“This dance is called the Sandyeli. It is used to show joy. We’re dancing to show that we’re so glad to meet you!” Español Français Ambaobou Kouriba, Timothée Tembiné, and Aramata Tembiné – preschoolers from Bandiagara, Mali – demonstrated the dance for their North American counterparts over Zoom, a simple rocking back and forth with … Continue reading "Never too young for intercultural friendships"

For Cindy Belén Perugachi Sinchico, the story of her education begins years before she was even born. Cindy’s parents, Rodrigo and Olga, married when they were 15. Immediately, they had to work to support themselves. Español Français “I am from a humble family. My parents didn’t have the opportunity to study, to start school,” Cindy … Continue reading "For a better future"

Saline High School (SHS) senior Michael Moore stood by and smiled as a group of enthusiastic kindergarten students painted golden sand dunes on a beach. The children were energetic helpers and worked quickly to depict a young Ecuadorian boy walking by the sea at sunset as a crab, whale, and fisherman look on. Español Français … Continue reading "All about Saline High School’s intercultural volunteer trip to Ecuador"

Before the meeting began, none of the gathered assembly were inclined to talk. They formed a circle in front of the Quichinche Health Center and looked down at their feet. A few of the women who had arrived together talked quietly. María Flores, one of the women in attendance informed me that the group was … Continue reading "Healthier together: The Quichinche Health Center’s Seniors’ Club"

For eleven short weeks in 2023, I had the incredible opportunity and honor to serve as Tandana’s Environmental and Horticultural Intern. I’m a third-year student at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where there is a wonderful co-operative education program which allows students to explore career paths and build real-world skills through work-study trimesters. Español … Continue reading "Community, Friendship, and Gardening in Ecuador"