TANDANA FOUNDATION INC
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Our group of Master Gardeners from the state of Ohio teamed up with Tandana in Otavalo, Ecuador. We spent 7 days - worked on a tree farm/nursery(vivero) , planted trees with local school children(at their school); harvested tree seedlings @10,000 ft. above sea level in the highlands & transplanted saplings.
Tandana offered many interesting side trips, so we additionally were immersed in the culture of Ecuador.
The tandana team members were well-prepared, thorough & very kind. The Tandana philosophy of cross cultural/mutual respect was exemplified by them all - and we were the beneficiaries-how wonderful!
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
A truly rewarding experience, traveling to Ecuador, working in the tree nursery, planting trees with the school children from the town of Quichinche and all the other wonderful activities we were able to accomplish during the week. It was the perfect blend of working and sight-seeing!
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
This is so muck better than simply being a tourist. We worked side by side with the indigenous people of Ecuador, visited their homes, ate their food, etc. I feel the work we did (planting 240 trees) made Ecuador a better place.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
Crossing paths with The Tandana Foundation truly has been life changing. I volunteered as a healthcare provider four years ago in highland Ecuador and never would have imagined prior to my first trip, that this will be my fifth year returning to Ecuador to volunteer and continue to provide care to this indigenous population..I became hooked! I love the relationships formed, it is truly a connection to the land and to its people..Anna Taft has become such a part of these communities, laying a strong foundation so that all volunteers who join are essentially welcomed into these communities as family. I have just returned from a Tandana volunteer vacation to Mali- I was so inspired by our work in Ecuador that I had to explore the work being done in Mali as well- We built a grain bank in the village of Sal Dimi, and a latrine in another small village. We sat in on the first women's literacy class taking place in the village of Kansongho (amazing!), we formed friendships and became fully immersed in the culture of Mali's Dogon region while providing aid for truly sustainable projects..and most importantly we worked WITH the community in the finishing of such projects, truly a collective effort- allowing us to weave lasting friendships. The appreciation and welcome we received from these communities was like none other Ive ever experienced! TERRIFIC ORGANIZATION.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
I went with my 8th grade class to Ecuador and it was the most eye opening experience I have ever had so far! We did community service with a small Andean community called Padre Chupa and so much more. The kids and people are amazing, Tandana was so much more than helpful. Natalie is amazing! She translated when our meager Spanish skills were insufficient, she was just a joy to have with us. Tandana helped get us food, and pretty much planned teh entire trip. Thanks So much!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
so many ways? Haha. I definitely support Tandana, they are such an amazing group and I hope to have many more trips wit them
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
add more countries to the countries that you can choose to go to!
My experience with Tandana was awesome! The accommodations were great and there was a great mix between tradition Ecuadorian food and other more "familiar" types to our US group. We travelled to Ecuador on an Alternative Spring Break trip from Northeastern University in Boston for a one week service project. Tandana did very good planning before hand and were ready to put us to work! Our group really felt welcome into the community and its very rewarding knowing that our filtration system will be in the village for a long time to come!
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The tangible service project we did and how it is going to have an impact on every person within that village.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
My experience with Tandana Foundation was truly life changing. I visited Otavalo with a group of college students as part of an alternative spring break. During the week, we had the opportunity to work with members of the community to build a water filtration system to improve the quality of water in the community. I can honestly not give one shred of negative feedback... Not only were the people in the community and organization welcoming, friendly, caring, and enthusiastic--they were hardworking and an inspiration to the students. Tandana Foundation perfectly balanced teaching us about the cultural aspects of the community and Otavalo, Ecuador while making sure we got down to business and did work. When my group left, I could tell how valued our work was to the community.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Some of the most fantastic and dedicated people I've ever met. They were positive, spirited, and always looking for more ways to help the community.
Ways to make it better...
I could have stayed for longer than a week! I hope to return in the future.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Tandana was amazing. The staff, community, Ecuador in general – everyone is so friendly and willing to help you whenever you need it. Five staff members from Tandana were available for our group, but we mostly had three staff personnel with us at all time. I miss them dearly, and I am sure when you meet them too, you will, as well! It was fascinating learning how Tandana got started in such a quick amount of time (less than 10 years ago). All the people you will meet on the trip have fascinating stories, so make sure to listen and ask questions. It will make your experience that much better. Everyone has the best intentions in Ecuador, and it was comforting knowing we were leaving with having met the best of people in the world; it was nice knowing that we could keep in touch with almost everyone we met via Facebook group (Tandana FB group) and Tandana’s website. Furthermore, Tandana was so helpful and accommodating, not to mention that they were extremely quick with e-mailing us back. Tandana was reassuring when we were planning our trip, and always listened to/tried to process our requests. It was also helpful to know they have had thousands of previous volunteers. Tandana also has other opportunities available through them, so students may wish to return to Tandana for a Co-op or vacation in the future (they have healthcare volunteer vacations, in addition to water infiltration/Public Health initiatives we partook in). The trip doesn’t have to end after your service with Tandana. We told them we love them and they said they would be more than willing to have us back. They have plenty of work to keep us busy, and a community is always in need. The indigenous people of Ecuador are very inspirational, and everyone should have the opportunity to work with them. A fantastic opportunity for anyone, for sure.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
experiencing their kindness, generosity, and welcoming nature during our service to Otavalo, Ecuador.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
decide against it, or simply make the decision to make it a BIGGER organization, because they are so amazing!
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting the staff members of Tandana and meeting and being immersed in the Ecuadorian community of La Banda. This opportunity would not have been possible if it were not for the generous hearts of Tandana - putting education and service first.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
always available to help us out, and more than willing to make our stay comfortable and cozy while we were present. They worked so hard to make our stay enlightening (cultural activities) and fulfilling (service).
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
help the world even more, and teach even more students than it already does. They could grow immensely into the potential I know it has (and already demonstrates).
Ways to make it better...
Nothing at all! It may be helpful though to notify volunteers to bring one metal spoon and/or fork, and one collapsible camping plate that can turn into a bowl (available at EMS). We recommend this option in case students in the group get sick in the be
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
handling the number of volunteers that will keep coming to them, simply because I can imagine it is and will continue to grow as a popular organization. However, they will fulfill this challenge with ease.
One thing I'd also say is that...
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU TANDANA! I will NEVER forget the experience I received. Your organization has helped to open my eyes to worldly possibilities in service, and has allowed me to meet the most caring people of Ecuador!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I feel that Tandana is very organized and accomodating to volunteers. They are flexible in working with concerns, needs and interests with each volunteer while still meeting the needs of the communities they serve. At the same time they provided opportunity for local, cultural and personal interaction. One personal example is that I was the only first time volunteer to stay for both weeks of their March trip and therefore had free time on the day others were leaving or arriving. They made special arrangements so that I could go on an activity of my interest with a guide on the day between groups.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Ecuador, among indegenous villages near Otavalo.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
provide support to villages further from access to medical care
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their organization, flexibility, location and close knit interactions with the local communities where the volunteering took place. The small number of volunteers making it easy to get to know each other and work together.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Knowledgable, friendly, adaptable, reasonable, professional and helpful.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Provide more indegenous populations with clean water systems that could be maintained by the community, education and medical support.
Ways to make it better...
I had been able to stay longer and experience more.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the cost of trips for the volunteers, the possibility for not always having sufficient medical staff or supplies.
One thing I'd also say is that...
the support for the communities through interns that provide follow up care/assistance for the people of the communities served is an often missing piece to many organizations and is refreshing to see in such a young organization.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Tandana Foundation's work in Ecuador is an important contribution and an inspiration to the disadvantaged of Quichinche and La Banda communities of Imbabura, and beyond. I am in awe of Director Anna Taft's infectious devotion and commitment. Tandana's remarkable volunteers embellish their tenacity with humor, charm and great spirit. They are of The New World and am so glad to be a small part of it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Imbabura, Ecuador
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
delegate more responsibilities.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
positiveness, tenacity, courage, modesty, sincerity
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
mostly young, female, a variety of ages, adventurous with a quiet determination.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
have an endowment to pay a permanent manager and 'district' nurse, increase education scholarships to Ecuadorian students.
Ways to make it better...
I could speak the local language, Quichua, as Tandana's director does.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
continuity
One thing I'd also say is that...
I will continue to support such an organization.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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