Colombian singer Shakira has announced a $1.25 million commitment to help communities affected by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on Aug. 10.
During a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of Chocó province, Shakira said her Barefoot Foundation would work with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to build at least 10 new schools in the earthquake-hit region. She also said she would support efforts to restore the damaged Technological University of Chocó.
The education recovery effort includes $500,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, $500,000 from Live Nation and $250,000 from the CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, bringing the announced funding to $1.25 million.
Shakira made the return of children to school the focal point of her visit. “What worries me the most is that schools are not rebuilt once this emergency is over,” she told journalists after meeting with students. “Every day that children don’t go to school is a day they miss out on their future.”
The earthquake caused widespread damage across western Colombia, killing at least 287 people and destroying more than 26,000 homes, according to authorities. Chocó was among the hardest-hit areas, with around 40 schools reported to have collapsed completely.
Shakira’s Barefoot Foundation has worked in Chocó for more than two decades and operates two schools in the province. The singer said the region has a personal importance to her and that she wanted to remain involved in its recovery.
