ALAS Foundation

ALAS (Fundación América Latina en Acción Solidaria) is a non-profit foundation with the intent to launch a new social movement for a collective commitment to comprehensive Early Childhood Development programs in Latin America.

ALAS was founded by Colombian singer and UNICEF ambassador Shakira, and its Honorary President is Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez.

Notable members of ALAS include latin artists Juanes, Alejandro Sanz, and Miguel Bosé.

Concerts
On 17 May 2008, for the first time, two concerts were held simultaneously in Argentina and Mexico. Shakira, Alejandro Sanz, Calle 13, Paulina Rubio, Gustavo Cerati and other artists performed in Buenos Aires, where 150 thousand people gathered.

In Mexico City, Miguel Bosé, Ricky Martin, Chayanne, Lucero and Diego Torres were some of the artists on the stage list. Juanes did not participate in either concert. The concert in Mexico was attended by approximately 200.000 people. Both concerts were free. The goal was to make the public aware of the problems around poverty of Latin-American children.

Controversy
In response to allegations of mismanagement, Antonio de la Rúa, one the organization's Vice Presidents, denied the claims, and explained that there was neither evidence of mismanagement, nor a reason for the recent exodus of many of the members.

ALAS – IDB Award
The ALAS – IDB Award was created in 2011 jointly by the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and the ALAS Foundation to recognize "high quality, suitable intensity and length programs and interventions that combine early education, psychosocial stimulation, nutrition, health and works with the family".

Award Categories

 * Best Center
 * Best Educator
 * Best Publication
 * Best Innovation