Shakira’s Commitment to Rebuilding Schools in Colombia

Colombian star Shakira has announced efforts to rebuild schools and revitalize a university in an earthquake-stricken region of Colombia. The earthquake, which occurred last week, resulted in hundreds of fatalities and affected thousands of educational structures in western Colombia.

During a surprise visit to Quibdó, Chocó’s capital, Shakira pledged to aid in the reconstruction of at least ten schools and a local university. She interacted with students, expressing concern about the educational gap caused by the disaster. Shakira emphasized the importance of continuous education, stating, “Every day that children don’t go to school is a day they miss out on their future.”

Shakira collaborates with Howard Buffett, who has previously contributed to educational projects in Colombia. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation and Shakira’s Fundación Pies Descalzos will jointly work on school reconstruction. Buffett noted, “When she calls, I come.”

Shakira has also committed personal resources to restoring a technological university in Chocó. Significant donations have been pledged, including $500,000 each from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and Live Nation and $250,000 from CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. These funds aim to facilitate school rebuilding and return children to classrooms.

The earthquake, measuring 7.4 in magnitude, hit western Colombia on August 10. It killed at least 287 people and destroyed more than 26,000 homes. Official data reports 194 people missing, but independent databases suggest over 4,100. Chocó, the earthquake’s epicenter, experienced significant damage, with over 265 educational sites affected and more than 3,100 homes destroyed.

Shakira expressed her affection for the region in a video shared by La FM. Her foundation, focusing on youth educational opportunities, has operated in Chocó for 22 years, running two schools and graduating many students. She expressed a strong desire to see Chocó rebuilt.

Aid groups have faced challenges in assessing damage in Chocó, an area as large as Switzerland with limited connectivity. Most of its 600,000 residents live in poverty, according to national government statistics. The region is predominantly home to Indigenous tribes and Afro-Colombian communities.

During her visit, Shakira, 49, acknowledged the overwhelming hardship, stating, “There is not a way to alleviate the pain of so many, there are no magic solutions. But what there is, is commitment to be here.” She emphasized the need to support Chocó until the community can normalize and students return to their education.

Shakira is a prominent advocate for education. Recently, she performed at the World Cup final, and post-Venezuela earthquake, she announced further educational support through FIFA. Her announcement in Colombia follows other artists’ efforts to aid recovery in Colombia and Venezuela, including benefit concerts featuring Marc Anthony, Chayanne, Karol G, and others.