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.






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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Sep
29

From empty hands to selling pancakes

Due to ongoing insecurity in parts of Mali, The Tandana Foundation launched a program for students of displaced families who are now living in Bandiagara. At first, the program focused on providing educational and food support to families so the students could attend school and settle into their new town. This year, Tandana expanded the … Continue reading "From empty hands to selling pancakes"
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Sep
22

Triki Traka: It’s not your grandma’s tic tac toe!

I have been hearing more and more over the last few years – from coworkers from The Tandana Foundation and volunteers who have joined us on trips alike – about this fun game in Ecuador with similarities to Tic Tac Toe called Triki Traka. Now, I’ve been a part of Tandana for the past 12 … Continue reading "Triki Traka: It’s not your grandma’s tic tac toe!"
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Sep
15

Tandana invites friends to host Language and Literacy fundraisers based on trilingual storybooks

In November, The Tandana Foundation will be releasing two books – the first-ever storybook in the African language of Tommoso and the second-edition of a beloved Kichwa storybook. Both books, which are being published by Tandana, are aimed at promoting literacy, aswell as maintaining and revitalizing the indigenous languages spoken by the organization’s community partners … Continue reading "Tandana invites friends to host Language and Literacy fundraisers based on trilingual storybooks"
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