In the community of Yambiro, Ecuador, a group of women started to dream of a better future. Little by little, their ideas materialized until they succeeded in organizing themselves to establish the Yambiro Fish Farming and Irrigation Group (CPRY).
Continue reading “With their community and international volunteers, women’s group in Ecuador realizes their dream”
I’m Aminata Wodiou, from Idieli Douh, in the township of Dourou. My father is a local mason and my mother is a housewife.
Continue reading “Through perseverance, a scholarship recipient is supporting her community’s tailoring needs”
The following story is from Ambajugo Kassogue, a grandfather whose family receives support through The Tandana Foundation’s displaced students’ program.
Continue reading “Fleeing violence, finding confidence and hope”
The program initiated by The Tandana Foundation for displaced families in Bandiagara is a very welcome initiative, says Hamidou Yalcouyé, coordinator of the displaced students program.
Continue reading “Sharing the impact of Tandana’s displaced students program”
After starting with literacy, The Tandana Foundation has steadily expanded its capacity-building programming for women in rural Mali. Now, Tandana partners with villages across the Bandiagara District of Mali to empower women to read, write, calculate, work together in associations, and generate income.
Continue reading “Hear from two women about their new abilities and enterprise activities in Mali”
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 program to also include training and resources for the parents to pursue income-generating activities so they could better support their families.
Continue reading “From empty hands to selling pancakes”
This year, The Tandana Foundation expanded a program aimed to help students from internally displaced families in Mali to reach more students as well as to provide additional support to parents in generating income for their families.
Continue reading “Income-generating activities support parents in Tandana’s Displaced Students Program”
Never underestimate the impact of being able to do something you could not before.
Through literacy and numeracy classes, leadership workshops, support in registering women’s associations, and startup funding for income-generating enterprises, the programs organized by The Tandana Foundation in rural Mali are supporting women in learning to read, write, calculate, work together in associations, and generate income. These skills increase their confidence, independence, success in economic activities, and recognition as agents of local decision-making.
Continue reading “A few inspiring thoughts from participants of Tandana’s women’s programs in Mali”
Indigo dyeing is proving to be a profitable way for women to earn money across the Wadouba Township of Mali, with many dyers in the new women’s associations supported by The Tandana Foundation becoming successful businesswomen. The resurgence of indigo dyeing in the region has led to the revitalization of another culturally significant activity that had fallen out of favor with the younger generation. Hear from one woman about the outcome below.
Continue reading “The revitalization of an important cultural practice in Mali”
Women across many villages in rural Mali have become powerful community leaders and successful businesswomen following the leadership and governance training in the workshops organized by The Tandana Foundation. While they learn skills to be community and business leaders, they are also increasing their confidence, independence, success in economic activities, and recognition as agents of local decision-making. Many of them have also joined the women’s associations supported by Tandana to conduct their income-generating activities.
Four inspiring participants of the leadership workshops share their personal stories below.
Continue reading “In Mali, women are thriving as community leaders and entrepreneurs after participating in important Tandana-supported programs”
The Tandana Foundation has supported the creation of many women’s associations to support women with their income-generating activities throughout the Bandiagara District of Mali. Below, hear from one participant from Komberou about how successful their association has been compared to other associations that have been started in her village but lack the oversight and camaraderie found in the Tandana-organized groups.
Continue reading “Hear about the ‘perfect harmony’ and success from the Komberou women’s association”
With support from The Tandana Foundation, the women dyers from the village of Goundoly Djeninke in Mali continue to grow their business, selling dyed cloths and carrying on an important part of their tradition. In the following blog, hear two different perspectives on the benefits the indigo dyeing association has brought to the village.
Continue reading “Good news on the indigo dyeing business in Goundoly Djeninke”
Indigo dyeing is a major source of income for women in rural Mali. The Tandana Foundation has helped several villages create indigo banks to manage a revolving fund for the materials they use, similar to the cotton banks the organization has supported in other villages. The newest indigo bank is in Sol Djeninke. When it started, the leadership committee of the Sol Djeninke indigo bank participated in a workshop to learn how to manage their bank and also how to dye safely using both natural and chemical dyes. Tandana also provided the women with their equipment and supplies to get the new indigo bank up and running. Recently they held their first annual meeting to reimburse the cost of the materials they used and evaluate the first campaign.
Continue reading “A small needle that sews great fabrics: the success of the women indigo dyers of Sol Djeninke”
Thousands of women have participated in the Savings for Change, literacy, and leadership programs, which are organized by The Tandana Foundation in partnership with villages across Bandiagara District, Mali. Whether it is contributing to savings funds, learning how to read and write, or exploring how to be a female leader, not everyone in the villages has immediately recognized the importance of having these programs available to women. Below, three women provide commentary on how the success of the participants is changing the way people think about the programs.
Continue reading “Changing minds and transforming lives through the Savings for Change, literacy, and leadership programs”
In 2019, The Tandana Foundation funded six women’s associations’ business proposals in the Bandiagara District of Mali. These women’s enterprises are now starting income-generating activities, including making nutritional seasoning balls out of néré seeds, raising sheep, transforming cotton into cloth and indigo dyeing. Below four women talk about the progress they have made with their income-generating activities.
Continue reading “The early success of the women’s enterprises in Mali”
This year, there are 30 new Savings for Change groups that The Tandana Foundation has helped form in eight villages in the Bandiagara District of Mali. Most of the new groups have 22 members, one group has 27, and two groups have 30 with a total of 681 participants. So far, the groups have collectively saved $3,064.06. The 30 groups, involving 789 women, that started in 2019 held their fund-sharing ceremony after a year of saving. The total funds divided up were $12,269, with each member receiving between $10 and $11.
Below, three women who have joined SFC groups share their thoughts on the success of the saving and credit program in their townships.
Continue reading “Reflections from women members of the Savings For Change program in Mali”
Jose Sanchez is an indigenous farmer who grew up working in the fields of a newly formed commune and was optimistically helping organize the former share-croppers that had been liberated from huasipungo, ‘serfdom,’ in the 1960’s. He lives in Cotacachi, a town of 8,000 located a few miles from Otavalo, and with his wife maintains and manages (at a low salary) a beautiful guest house owned by an absentee landlord long resettled in Quito. His mother is still the owner of a small cornfield in the lands of the former hacienda, but it is not mechanized and doesn’t produce much crops or income. The net result of the ‘liberation’ of the sharecroppers is that they, as before the 1960’s, do all the work and yet remain quite poor. Continue reading “From hacienda to commune to cooperating farm families”
Last year, The Tandana Foundation funded six women’s associations’ business proposals in the Bandiagara District of Mali. These women’s enterprises are now starting income-generating activities, including making nutritional seasoning balls out of néré seeds, raising sheep, transforming cotton into cloth and indigo dyeing. Below two women talk about their income-generating activities. Continue reading “Recent updates from the women’s enterprises in Mali”
The women who participate in the Savings for Change program in Mali continue to experience the positive impacts of their work and their collaboration with each other. Through the program, which is supported by The Tandana Foundation, the women have been able to save money, repay their loans, and manage the costs of running their businesses. Below, two women share how the SFC program has benefited their income-generating activities as well as their villages. Continue reading “Becoming more respected, secure, and in harmony through the Savings For Change program”
The Tandana Foundation has partnered with villages around the Bandiagara District of Mali to establish Savings For Change groups in their communities. As a result, thousands of women have benefited from the micro-loan program, including Fatouma Kouriba, who provides an update on the SFC group in Dimbily below. Continue reading “The progress of the Savings For Change group in Dimbily”
The Tandana Foundation provided a start-up revolving fund for six women’s associations in Bandiagara District of Mali last fall. Each of the groups recently collected their first reimbursement for materials used in their income-generating enterprises. In the blog below, three women from these groups share their thoughts following this first repayment that has refilled the operating fund. Now, each group can use its fund to buy more materials and continue earning income. Continue reading “Six women’s associations reimburse their revolving funds, ready to continue earning with their enterprises”
As part of the Women’s Literacy, Leadership, and Enterprise Program, the Tandana Foundation used part of a grant from Dining for Women to provide startup funding for six new women’s associations’ business proposals in the Bandiagara District of Mali. These women’s associations are now starting income-generating activities, including making nutritional seasoning balls out of néré seeds, raising sheep, transforming cotton into cloth and indigo dyeing. Continue reading “Tandana funds six women’s association enterprises in Mali”
In rural Mali, the Tommo So literacy and numeracy classes, along with the recently launched leadership workshops, which are made possible thanks to the support from Dining for Women, continue to have extremely positive impacts on the women who participate in them. Below, three women share their stories of how these programs, which have been established in many villages by the Tandana Foundation, have changed their lives for the better and have assisted them in becoming community leaders. Continue reading “‘Long live the Tandana Foundation’”
Interested in learning what women in the Savings For Change (SFC) program think of the impact of their participation? Below, three members from the village of Teguedou share their reflections on the SFC program, which is a savings and credit program for women that the Tandana Foundation has helped establish in many communities in Mali. The goal of the program is to allow members to pool their savings and take out loans in order to assist them in starting or expanding micro-businesses. Continue reading “Reflections from Savings For Change members in Teguedou”
Organizing in work groups. Making phone calls independently. Teaching their children to read and do math. These are a just a few examples of what three women, of the more than one thousand women who have participated in the Tommo So literacy and numeracy classes and recently launched leadership workshops, write about what what their participation in these programs – made possible thanks to support from Dining for Women, assists them in doing. Below, those three women share their experiences before and after taking part in these programs, all of which the women asked the Tandana Foundation to help bring to their villages in rural Mali. Continue reading “What we can do now”
After women in the village of Kansongho told the Tandana Foundation that they would like to learn literacy and numeracy skills, so that they could keep records for their businesses and be independent in the marketplace, Tandana began the Tommo So literacy program in 2012. When women in neighboring villages saw what women in Kansongho were learning, they too, asked to participate, and that demand has continued to spread. To date, Tandana has provided classes to 1,117 women in 29 villages thanks to support from Dining for Women. In 2018, the foundation added women’s leadership workshops for former literacy students from each village to its offerings and supported these leaders in creating official women’s associations. Each new association was invited to submit a proposal for an income-generating enterprise, and the ten best proposals were selected to receive funding. The following letter was written by Assatou Goudienkile, on behalf of the women from the village of Nounou, explaining how their participation in the literacy and women’s leadership programs has helped them become self-reliant. Continue reading “‘We see clearly, we hear, we walk’”
During a series of workshops on women’s leadership sponsored by The Tandana Foundation and made possible through support from Dining for Women, participants learned how to form and lead women’s associations and also shared their experiences in leadership. In rural regions of Mali, women are rarely well represented in township councils. To encourage more women to seek these community leadership positions, Oumou Kansaye used examples from her experience in politics to inspire other women during one of the workshops. In the following, Oumou Kansaye tells her story, including desribing a speech where she argued for the equal treatment of female leaders from rural communities. Continue reading “Advocating for gender equality in local elections”
The following is the story of Tandana’s Savings For Change (SFC) trainer Moussa Tembiné. The SFC program is a savings and credit program for women that the Tandana Foundation has helped establish in many communities in Mali. Through this program, women are able to pool their savings and take out loans to assist them in starting or expanding micro-businesses.
Continue reading “Meet Tandana’s Savings for Change Trainer”
Elé is from the village of Dianweli, about 7 km from Yarou-Plateau. He attended secondary school in Bourgouma, 3 km from his village. He is certified with a technician’s diploma (BT) from the professional school of Kayes in western Mali.
Elé composed the following passage about his experience as a subidized teacher and how the Tandana Foundation teamed with the local residents to ensure he was able to receive payment for his work and stay teaching in rural Yarou-Plateau. Continue reading “Joining together to keep a special teacher in rural Mali”
Being able to read words and understand numbers help women in Mali shop at the market independently and succeed in their work. The Tandana Foundation has partnered with members of 30 villages to establish literacy and numeracy classes – thanks to support from Dining for Women – that teach women to read, recognize numbers and count, improving their abilities to support their families. Below are comments from two women whose lives have changed through their participation in these classes. Continue reading “Teaching literacy to empower women in Mali”
Below are videos of two students and the school director talking about the school garden in De, Mali. Continue reading “Students thankful for opportunities that have grown from school garden in De, Mali”
Voici quelques commentaires des femmes participants au programme Epargne Pour le Changement de la Fondation Tandana dans la commune rurale d’Ondogou, au Mali. Ces commentaires sont datés du 17 mars 2017. Continue reading “Savings for Change Program Opens New Lives for Women”
Les Femmes de la communauté d’Ondougou, au Mali, teignent le tissu à l’indigo comme activité principale, activité réservée aux femmes d’une tradition particulière. Elles cherchaient un accès plus facile aux matériaux utilisés dans le procédé de teinture, ainsi que la capacité d’acheter ceux-ci à crédit. Tandana les a aidées à créer une banque d’indigo, afin de gérer un fonds renouvelable pour l’achat de ces matériaux. Tandana leur a également fourni une formation concernant certaines autres techniques, afin que la teinture indigo traditionnelle reste compétitive vis à vis des procédés chimiques, plus dangereux et dont la popularité augmente dans la région, ainsi que pour leur permette d’exercer leur activité de teinture en toute sécurité. Elles ont choisi un comité de sept femmes pour gérer la banque, et les membres de ce comité ont reçu une formation en gestion et tenue des dossiers. Ayant complété une session de cours d’alphabétisation de Tandana en langue Tommo So, les femmes membres du comité ont donc été bien équipées pour assumer une telle responsabilité. Voir ci-dessous quelques commentaires des participants.
Women in Ondougou Township, Mali, dye cloth with indigo as their major business, which is reserved for women of a particular heritage. They wanted to have more access to the materials they use in the dyeing process and the ability to purchase them on credit. Tandana helped them create an indigo bank to manage a revolving fund for the materials they use. Tandana also provided training for them in additional dyeing techniques to help them keep traditional indigo-dyeing competitive with the more dangerous chemical dyeing-processes that are becoming popular in the region and to do their dyeing safely. They chose a committee of seven women to manage the bank, and the committee members received training in management and record-keeping. Because they had completed a session of Tandana’s Tommo So literacy classes, the committee members were well-equipped to take on this responsibility. Below, you can see comments from some of the participants.
Las mujeres en el municipio de Ondougou, Mali, tiñen ropa con índigo, siendo su negocio más importante, el cual se reserva para mujeres de cierta herencia. Estas mujeres querían tener mayor acceso a los materiales que usan en el proceso de teñido y capacidad para comprarlos a plazos. Tandana les ayudó a crear un banco de índigo para gestionar un fondo rotativo de los materiales que utilizan. Tandana también les proporcionó formación en técnicas de teñido para ayudarles así, a mantener una condición favorable del teñido tradicional de índigo con el proceso químico más peligroso que se está popularizando en la región, haciendo el teñido de forma segura. Eligieron un comité de siete mujeres para gestionar el banco y recibieron formación en la gestión y registro. Ya que completaron la sesión de Tandana de clases de alfabetización de Tommo So, las pertenecientes al comité fueron bien preparadas para hacerse cargo de esta responsabilidad. Aqui en debajo se puede ver unas reflexiones de algunas participantes.
Mariam Yanogo:
Je suis la présidente de cette association, d’abord mon remerciement a vous, Moussa et Yembila, c’est grâce à vous nous retrouvons ici. Sans mentir je dis au fond de mon cœur, ces trois villages (Kondiougou, Indell, Guinekanda), nous travaillons des mêmes activités mais on n’a jamais collaboré ensemble pour donner des idées et travailler en équipe et si vous voyez qu’aujourd’hui nous sommes ensemble c’est grâce au financement de la Fondation Tandana et ses partenaires. Selon mon information, le 1er magasin de stockage des produits de teinture dans le cercle de Bandiagara donc nous avons eu une grande chance pour avoir ce magasin et avec cette grâce nous allons montrer à la Fondation Tandana ce qu’on peut faire.
Mariam Yanogo:
I am the president of this association. First of all, thank you Moussa and Yembila (the trainer). It is thanks to you that we are here. Without lying, I can tell you from the bottom of my heart, these three villages (Kondiougou, Indell, Guinekanda), we worked on the same activities without ever collaborating or sharing ideas with one another before, and if you see us together today, it is thanks to the financial support of The Tandana Foundation and its partners. According to my information, this is the first warehouse for indigo dye products in Bandiagara District. As such, we have had the great luck to have this indigo bank and with that blessing, we will show The Tandana Foundation what we can do.
Mariam Yanogo:
Soy la presidenta de esta asociación. Antes de todo, gracias Moussa y Yembila (el instructor). Es gracias a vosotros que estemos aquí. Sin mentir, os puedo decir desde el fondo de mi corazón, estas tres aldeas (Kondiougou, Indell, Guinekanda), hemos trabajamos en las mismas actividades sin colaborar nunca antes ni compartir ideas , y si nos ves juntos hoy, es gracias a el ayuda financiera de la Fundación Tandana y sus compañeros. De acuerdo con mi información, este es el primer almacén para productos de teñido índigo en Bandiagara. Y siendo así, hemos tenido la grandísima suerte de tener este banco de índigo y con esta bendición, le enseñaremos a la Fundación Tandana lo que podemos hacer.
Ramata Balam, Gestionnaire du magasin de stockage de teinture:
Pour moi, c’est une grande histoire. Après mes études en comptabilité c’est la première fois de faire mon expérience en comptabilité. Je suis de Guinekanda et marié à Kondiougou, Après les études je me suis marié dans ce village et je pense souvent pourquoi j’ai étudié parce que j’ai tendance à oublier mes notions à 100% je suis devenue une ménagère. Aujourd’hui grâce à vous et à la Fondation Tandana, je me sent que je suis utile et je commence à mettre en pratique mes études. Franchement je suis contente de cette initiative et c’est ma première fois de voir les femmes de ces trois villages réunir et travailler ensemble. Je vous demande d’être près de nous et c’est un début, nous n’avons pas d’expérience en gestion et c’est une nouvelle équipe.
Ramata Balam, Manager of the indigo bank:
For me it has been a long journey to get to this point. Since I finished studying accounting, this is the first time I have done accounting work. I am from Guinekanda and married to a man from Kondiougou. After my studies, I got married in this village and have often questioned why I studied because I have almost forgotten what I studied, for lack of using it. I became a housewife. Today, thanks to you, The Tandana Foundation, I feel that I am useful and I have started to put into practice all that I have studied. Honestly, I am happy with this initiative and it is the first time I have seen the women from these three villages working together and united. I ask you to stay close to us since this is just the beginning. We do not have experience in management and are a new team.
Ramata Balam, Gerente del banco de índigo:
Para mí, llegar hasta este punto ha sido un largo camino. Desde que terminé de estudiar contabilidad, esta es la primera vez que trabajo como contable. Soy de Guinekanda y estoy casada con un hombre de Kondiougou. Después de mis estudios, me casé en este pueblo y me he cuestionado frecuentemente porqué he estudiado ya que he olvidado casi todo lo que estudié, por no utilizarlo. Me convertí en una ama de casa. Hoy, gracias a vosotros, la Fundación Tandana, siento que soy útil y he empezado a poner en práctica lo que había estudiado. Honestamente, estoy contenta con esta iniciativa y es la primera vez que veo a las mujeres de estas tres aldeas trabajando juntas y unidas. Os pido que os quedéis cerca nuestro ya que esto es solo el comienzo. No tenemos experiencia en gestión y somos un equipo nuevo.
Anta Napo:
Je suis la trésorière, moi personnellement je ne pensais pas que ces trois villages allaient travailler ensemble, cher partenaire de notre association, la manière dont vous avez eu l’idée de nous soutenir avec les produits naturelles bio, permet de pérenniser les anciennes pratiques et beaucoup d’entre nous les jeunes filles ne savent pas ces pratiques donc c’est une forte opportunité à nous les jeunes et nous comptons sur vous nuit et jour.
Anta Napo:
I am the treasurer. Personally, I never thought these three villages would work together. Dear partners, your idea to support us with natural, organic products has permitted us to perpetuate our ancient practices. Many of the young girls among us did not know of these methods and so it is a great opportunity for us and for the younger generation. We count on you night and day.
Anta Napo:
Soy la tesorera. Personalmente, nunca pensé que estas tres aldeas trabajarían juntas. Queridos compañeros, vuestra idea de apoyarnos con productos naturales y orgánicos nos ha permitido perpetuar nuestras prácticas ancestrales. Muchas de las chicas jóvenes no conocían estos métodos y por lo tanto es una oportunidad magnífica tanto para nosotros como para la generación joven. Contamos en vosotros día y noche.
Fatoumata Kamia, Indel, Mali
Je m’appelle Fatoumata Kamia ménagère et teinturière traditionnelle dans le village d’Indel commune rurale d’Ondogou.
J’ai héritée ce métier de teinture de mes parents car au Pays Dogon ce métier est réservé aux femmes de castes et il est interdit aux femmes de la famille noble. J’exerce ce métier il y’a 34 ans de cela. Mais depuis la crise qui a affectée le Mali, notre revenu a considérablement beaucoup diminué et nous les femmes teinturières nous n’arrivons plus a avoir le moyen de payer les matériaux de notre métier.
Aujourd’hui c’est grand jour pour nous, grâce à la Fondation Tandana, nous pouvons relancer nos activités sans stop avec l’aide de ce magasin de stockage.
Vous savez, Moussa Housseyni, ici on nous prête pas de l’argent à cause de notre statut sociale car nous considéré comme une classe inférieure et homme de caste donc ce projet va non seulement nous permettre de relancer nos activités mais nous rendre indépendant socialement et économiquement.
Je vous demande de transmettre a la Fondation Tandana mes vives remerciements et reconnaissances au nom de toutes les femmes teinturières de nous rehausser sur le plan sociale car c’est la première fois dans la commune d’Ondogou qu’un projet a été initié pour nous les femmes teinturières traditionnelles et classe castes. La Fondation est comme un envoyé de Dieu, les yeux qui lit les pensées des personnes très pauvre et non considérées pour comprendre leurs besoins et leur guider à la résolution de ces besoins.
Yembila dit Seydou Sagara
Je m’appelle Yembila dit Seydou Sagara teinturier traditionnel bio et formateur en teinture à indigo à Bandiagara. Je suis membre acteur traducteur, régisseur du film intitulé « les Dames de couleurs ».
Je suis chargé de recherche du livre « Teinture Dogon »
Je suis actuellement président association des Teinturiers Traditionnels au Pays Dogon « GALA- DOGON » est fondée sur les principes d’union, de solidarité et d’entraide mutuelle.
Elle regroupe toutes les teinturières du cercle de Bandiagara et une partie de la falaise du cercle de Bankass.
Elle a pour objectifs:
En tan que formateur en technique de teinter sans danger aux femmes membre du comité de gestion du magasin de stockage des matériels de teinture dans la commune d’Odongou, je ne peux rester sans saluer le partenaire financier la Fondation Tandana qui a permis de démarrer ce projet. Ce projet est la première initiative en Pays Dogon à l’endroit des femmes teinturières un projet concret et qui vient au bon moment. J’ai participé à plusieurs ateliers et formations en teinture dans presque toutes les régions du Mali, mais je n’ai jamais vu un tel projet qui répond aux besoins directs des femmes teinturières de la base.
En tant que président de l’association des Teinturiers Traditionnels au Pays Dogon « GALA- DOGON » je félicite la Fondation Tandana pour cette belle initiative et surtout l’approche d’intervenir directement avec les bénéficiaires. J’exhorte aux femmes teinturières bénéficiaires de ce projet de bien mettre en pratique de cette formation et de bien gérer les matériels mis à votre disposition afin qu’on puisse un jour parler de bon résultat de ce projet et donner la chance aux autres teinturières.
Je sollicite encore à la Fondation Tandana d’étendre ce projet dans les autres communes de Bandiagara et Bankass afin que toutes les teinturières membre de cette association bénéficient de cette belle initiative.
Le formateur en teinture traditionnel en Pays Dogon
Yembila dit Seydou Sagara
Fatoumata Kamia, Indel, Mali.
I am a housewife and traditional dyer in the village of Indel in the township of Ondogou. I inherited this line of work from my parents, since in the Dogon Country, this kind of work is reserved for women of lower caste. It is forbidden to women from noble families. I have been doing this work for 34 years. But since the crisis that affected Mali, our revenue has decreased considerably and we the dyers don’t have enough money to buy the materials we need for our work. Today is a big day because thanks to the Tandana Foundation, we can continue our activities without stopping, with the help of this indigo bank. You know that here (in Mali) people don’t lend us money because of our social status, we are seen as an inferior class. So this project will not just allow us to restart our activities but also to be socially and economically independent. I ask you to share my warm thanks and appreciation with the donors in the name of all the women dyers for raising us up in society, since this is the first time in Ondogou township that a project has been undertaken for us, the traditional dyers and caste women. The Foundation is like a messenger from God whose eyes read the thoughts of people who are poor and not taken into consideration, to understand their needs and guide them in fulfilling these needs.
Yembila, known as Seydou, Sagara
My name is Yembila, known as Seydou, Sagara. I am a traditional dyer and trainer of organic indigo dyeing techniques in Bandiagara. I am a member, actor, translator and manager of the film entitled “Ladies of Colors”.
I am in charge of research for the book “Teinture Dogon” (“Dogon Dye”)
I am currently President of the Association of Traditional Dyers of Dogon Country, which was established on the principles of union, solidarity and mutual aid.
It includes all the dyers of the Bandiagara circle and part of the cliff of the Bankass circle.
It has four objectives:
As the instructor of safe dying techniques for the women of the indigo bank management committee of Ondogou, I cannot resist greeting the financial partner The Tandana Foundation, which allowed the start of this project. This project is the first initiative in Dogon Country for the women dyers, a concrete project which comes at the right time. I have participated in several workshops and trainings in dye in almost all the regions of Mali, but I have never seen a project like this that meets the direct needs of the women dyers.
As president of the Association of Traditional Dyers of Dogon Country, I praise The Tandana Foundation for this beautiful initiative and especially the approach of interacting directly with the beneficiaries. I urge the women dyers, the beneficiaries of this project, to do their best at putting into practice what they have learned at this training, and to manage the equipment provided to you well so that we can one day speak of the good results of this project and give the chance to other dyers.
I implore the Tandana Foundation to spread this project to the other municipalities of Bandiagara and Bankass so that all the member dyers of this association can benefit from this beautiful initiative.
Instructor of traditional dying in Dogon Country
Yembila, known as Seydou, Sagara
Fatoumata Kamia, Indel, Mali
Soy una ama de casa y una tintorera tradicional en la aldea de Indel en el municipio de Ondogou. Heredé esta línea de trabajo de mis padres, ya que en el país de Dogon, este tipo de trabajo está reservado para las mujeres de casta baja. Está prohibido para mujeres de familias nobles. He estado haciendo este trabajo durante 34 años. Pero desde la crisis que afectó Mali, nuestros ingresos han disminuido considerablemente y las tintereras no tenemos el dinero suficiente para comprar los materiales que necesitamos para nuestro trabajo. Hoy es un día de felicidad puesto que gracias a la Fundación Tandana, podemos continuar con nuestras actividades sin parar, con la ayuda de este banco de indigo. Aquí (en Mali) la gente no nos presta dinero por nuestro estatus social, nos perciben como una clase inferior. Este proyecto no solo nos permitirá renaudar nuestras actividades sino ser independientes social y económicamente. Te pido que compartas mi sincero agradecimiento y apreciación a los donantes en nombre de todas las mujeres tintoreras por elevarnos en la sociedad, ya que esta es la primera vez en el municipio de Ondogou en la que un proyecto se ha llevado a cabo para nosotras, las tintoreras tradicionales y mujeres de casta. La Fundación es como un mensajero de Dios cuyos ojos leen los pensamientos de las personas que son pobres y no tomadas en consideración, para comprender sus necesidades y guiarlos en satisfecer estas necesidades.
Yembila, conocido como Seydou, Sagara
Mi nombre es Yembila, conocido como Seydou, Sagara. Soy un tintorero tradicional e instructor del tinte orgánico índigo en Bandiagara. Soy miembro, actor, traductor y manager de la película llamada “Señoras de Colores”.
Estoy encargado de la investigación para el libro “Tinte Dogon”.
Actualmente soy el presidente de la Asociación de Tintoreros Tradicionales del País de Dogon, que fue establecida bajo los principios de unión, solidaridad y ayuda mutua.
Incluye todos los tintoreros del círculo de Bandiagara y parte del círculo de Bankass.
Tiene cuatro objetivos:
Como instructor de técnicas de tinte seguras para las mujeres del comité de gestión del banco índigo en Odongou, no puedo quedarme sin saludar a la Fundación Tandana, quién nos permitió empezar este proyecto. Este es la primera iniciativa del país de Dogon para las mujeres tintoreras, un proyecto concreto que aparece en el momento adecuado. He participado en diversos talleres y formaciones sobre tinte en casi todas las regiones de Mali, pero nunca había visto un proyecto como este que se ajusta a las necesidades específicas de las mujeres tintoreras. Como presidente de la Asociación de Tintoreros Tradicionales del País de Dogon, elogio a la Fundación Tandana por esta bonita iniciativa y especialmente por el enfoque de interaccionar directamente con los beneficiarios. Insto a las tintoreras, beneficiarias de este proyecto, a dar lo mejor de sí poniendo en práctica lo que han aprendido en esta formación, y a gestionar correctamente el equipamiento proporcionado para que un día podamos hablar de los buenos resultados de este proyecto y dar la oportunidad a otros tintoreros.
Imploro a la Fundación Tandana extender este proyecto a otros municipios de Bandiagara y Bankass para que miembros tintoreros de esta asociación puedan beneficiarse también de esta magnífica iniciativa.
Instructor de teñido tradicional del país de Dogon
Yembila, conocido como Seydou, Sagara
Mariam Walbane de groupe EPC Ambagana parle de son expérience de crédit d’une banque nationale qui a ruiné les femmes du village avec un taux d’intérêt très élevé:
Je suis la présidente des femmes du village d’IndellDouh et membre de groupe EPC Ambagana. Au départ je n’étais pas d’accord avec le programme EPC parce que avec BNDA (Banque Nationale pour le Développement de l’Agriculture) au Mali on a eu un sérieux problème pour le remboursement. A la question comment vous avez eu de problème de remboursement avec BNDA?
Elle répondit Eh, je ne veux pas entendre le mot de banque nationale BNDA je suis désolé.
Aujourd’hui, EPC de la Fondation Tandana c’est la banque du groupe car ca nous permet de nous retrouver chaque semaine dans un même lieu et parler comment mieux se développer avec EPC en prenant des crédits dans notre propre fond. Avec les Banques l’intérêt c’est pour eux mais avec EPC l’intérêt c’est pour nous même. Merci la Fondation Tandana.
Hawa Tembiné:
Je suis la trésorière de mon groupe EPC, on a beaucoup souffert avec les caisses d’épargne et de crédits. Avec l’initiation de la Fondation Tandana toute les femmes du village sont fière avec ce programme EPC et aujourd’hui je viens de prendre un crédit pour trois (3) mois sans déplacer et le jour de remboursement l’intérêt reviens à nous tous.
Je suis fier d’être membre de groupe d’EPC, grâce à la fondation Tandana nous réunissons chaque semaine, on a jamais réuni de cette façon à heure précise.
Mariam Walbane of the Savings for Change group of Ambagana speaks about her experience with credit from a national bank that ruined the women of the village by charging a very high interest rate:
I am the president of the women’s Association in Indellou Douh village and a member of the Savings for Change group of Ambagana. At first, I did not support the Savings for Change Program because we had a serious problem with making repayments when we took loans from the BNDA (National Bank for the Development of Agriculture) in Mali.
When asked the question why did you have a problem of repayment with the BNDA, she responded:
I do not even want to hear the word national bank or BNDA. I’m sorry.
Today, the Savings for Change Program of the Tandana Foundation is the group’s bank because it allows us to meet in the same place every week and talk about how better to expand with the Savings for Change Program by taking credit from our own funds. With banks the interest is for them, but with the Savings for Change Program the interest is for us. Thank you, Tandana Foundation.
Hawa Tembiné:
I am the treasurer of my Savings for Change group. We have suffered a lot with loans from banks. With the introduction of The Tandana Foundation, all the women of the village are pleased with the Savings for Change program, and today I have just received a loan for three months. On the day of repayment, the interest returns to us all.
I am proud to be a member of the Savings for Change group. Thanks to The Tandana Foundation we come together each week. We have never gathered in this way at a regular time.
Mariam Walbane del grupo Ahorros por el Cambio de Ambagana habla de su experiencia con créditos de un banco nacional que arruinaron a muchas mujeres de la aldea por cobrarles una tase de interés muy alta:
Soy la presidenta de la Asociación de mujeres en el pueblo de Indellou Douh y miembro del grupo Ahorros por el Cambio de Ambagana. Al principio, no estaba a favor del programa Ahorros por el Cambio porque tuvimos un grave problema para devolver el dinero cuando tomamos préstamos del BNDA (Banco Nacional para el Desarrollo de la Agricultura) en Mali.
Cuando se le preguntó porqué habían tenido un problema al devolver el dinero al BNDA, respondió “Ni siquiera quiero oír las palabras banco nacional o BNDA. Lo siento”
Hoy, el programa Ahorros por el Cambio de la Fundación Tandana es el banco del grupo puesto que nos ha permitido reunirnos en el mismo sitio cada semana y hablar de como expandirnos mejor con el programa de Ahorros por el Cambio tomando préstamos de nuestros propios fondos. Con los bancos el interés es para ellos, pero con el programa Ahorros por el Cambio el interés es para nosotras. Gracias, Fundación Tandana.
Hawa Tembiné:
Soy la tesorera de mi grupo Ahorros por el Cambio. Hemos sufrido mucho con los préstamos de los bancos. Con la introducción de la Fundación Tandana, todas las mujeres de la aldea están contentas con el programa Ahorros por el Cambio, y justo hoy he recibido un préstamo de tres meses. En el día de devolución, el interés volverá a nosotras.
Estoy orgullosa de ser un miembro del grupo Ahorros por el Cambio. Gracias a la Fundación Tandana nos juntamos cada semana. Nunca nos habíamos reunido de esta manera tan regularmente.