I was blessed with the opportunity to share a geo-torism volunteer experience with Tandana in January 2009, Mali West Africa.
Something that will remain with me for many years. A marvelous, challenging and rewarding time for me. Not only a chance to meet and unite with a volunteer community of disparate North Americans and Europeans but the chance to be fully entrenched into a second family in the heart of Dogon country, the village of Kanshongo.
The honest, open-hearted joy and enthusiasm from the villagers who have so little and yet so much to give has left me with an ever-broadening perspective and daily benchmark of gratitude that no vacation brochure could ever put a price on. I continue to process the experience and am presently looking forward to receiveing a letter from one of my new village friends. The continents and miles melt away as we softly, gently reconnect the fractured pieces of the world. Thank you Tandana for this gift. I choose to carry forward the teachings to effect a greater real-world understanding for as many people as I may touch.
I've observed Tandana working with and for the villagers of Quichinche during March, 2008 and 2009.
Tandana spent much time with the villagers, learning Quichua, discovering their needs and providing vital health and education services - where little of such had existed before.
Such a selfless, dedicated group of young people have had enormous, positive effect in this impoverished community.
I have watched this love-inspired program grow over the last few years into a trully exceptional culturally- enriching experience for those who participate in the volunteer vactions in Mali and Ecuador. Anna's endless energy, courage, and belief in the goodness of humanity has shaped an organization that promotes peace and harmony across cultures, and that takes valuable, essential services to populations in need.
I was a participant in the Ecuador medical volunteer program this spring. This program is effective and incorporates a sophisticated understanding of how to cultivate collaborative relationships between the guests and the residents. I learned a lot about serving others in a way that honors and respects the assets of the community. Many of the participants were young and considering careers in medicine or human services. I'm glad this wise program was their introduction
Tandana might be any other organization trying to good around the world - thankfully there are many - but Anna Taft, the founder and director makes it a fundamentally sound group of men and women helping those that cannot help themselves in South America and Africa. Anna is tireless in her pursuit for excellence and leads with compassion, strength and wisdom regarding how to best accomplish her mission (s) in underdeveloped countries, but does it in a way that you would believe it was being accomplished in places that have all the facilities necessary.
Anna's vision is remarkable and her organizations success has had the groundwork laid for future growth in inabling the least of these to have what we take for granted.
Anna Taft exemplifies that one person can make a difference. Her dedication to aiding others is reflected in the two projects she manages. Anna is an amazing person!!
So often our non-profits focus on "one-way" serving. The typical flow often assumes that service is done and given to the "less fortunate" with preconceived notions labeling "giver" and "receiver". Tandana invites all participants - visitors and indigenous community members to participate in true community - actively being both giver and receiver. Visitors with The Tandana Foundation quickly see they are not tourists, but have been invited to be a part of the community. Everyone interacting in these exchanges are building relationships. These relationships change our world view on who really is our neighbor and how do serve those around us - whether we are in the Dogon country, the highlands of Ecuador or down the street of our own home town in the parking lot at Target.
Anna's unique world view and vision sets solid leadership direction for all those involved. Everyone comes to the table with much to learn and much to share. After personally participating in a medical service experience in Ecuador 2 years ago, my 13 year old son and I joined Anna to visit Dogon country in Mali. Traveling with my son in the Tandana way was truly one of our best parenting decisions. I watched as my son was welcomed by all members of our traveling party as well as the community we visited. This trip has made lasting impressions because of his new intergenerational mentors as well new cross cultural friends. This experience opened our eyes once again to the wonder of the world. In that wonder, we found home in Kansangho, Mali.
I had the opportunity to participate in the Tandana Foundation's volunteer programs in Ecuador in 2008. Because of the long-term relationships of trust and mutual respect that Anna Taft and the Tandana Foundation have built in these communities over the past five years, I was able to have an unusually authentic experience. I lived and worked in a small indigenous community where I was the only foreigner. Although it is a poor community where families struggle to make ends meet, I was welcomed with open arms and treated with overwhelming kindness and respect. I am excited to return to the community again this fall to visit my family and friends, work again with the Tandana Foundation, and continue to learn and grow in ways that are not possible without leaving the comforts of our own homes! I wholeheartedly support the Tandana Foundation's proposed project to share the opportunity for travel and global citizenship with indigenous community members.
Comments
I was blessed with the opportunity to share a geo-torism volunteer experience with Tandana in January 2009, Mali West Africa.
Something that will remain with me for many years. A marvelous, challenging and rewarding time for me. Not only a chance to meet and unite with a volunteer community of disparate North Americans and Europeans but the chance to be fully entrenched into a second family in the heart of Dogon country, the village of Kanshongo.
The honest, open-hearted joy and enthusiasm from the villagers who have so little and yet so much to give has left me with an ever-broadening perspective and daily benchmark of gratitude that no vacation brochure could ever put a price on. I continue to process the experience and am presently looking forward to receiveing a letter from one of my new village friends. The continents and miles melt away as we softly, gently reconnect the fractured pieces of the world. Thank you Tandana for this gift. I choose to carry forward the teachings to effect a greater real-world understanding for as many people as I may touch.
I've observed Tandana working with and for the villagers of Quichinche during March, 2008 and 2009.
Tandana spent much time with the villagers, learning Quichua, discovering their needs and providing vital health and education services - where little of such had existed before.
Such a selfless, dedicated group of young people have had enormous, positive effect in this impoverished community.
I have watched this love-inspired program grow over the last few years into a trully exceptional culturally- enriching experience for those who participate in the volunteer vactions in Mali and Ecuador. Anna's endless energy, courage, and belief in the goodness of humanity has shaped an organization that promotes peace and harmony across cultures, and that takes valuable, essential services to populations in need.
I was a participant in the Ecuador medical volunteer program this spring. This program is effective and incorporates a sophisticated understanding of how to cultivate collaborative relationships between the guests and the residents. I learned a lot about serving others in a way that honors and respects the assets of the community. Many of the participants were young and considering careers in medicine or human services. I'm glad this wise program was their introduction
Tandana might be any other organization trying to good around the world - thankfully there are many - but Anna Taft, the founder and director makes it a fundamentally sound group of men and women helping those that cannot help themselves in South America and Africa. Anna is tireless in her pursuit for excellence and leads with compassion, strength and wisdom regarding how to best accomplish her mission (s) in underdeveloped countries, but does it in a way that you would believe it was being accomplished in places that have all the facilities necessary.
Anna's vision is remarkable and her organizations success has had the groundwork laid for future growth in inabling the least of these to have what we take for granted.
Anna Taft exemplifies that one person can make a difference. Her dedication to aiding others is reflected in the two projects she manages. Anna is an amazing person!!
So often our non-profits focus on "one-way" serving. The typical flow often assumes that service is done and given to the "less fortunate" with preconceived notions labeling "giver" and "receiver". Tandana invites all participants - visitors and indigenous community members to participate in true community - actively being both giver and receiver. Visitors with The Tandana Foundation quickly see they are not tourists, but have been invited to be a part of the community. Everyone interacting in these exchanges are building relationships. These relationships change our world view on who really is our neighbor and how do serve those around us - whether we are in the Dogon country, the highlands of Ecuador or down the street of our own home town in the parking lot at Target.
Anna's unique world view and vision sets solid leadership direction for all those involved. Everyone comes to the table with much to learn and much to share. After personally participating in a medical service experience in Ecuador 2 years ago, my 13 year old son and I joined Anna to visit Dogon country in Mali. Traveling with my son in the Tandana way was truly one of our best parenting decisions. I watched as my son was welcomed by all members of our traveling party as well as the community we visited. This trip has made lasting impressions because of his new intergenerational mentors as well new cross cultural friends. This experience opened our eyes once again to the wonder of the world. In that wonder, we found home in Kansangho, Mali.
I had the opportunity to participate in the Tandana Foundation's volunteer programs in Ecuador in 2008. Because of the long-term relationships of trust and mutual respect that Anna Taft and the Tandana Foundation have built in these communities over the past five years, I was able to have an unusually authentic experience. I lived and worked in a small indigenous community where I was the only foreigner. Although it is a poor community where families struggle to make ends meet, I was welcomed with open arms and treated with overwhelming kindness and respect. I am excited to return to the community again this fall to visit my family and friends, work again with the Tandana Foundation, and continue to learn and grow in ways that are not possible without leaving the comforts of our own homes! I wholeheartedly support the Tandana Foundation's proposed project to share the opportunity for travel and global citizenship with indigenous community members.
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