Shakira Visits Earthquake-Hit Colombia, Pledges $1.25m For Schools

Colombian singer Shakira has pledged an initial $1.25 million towards rebuilding schools and a university damaged by the powerful earthquake that struck her home country on August 10.

The singer made the commitment during a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, one of the regions affected by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake. Nearly 200 schools in the area have reported damage, according to reports.

Shakira toured damaged schools, met children and was accompanied by philanthropist Howard Buffett, who has previously supported education projects in Colombia alongside her foundation, Fundación Pies Descalzos.

The funding brings together contributions from Shakira and Live Nation, the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. The money will support the reconstruction of at least 10 schools and a local technological university.

“What worries me the most is that schools are not rebuilt once this emergency is over,” Shakira told journalists. “Every day that children don’t go to school is a day they miss out on their future.”

Shakira’s foundation has worked in Chocó for more than two decades and currently operates two schools in the region.