Sixty years ago, Colombia was a very different country, with a significant deficit in infrastructure and basic services. We were a rural country (49%), but with increasing urbanization largely due to migration to cities as a result of violence. We had an illiteracy rate of 25%, and coverage of basic services like sewage and water barely exceeded 30% and 40%, respectively. In terms of institutions, we were still under the National Front with a centralized government; there were no elections for mayors or governors; there were no territorial planning tools, and few social organizations existed.

The foundation, born 60 years ago under the name Santa Elena Foundation, was promoted in the midst of that context with the objective of supporting the education and basic needs of the children and families of Corona employees, always responding to the values of the family (solidarity, respect, commitment, integrity and excellence).