The Tandana Foundation Blog

Whitman workshop engages students in how to effectively start and operate a global NGO

At Whitman College, the Transnational NGOs workshop brought students together to explore how NGOs work across cultures and borders. The workshop featured three guest speakers who are actively working in the NGO sector to share real-world experiences alongside case studies and discussion. Topics examined ethical partnership, inclusion, and sustainable impact while building a clearer picture of what it means to engage in nonprofit and development work.

When health becomes a shared hope: The results of the Sal Community Health Center

For a long time, in many rural areas of Mali, access to healthcare remained limited. Distance, lack of infrastructure and absence of local services shaped families’ daily lives, influencing the way they dealt with illness, pregnancy, and medical emergencies.

Water that unites: When a community contributes to its well-being

The community of Cuaraburo, located in the parish of Eugenio Espejo, is about 20 minutes from the center of Otavalo. The local community is mainly engaged in the sale of chochos (lupin beans), bread making, and production and sale of handicrafts. In addition, many men work as masons or in the construction sector, while many women and families are dedicated to crafting totora (reed) handicrafts.

Hear the latest on Tandana’s displaced families program

As more families seek refuge in Bandiagara, Mali as a result of ongoing insecurity and violence in other parts of the country, The Tandana Foundation continues to expand its support through its displaced students’ program. Recently, Tandana representatives provided an initial distribution of food to 175 students while continuing to follow up on the support it has provided previously for their parents to start income-generating activities.

A dream come true: The Eagle and the Condor exchange

On the 10th anniversary of The Tandana Foundation, the dream of an exchange program from Ecuador to the United States was born. A group of university students at that time requested the opportunity to participate in a cultural exchange and share their culture.

A panel that ignited my desire to make a positive impact on communities

Even though a month has passed since the panel at Whitman College, I still find myself thinking about the moment I first saw Anna Taft, Madjalia Seynou, and Khai Zar Oo walk into the room. Their calm, unhurried presence left me with a quiet, settled feeling—the kind that comes after listening to people who don’t just talk about justice, but live it: steady, honest, and, in its own way, gently demanding.

A journey that transformed my life: Cultural exchange in the U.S.

I want to focus this blog on telling one of the most important experiences of my life, something that marked my heart forever: my participation in the first cultural exchange between Ecuadorian students to the United States, which was organized by The Tandana Foundation.

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A connection that sparked hope

A year ago, life gave me an unforgettable experience: I was able to visit the United States and visit Miami University. From the first moment, everything was wonderful. I felt so fortunate to be there, in such a prestigious place, hosted with such warmth… It was a dream come true.

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What I learned during my trip to the U.S. through the Eagle and Condor program

This trip to the United States was much more than a simple academic or cultural experience: it was an adventure of the soul. During my stay, I had the opportunity to live moments that deeply sparked my emotions, learning and encounters that took my heart to different corners of that country. I want to share the most significant and emotional moments of this intercultural experience. These are moments that inspired me, made me reflect, and reminded me who I am and where I come from.

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Hundreds of local residents celebrate the opening of the new Kansongo school

In late September, around 800 residents of nearby villages attended the inauguration ceremony of the new elementary school in Kansongo, Mali, which three villages built in partnership with The Tandana Foundation.

My journey through culture: a journey between traditions and discoveries

My name is Joselyn Perugachi. I am a Kichwa woman from Otavalo and I live in the community of Cachicullá, which is part of the beautiful canton of Otavalo. I study agricultural engineering and I am one of the scholarship recipients of The Tandana Foundation.

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Tandana’s Founding Director receives World of Difference Award for advancing women’s economic empowerment

The International Alliance for Women – a global charitable foundation dedicated to the economic empowerment and advancement of women all over the globe – has selected Anna Taft, Founding Director of The Tandana Foundation, as a 2025 World of Difference Awardee. The TIAW World of Difference Award recognizes extraordinary women, and men, whose efforts have advanced the economic empowerment of women locally, regionally or globally.

From Ecuador to the U.S.: My journey with Tandana, an exchange that changed my outlook on life

Hello, my name is Fredy Xavier Panama, and I am 22 years old. I belong to the community of Padre Chupa, and I live in Quichinche. I study agricultural engineering at the Technical University of Cotopaxi. I am a scholarship recipient of The Tandana Foundation. Thanks to this scholarship, I had the opportunity to experience something I will never forget: traveling to the United States to participate in a cultural exchange that allowed me to learn, share, and grow in many ways.

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My first trip to the U.S.: A cultural exchange experience

Traveling to the United States was a dream come true. This trip was not only my first trip abroad – it was also an unforgettable experience thanks to the cultural exchange organized by The Tandana Foundation. I went on this unforgettable adventure with a group of colleagues who belong to this prestigious foundation. During the trip, we visited places steeped in history, culture, and unique landscapes: Durango, Mancos, Zuni, and Arizona. Each place left me with profound lessons and memories that I will treasure forever.

7 years later, I’m still witnessing the impact of my volunteer trip to Ecuador

My name is Vanessa Escobar, and I participated in a volunteer trip to Ecuador in 2018 which was organized by The Tandana Foundation. While on the trip, I worked alongside a group of my peers and two professors from Colgate University, as well as the Tandana staff and community members we met onsite.

Showcasing the indigenous Kichwa Otavalo culture at immersive event in Colorado

Last month at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, Colorado, The Tandana Foundation hosted an exciting event – The Eagle and the Condor Flying Together – that immersed attendees in the indigenous Kichwa Otavalo culture of Ecuador. The Kichwa Otavalo are one of Ecuador’s indigenous groups most successful at maintaining their cultural identity and traditions.

The indigenous community of Agualongo endeavors to record and share its own knowledge, stories, and voices

To begin to understand one another, we must listen, share, and be heard. But who would venture to speak, when no one has cared to listen?

Bridging the gap: Student life and culture in California and Ecuador

It may be hard to understand how the daily routines differ for North and South American students, but it’s something I’m learning and appreciating first hand. From meals to hobbies to family, each unique aspect of our lives makes up a broader cultural experience, of which no two places are quite the same. Yet are our lives truly so different?

In November, Tandana Foundation to join hands at Cincinnati event for a healthier future in Ecuador and Mali

The Tandana Foundation is inviting new and old friends to join hands in support of realizing the dreams of communities in rural Mali and highland Ecuador for important healthcare projects at a celebratory event in Cincinnati on Nov. 14.

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All about the volunteer trips to Ecuador this year

As the last volunteer group wraps up, we wanted to check in with Omar Flores, The Tandana Foundation’s Program Manager in Ecuador, on what volunteer groups have been up to on trips in 2025.

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Miami University faculty members reflect on their experiences and learnings from a trip to Ecuador with Tandana

In early August, we (five faculty members from Miami University in Ohio) traveled to the highlands of Otavalo, Ecuador. The goal of our trip was to explore potential interdisciplinary study abroad programs with an experiential learning focus, so we asked The Tandana Foundation to expose us to a range of potential opportunities for future students. We stayed with wonderful host families in the rural community of Yambiro, engaged in mingas (community work projects) at a water treatment plant and a school, and learned about Kichwa culture and traditions, tilapia farming, indigenous justice systems, and so much more.

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Through perseverance, a scholarship recipient is supporting her community’s tailoring needs

I’m Aminata Wodiou, from Idieli Douh, in the township of Dourou. My father is a local mason and my mother is a housewife.

Helping those who want to climb to go far

Amid ongoing insecurity in other regions of Mali, The Tandana Foundation partners with the community on a program for students of displaced families who are now living in Bandiagara. Tandana’s displaced students program provides educational and food support to families so the students could attend school and settle into their new city as well as provides training and resources for the parents to pursue income-generating activities so they could better support their families.

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 New Mexico 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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 heard people say, “We come from the United States, which is in North America.” Since then, I have felt a mixture of curiosity and joy when welcoming people from other countries into my home, to teach them about my traditional clothing, our stories, and our culture.

The experience of travel and friendships

Denise Roell is a friend I just met, but her sincerity in offering her friendship makes her feel like a longtime friend. My friend Denise told me how, despite being older, she does not believe it has been an obstacle to combine academic work and agricultural work. At one point, she told me that she has a farm where they have many cows and the way they maintain it.

Two Bills, one unique story of intercultural friendship

There is a tradition in the Dogon region of Mali by which babies are given names of an ancestor that has passed on or one that is still alive. Sometimes, this is done when a baby is born following the death of a close relative or important friend.

This was the case in a very special story from The Tandana Foundation’s family.

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Tandana strives to build health center in Mali in honor of longtime friend

The Tandana Foundation recently lost a very special member of its family, Susan Napier.

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Engineering that matters: Helping communities achieve their dreams

Growing up, I always wanted to be in a place that nurtured and cultivated change, whether I was aware of it or not. As a child, I often volunteered around my community from mundane tasks at the library to helping out at the food shelter. I tried to give my time to all things. As my youth subsided and college rolled around, I found it challenging to participate in service activities and struggled to find the meaning and purpose behind the degree I was pursuing. When I was introduced to the ETHOS program offered by my school, I took a leap of faith and opened myself up to an opportunity that would expand my worldview.

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Extra courses help displaced students catch-up and earn top marks

Due to ongoing insecurity in other parts of the country, thousands of people, including many children, have fled to Bandiagara, Mali. To support these families, The Tandana Foundation launched a program for displaced students that provides school supplies, food aid, and other resources to help them transition to their new location.

The literacy program is teaching much more than reading and writing in Mali

The literacy and numeracy program supported by The Tandana Foundation has grown to include students in 79 villages around Bandiagara. The program teaches women to read and write words in Tommoso and recognize numbers and do calculations. These skills boost their confidence, independence, and success in economic activities.

Lessons in translation from a Remote ESL Intern

As I dialed the number to call my student Mariuxi for the first time, I was filled with anxiety. Anxiety about whether I would be able to sufficiently communicate or explain a whole language in an entirely different one. And then Mariuxi answered the phone. During that first call, though there were starts and stops – times of confusion and times of certainty – we were able to convey the essentials. Spanish and English flowed in a complex dance of syllables, enunciations, and pauses. Over time, we would grow together.

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