The Institute of Our Lady of the Pillar began as a Sunday School in Bogotá, founded by Sister Ana María Uribe for the ladies of domestic service, on February 7, 1943. Thereafter, the service was not only provided on Sundays but throughout the week and continued with the name of “Dominical” (i.e. Sunday School). In 1972 it took the name of Institute of Our Lady of the Pilar. The first person in charge was Sister Rosaura Puentes.  

The Institute provides its services from Monday to Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Some days work is also done in the morning, when it is required by a course to learn how to operate machines, or to make up for holidays that fall during the week. 

Activities are carried out such as: Training in dressmaking and making of women’s, men’s and children’s garments, fashion design, ceramic and fabric painting, liquid paint, macramé, fomi (crafts in foam), porcelain, doll making, decorative boxes, machine knitting, crochet.  

Some of the goals which have been achieved are: the qualification of the workforce; the increase in family income; the creation of some micro-enterprises; access to the labor sector; and the fulfillment of women and the growth of their self-esteem. In the same way, it is a therapy for the occupation of free time in productive activities.  

All this is framed within a comprehensive education plan in which Christian formation has priority. The sense of belonging, self-esteem, constant growth on a personal and human level and being agents of their own development are enhanced. The value of the things that are constantly received is stimulated and for this reason they must pay something for learning.