The Tandana Foundation

08/30/2026

Today's new blog was written by Chelsea Rothert, who participated with her family in a Trip with Intention that was organized by Tandana to Ecuador. The trip was for a multi-generational family reunion and, as Chelsea writes, "The week was a beautiful combination of service, culture, and adventure. Our group spanned ages 7 to 84, and there was truly something for everyone." Read all about their trip now!

The following blog was written by Chelsea Rothert, who participated with her family in a Trip with Intention that was organized by The Tandana Foundation to Ecuador.

08/28/2026

In July, Tandana’s volunteer groups spent time with the five women artisans of the Rug Hooking Group, learning about their craft, hearing their stories and dreams, and sharing new ideas and techniques.

Volunteers also helped organize and deliver craft supplies, while the artisans shared their skills and demonstrated the many steps involved in their work.

And the women quickly showed just how creative and adaptable they are. After just one day of collaboration, they surprised the group with new designs, sizes, and colors for their art!

The collaboration also gave the women an opportunity to sell their work, supporting one of the project’s goals: creating additional income opportunities for their families. 💛

08/27/2026

Good things are growing in Yambiro. 🌱💚

In July, ten women from the CPRY women’s group in Yambiro joined two volunteer groups to plant fruit trees in the gardens they care for at home.

Using water from the community’s irrigation project, these women are putting their land to work and growing food for their families and communities.

Together, they planted tree tomatoes, naranjillas, blackberries, babacos, avocados, citrus fruits, blueberries, and more. 🍊🫐🥑

It’s exciting to see an irrigation project become something tangible—and edible—in the hands of the women who are using it.

08/26/2026

A new school year is beginning—and more than 90 families came together to prepare for it. 📚💙

In July, Tandana’s and their families gathered at the Panecillo community center for the program’s annual meeting.

Together, families began coordinating the distribution of school supplies and uniforms and preparing for the year ahead.

We also had the joy of welcoming 14 new scholarship students who are beginning their first year in the program! 🎒✨

More than a scholarship, this program is a way of supporting students and families as they work toward a brighter future!

08/25/2026

A community came together—and got it done. 💧

After two groups of international volunteers joined the work in May and June, the community of Panecillo completed its new sewer system in July!

The project will improve wastewater management for 125 community members in the Santa Clara and Santa Rosa neighborhoods.

But this wasn’t simply a project delivered to a community. It was a project built with the community—through local mingas, community organization, international volunteers, and the generous support of Tandana’s donors.

From May to July, many hands came together to make this possible. And now, Panecillo has a sewer system built by the community, for the community. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who helped make this work possible!

The Wellington School
Stephen T. Badin High School

08/23/2026

Tandana’s support for internally displaced families in Mali continues to increase as demand grows and participants experience great results, with students earning top marks in the classrooms and partners flourishing in their income-generating activities. Hear about the growth of the Displaced Students Program and how participants are succeeding in the classroom and their businesses in today's new blog.

In the Bandiagara Region of Mali, The Tandana Foundation’s support for internally displaced families continues to increase as demand grows and participants experience great results, with students e…

08/21/2026

For 17 years, Tandana has partnered with the communities of Yarou Plateau in .

This summer, all five villages were destroyed in terrorist attacks. Homes, schools, gardens, and community spaces were burned, and the entire population was forced to flee to the town of Sofara.

Over the years, Tandana has worked alongside the people of Yarou Plateau on women's savings groups, a cotton bank, a school garden, and the village school. Some of you may remember visiting the community, watching a performance of horse dancing, or seeing its ancient pictographs.

It is heartbreaking to see a community we have known and supported for so many years lose everything.

Now, families are needing to begin again. They are seeking to restart businesses in cotton spinning, sheep fattening, cord plying, and gardening, but need tools and supplies to get started.

If you are able to help our friends from Yarou, you can donate here:

💛 form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/displaced-families

08/20/2026

We congratulate Adela Pacarina López Perugachi on completing her graduation requirements with the presentation of her research thesis last month.

Originally from the community of Quichinche, Adela is graduating from the Catholic University with a degree in Accounting and Auditing.

We’re proud to celebrate this important milestone and wish Adela all the best as she begins the next chapter of her professional journey! 💛 🎓

08/19/2026

20 years. Countless friendships.

For 20 years, Tandana has brought people together across cultures, communities, and continents.

What began in 2006 has grown into lasting partnerships in and —and friendships that continue long after a trip, a project, or a volunteer experience ends.

This November, we're celebrating the people who made those 20 years possible.

Join us for Tandana's 20th Anniversary Celebration
November 21 • Bexley, Ohio

🎟️ Learn more and reserve your spot: tandanafoundation.org/20th

08/18/2026

What if your next trip wasn't about checking places off a list—but about understanding a culture? 🇪🇨

Andean Cultural Journeys offers a different way to experience . Participants learn directly from Kichwa Otavalo community members through conversations, hands-on activities, visits to meaningful places, cooking, music, traditional practices, and time spent learning from local experts. 🌎

It's distinct from Tandana's Trips with Intention: these journeys focus specifically on cultural immersion, curiosity, and intercultural connection.

🗓️ Our next journey is February 26–March 5, 2027, and all are welcome.

Could this be the kind of travel you've been looking for?

👉🏽 Learn more and register:
tandanafoundation.org/andeanculturaljourneys.html