The Tandana Foundation NEWS RELEASE 2933 Lower Bellbrook Rd., Spring Valley, OH, 45370 For immediate release Media Contact: Anna Taft, Executive Director, at 937-848-2993 Tandana Foundation Volunteers Return from a Rewarding Volunteer Vacation in Mali Spring Valley Ohio-A group of volunteers from The Tandana foundation has just returned from Mali after participating in an enriching Volunteer Vacation. Eleven volunteers spent 15 days, from January 16th to the 31st in the culturally rich African nation lending a helping hand to local villagers and seeing some of the countries historical landmarks. "It was rewarding, educational, encouraging, and an absolute motivational experience! I have volunteered my whole life--but never like this!”, said Volunteer Vacation participant Pat Pahl. The primary purpose of the trip was helping the villagers of Kansongho protect and restore their environment. An incredible ceremony, involving singing, dancing, rifle shots, a mask dance, and theatrical performances welcomed the group to the village. The volunteers stayed in Kansongho for six days and worked side-by-side with the local residents on an important environmental project. They helped plant native trees and fruit trees in order to reforest around the village’s traditional well. After a day’s work, digging holes, carrying stones, or planting trees the volunteers relaxed with their hosts and learned about local arts and traditions. Before and after their visit to Kansongho, participants enjoyed touring Mali's rich countryside. They visited artisans and made mudcloths in the city of Djenne, where the world's largest mud brick mosque is located. On the last night of the trip, the volunteers slept under the stars while taking a pinasse trip up the Niger River. "I have a new perception on humanity after being in Kansongho! The villagers were so welcoming and open and generous. My heart is full!", said Pahl. One stop on the tour held special significance for The Tandana Foundation. After hiking down the Bandiagara Escarpment, the volunteers visited the village of Tereli. In 2008, Tandana funded the creation a school garden there. Not only do the students sell produce to raise money for school supplies, they also learn about gardening. While visiting Tereli, the travelers also saw the historic Tellem cliff dwellings. The next trip The Tandana Foundation is organizing is a Health Care Volunteer Vacation to Quichinche, Ecuador in March. On this trip, participants will be part of a team that provides medical care to local community members. Interested volunteers can register to go for one or two weeks, March 6th to the 14th or March 13th to the 21st. The next volunteer vacation to Mali will be in January 2011. For more information on any of the foundation’s sponsored trips or activities, please visit http://tandanafoundation.org/ The Tandana Foundation, based in Spring Valley, Ohio, a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for cross-cultural educational experiences and service projects. Operating mainly in highland Ecuador and Mali’s Dogon country, the Foundation offers scholarships to rural students to continue their secondary education and grants to support local initiatives and organizes group service projects and volunteer vacations. For more information about The Tandana Foundation, please visit www.tandanafoundation.org # # #

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• The Tandana Foundation News Release -- Volunteers - Susan Koller, Sun Feb 7 10:10:10 2010