Meet the Team Behind: The Tandana Foundation

The Tandana Foundation supports community initiatives in Ecuador and Mali that focus on education, health, food and water security, environmental conservation, and income generation. Tandana also provides intercultural volunteer experiences to build global connections among individuals, showing that beauty can be found in every culture. Learn more here!

Where does The Tandana Foundation work? 

In Ecuador, we work in the Quichinche Parish, Otavalo Canton, and the Ecuadorian Sierra. It’s a rural farming community where residents are united by their need to work together. They take pride in their indigenous heritage, maintain their traditions, and are very welcoming to visitors. In Mali, we work in the Bandiagara District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Dogon people in the area have a strong and unique cultural history that they love to share with others. In both Ecuador and Mali, communities have to walk miles for firewood, struggle to find clean water, and have difficulty building safe infrastructure due to limited materials. The people are motivated to improve their lives, and The Tandana Foundation helps them accomplish that. 

What community work does Tandana do? 

We support the achievement of community goals in Ecuador and Mali and address global inequalities through caring intercultural relationships. We respect their ability to define their own priorities and are there to help bring their visions into reality. We have a scholarship program that directly supports the education of secondary and university students, have helped villages build grain banks and gardens, and build systems to improve water quality. Our community health program improves access to health care and supports rural health professionals, and our entrepreneurship program helps women create income generating ideas that transform lives and communities. 

Can you tell me about your volunteer trips? 

The Tandana Foundation is not about “helping the poor” or imposing a certain worldview or religion on others. Our goal is to create and nurture respectful and responsible relationships among people of different cultures. Our volunteer programs allow travelers to form intercultural friendships, participate in rich indigenous culture, and make a difference in the lives of new friends. Our Trips With Intention provide individuals, groups, and families with unforgettable experiences in Ecuador and Mali. We also have virtual intercultural offerings for those who are unable to travel with us, such as speakers on real-life issues and meeting with local students. 

How can individuals get involved in your work?

We welcome anyone to go beyond their typical travel or volunteer experience by joining us on a Trip With Intention. These trips provide people with an exciting opportunity to connect with others, contribute to community projects, and see first-hand how The Tandana Foundation is building friendships and strengthening communities. There are a variety of ways for classes, clubs, or other groups to connect with us online and experience the work of our community partners. Donations support the achievement of community goals and address global inequalities by helping us continue our vital work.