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.






Apr
14

Community Health Advocacy: Empowering Indigenous Healthcare with The Tandana Foundation

My name is Emma Howes, and I am fortunate enough to have collaborated with The Tandana Foundation over the last year and a half in the process of completing the research component of my doctoral program. I am a student completing a Ph.D. in International Psychology, a subfield of psychology that highlights culture as the … Continue reading "Community Health Advocacy: Empowering Indigenous Healthcare with The Tandana Foundation"
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Apr
7

The indomitable spirit of determination, hope, and humor among displaced families

Hamidou, Coordinator of Tandana’s Displaced Students’ Program, and I walked up a dusty road to the corner where he had arranged to meet Ambajugo Kassogué, grandfather of one of the students in the program. We had invited two adult family members of students in this program to travel to Bamako so that I could meet them … Continue reading "The indomitable spirit of determination, hope, and humor among displaced families"
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Mar
31

Q&A: Recognizing Women’s History Month at Tandana

In the United States, March is designated as Women’s History Month to celebrate the accomplishments of women in history and today. While women continue to break glass barriers, leading countries and businesses, and bettering their lives and the lives of their families, gender inequalities still persist around the world. Español Français The Tandana Foundation has … Continue reading "Q&A: Recognizing Women’s History Month at Tandana"
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Mar
24

Part 2: Lessons learned while discovering new things and making new friends

This is the second of two blogs I wrote to share the lessons I learned while on the Ohio Master Gardener Volunteers’ trip to Ecuador with The Tandana Foundation. Español Français Orchard preparation in the Tangali school yard When a Master Gardener Volunteer receives a call for help, we have a role to gather and … Continue reading "Part 2: Lessons learned while discovering new things and making new friends"
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Mar
17

Part 1: Lessons learned while discovering new things and making new friends

On Day 1 of the Ohio Master Gardener Volunteer’s trip to Ecuador with The Tandana Foundation, I had one big question: “What’s a chocho?” Learning the answer to that question ended up as the first of several important lessons I took away from the recent trip. This is the first of two blogs I wrote … Continue reading "Part 1: Lessons learned while discovering new things and making new friends"
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