Shakira’s Promise to Rebuild Schools in Colombia

Colombian superstar Shakira pledged to help rebuild at least 10 schools in a remote area of western Colombia affected by a recent devastating earthquake. The disaster claimed hundreds of lives last week. Shakira, known globally for hits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” made this promise during a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of Colombia’s Chocó province. She toured damaged schools and met students, offering words of encouragement.

Expressing concern, Shakira stated, “What worries me is that after the emergency subsides, these schools might remain unreconstructed and forgotten, leaving people neglected.” She emphasized the importance of education, particularly in areas with no internet connectivity. “Each day children miss school is a missed opportunity for their future,” she added.

Shakira was accompanied by Howard Buffett, son of billionaire philanthropist Warren Buffett, during her visit. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation will support the project in collaboration with Shakira’s Pies Descalzos Foundation. “I come whenever she calls,” Buffett commented.

Global Citizen and Live Nation have pledged $500,000 each for the initiative. A 7.4 magnitude earthquake on August 10 shook a large portion of western Colombia, killing at least 287 people and destroying over 26,000 homes, according to authorities. The government reports 194 missing persons, though other sources indicate over 4,100.

With its epicenter in Chocó, one of Colombia’s poorest regions, the earthquake destroyed at least 3,100 homes and damaged over 265 schools, as per the latest government report. Shakira cited a “historical debt” owed to Chocó, emphasizing the challenges in advancing the region, yet highlighting progress possibilities. Her foundation, focused on educational access, has been active in Chocó for 22 years, graduating many students.

Communicating and assessing damage in Chocó is challenging. The region, akin to Switzerland in size, has few roads, relying on rivers and unpaved paths. Most of the 600,000 inhabitants live in poverty, based on last year’s government figures. It is primarily home to indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities.

During her visit to a high school in Quibdó, Shakira expressed her commitment, saying, “There aren’t enough words to console, no magical solutions for this suffering. But I am committed to standing by those who lost homes and schools until life normalizes for every child.”

The artist, famous for “Whenever, Wherever” and “La Tortura,” prioritizes education and plans to reconstruct a local tech university in Chocó. At 49, Shakira commands significant attention for her performances and causes. She headlined the FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime show and drew nearly 2 million people at a Copacabana beach concert in Brazil.

After twin earthquakes hit Venezuela in June, Shakira announced that the Global Citizen Education Fund from FIFA would contribute $500,000 to educational recovery there. Her latest announcement aligns with efforts by other notable Colombians and Latin American artists to aid Colombia and Venezuela. Marc Anthony and Chayanne participated in a Miami benefit concert and fundraiser for both nations.

During concerts in Los Angeles, Colombian singer Karol G pledged to match fan donations to her Con Cora Foundation. She will join Maluma, Sebastián Yatra, and others in a Bogotá benefit concert. The Colombian Soccer Federation and the South American Football Confederation recently committed $1 million to the recovery fund led by Colombia’s First Lady, Ana Lucía Pineda.