The Tandana Foundation

05/31/2026

Once only the communities' dreams, the new schools in Kansongo and Dani, which were built by local villages with support from Tandana, have created a positive and welcoming environment for hundreds of students since they opened in recent years. Perhaps no greater a comment, a new school has given one student the courage to go to school again. In today's new blog, hear from him as well as others about the positive impact of the new educational building.

Once only the communities’ dreams, the new schools in Kansongo and Dani have created a positive and welcoming environment for hundreds of students since they opened in recent years. Built by …

05/29/2026

One meaningful part of the Miami University group’s time in was participating in workshops alongside community members in Yambiro.

Students met with women involved in to discuss how to price their handmade products and brainstorm design ideas that could appeal to visiting tourists while still reflecting local culture and creativity. The conversations became a valuable exchange of perspectives, ideas, and encouragement.

The group also spent time with parents from the local school who are interested in making school uniforms for students. Together, they talked through how to calculate fair pricing based on the cost of raw materials and production. 💙

These workshops created space for collaboration and mutual learning while supporting local initiatives and small-scale entrepreneurship within the community.

05/28/2026

A week in Gualsaqui became so much more than a visit for students from Miami University.

They painted murals alongside local children, shared home-cooked meals with host families, learned traditional customs, hiked to Peguche waterfall, explored Cuicocha together, and gathered around a celebratory pambamesa lunch to close their time in community.

Along the way, students discovered the importance of family, the power of creativity to bridge language barriers, and a deeper appreciation for cultures different from their own.

These exchanges build friendships, understanding, and memories that last far beyond one week. Thank you to the families and community members of Gualsaqui for welcoming students so generously. 💙

05/27/2026

The Tandana Foundation is turning 20! 🎉

Join us on Saturday, November 21, 2026, in Bexley, Ohio, for an evening celebrating two decades of enduring friendships, vibrant communities, and meaningful partnership.

This special anniversary celebration will raise funds for:
📚 A new school serving displaced students in rural Mali
💧 Clean water projects in indigenous communities in Ecuador's highlands

Guests will enjoy delicious food, music, fellowship, and inspiring stories about the impact communities are creating together through education and access to safe water.

Your support will help families and communities continue building brighter futures for generations to come.

📍 St. Charles Preparatory School – Walter Student Commons
⏰ 6:30–9:00 p.m.

Learn more and read stories from Tandana’s projects here:
https://www.tandanafoundation.org/20th

05/26/2026

From May 15–18, a team from the Tandana Foundation and the secretaries of Olouguèlèmo traveled across 16 villages in the rural commune of Kendé to support the establishment of village management committees for environmental protection. 🌱

Together, communities successfully validated committees in 15 villages — an exciting step toward local leadership and shared care for the environment. Meetings brought people together to plan, collaborate, and strengthen a vision for protecting the natural resources their communities depend on.

The work continues, and we’re encouraged by the commitment and partnership already taking shape. 🌍

05/24/2026

Tandana has now supported 53 women’s associations in rural Mali with training, tools, and a revolving fund to expand the income-generating possibilities of their work. In today's new blog, hear from several association members and a village leader about the success of their income-generating activities.

Finding employment opportunities is not easy in rural Mali, and many residents have created their own businesses to provide for themselves and their families while also filling the needs of their c…

05/22/2026

A year of progress worth celebrating! 👏

The women’s association of Bine held their annual meeting to review accounts and reflect on a successful year — even celebrating with matching outfits made together.

The women’s association of Imbisson also gathered for their annual meeting and are feeling encouraged by their results.

We love seeing communities take pride in all they are building together. 🌍

05/21/2026

💧 Progress continues on the Panecillo Regional Water System thanks to the hard work of residents from the five communities it serves and our amazing University of Dayton ETHOS volunteers.

Through partnership, dedication, and community collaboration, this important project continues moving forward — helping strengthen access to clean water for families in the region.

Please join us in celebrating everyone helping make this progress possible! 👏💙

05/20/2026

Several of our Dr. Ash B. Varma, M.D. Scholars are currently interning at the hospital in Bandiagara, Mali! 🌍 We are incredibly proud to see these future leaders gaining hands-on experience while serving communities abroad.

Drop a ❤️ below to cheer them on!

05/19/2026

A giant congratulations to our longtime partner Kawsaymi Cocina, led by Claudia Fuerez, on receiving national recognition from Ecuador’s Tourism Forum for helping revitalize the tourism industry through hard work, dedication, innovation, and leadership. 🇪🇨👏

This honor reflects years of heart, perseverance, and commitment to creating meaningful experiences and strengthening community through food and hospitality.

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with you and grateful for our continued partnership. 💛

Please join us in congratulating Claudia and the entire Kawsaymi team in the comments below! 👇✨

✨ Her main award reads… ✨

“Our organization has the honor of presenting this recognition to you for your work, effort, and leadership in support of the reactivation of the tourism industry and, through it, the country’s economy. We congratulate your innovation, commitment, and support for the development of Ecuador’s tourism sector.”