Restauration de l’environnement et amélioration de la sécurité alimentaire au Mali Trente-six villages de la commune de Wadouba, … Continue reading "It’s not too late: Restoring the environment and improving food security in Mali "
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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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