If you have visited Mojandita, you know how exceptional this region is. There is great beauty here, in both the natural landscape and in the people who live here. But economically, life in the countryside is hard. Even though people work the land day in and day out, many live on the fringes of poverty. Jobs are scarce, there are few government services and, even though the land is fertile, it is always a struggle to support a family from subsistence farming.

Our rural mountain community of Mojandita-Curuví and neighboring Mojanda Mirador have over a thousand residents, about half indigenous Otavalans and half mestizo. Most community residents speak Spanish and Quichua, but there are some elders who speak only Quichua. The community spans fifteen kilometers along the steep road from Otavalo to the Mojanda Lakes.

The focal point of this disperse community is located just half a mile down the cobblestone road from Casa Mojanda. It consists of the rural school Federico González Suárez, a community meeting house, a Kindergarten, a Community Clinic, a Guarderia (daycare facility), a school kitchen and dining room, and several organic gardens worked by community members.

Please read about our work in the areas of conservation, health and education by clicking on the links. Also check out the Mojanda News section for the most recent and updated information.

Our community has felt the love and solidarity of many wonderful people from all over the world. This has brought great joy to everyone in Mojandita. We at the Mojanda Foundation and in the Mojandita Community say muchas gracias for your continued generous support.

Volunteering with the Mojanda Foundation

The Mojanda Foundation internship program periodically seeks volunteers with appropriate skills and experience to live and work in our community. We are able to invite one or two long-term volunteers at any given time, and we generally ask for a minimum commitment of one year. We do, from time to time, have volunteers for shorter periods, depending on community and Foundation needs, as well as the specific skills offered by the applicant. A working knowledge of Spanish is generally required, plus whatever skills may required by our projects. If you are interested in applying, please send a resume and introductory letter to info@casamojanda.com

Donations to the Mojanda Foundation

Your donations are appreciated, as are all of your suggestions and comments. Please earmark donations for individual projects if you wish. Checks from the US or Ecuador can be made out to The Mojanda Foundation and mailed to The Mojanda Foundation, Apartado 160, Otavalo, Ecuador SA