Primero lo primero initiative launches

The Mario Santo Domingo Foundation-FMSD-, the ALAS Foundation, the Barefoot Foundation and aeioTu – Carulla Foundation have created an unprecedented alliance, to support early childhood in Colombia.

As part of the Cero a Siempre (Zero to Always) strategy, Primero lo Primero (First Things First) is a public-private partnership to build, equip and operate 13 new early childhood development centers in different regions of Colombia, which will be serving over 5,920 children.

This initiative was born thanks to the significant contributions of the Ministry of Education and the ICBF and commitment of the Mario Santo Domingo Foundation- FMSD-, the ALAS Foundation, the Barefoot Foundation and aeioTu – Carulla Foundation and 30 public and private institutions.

The partnership was launched at an event yesterday that featured Shakira, Alejandro Santo Domingo and Maria Clemencia Rodriguez de Santos, First Lady of the nation.

Said Shakira: "With Primero lo Primero, we begin to realize the dream of guaranteeing the basic nutrition, education, health and early learning for our children in Colombia in the early years of life, the most crucial to their future. With this alliance we confirm that the best social work is done when the private sector decides to join the public sector to maximize resources and efforts,” stressed Shakira, Founder and Honorary President of the Barefoot Foundation, Founder and activist of the ALAS Foundation.