Colombian pop star Shakira has pledged to help rebuild schools and restore educational facilities in her earthquake-hit home region of Chocó. Her initiative aims to help children return to classrooms after the disaster.
The singer made the commitment during a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of Chocó. She toured damaged schools, met students and called for urgent action to restore education.
“What worries me the most is that schools are not rebuilt once this emergency is over,” she told reporters. She stressed that “every day that children don’t go to school is a day they miss out on their future.”
Shakira to Rebuild 10 Schools
Shakira’s Fundación Pies Descalzos, also known as the Barefoot Foundation, will work with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation on the reconstruction project.
Together, the organisations plan to rebuild at least 10 schools damaged by the earthquake. Shakira also pledged to personally support the reconstruction of a technological university in the region.
Several organisations have also announced financial support for the education recovery effort. The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and Live Nation will each provide $500,000.
Meanwhile, CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean will contribute $250,000. The funding will support the reconstruction and recovery of schools and other education facilities.
Earthquake Causes Widespread Damage in Chocó
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10. Authorities reported at least 287 deaths and more than 26,000 damaged homes.
The earthquake’s epicentre was located in Chocó, one of Colombia’s poorest regions. More than 3,100 homes were destroyed in the area.
The disaster also affected more than 265 educational facilities. Consequently, thousands of children now face disruption to their education.
Shakira has maintained a long-standing connection with Chocó through her foundation. The organisation has worked in the region for 22 years and currently operates two schools.
“It’s a place I love, a place where I’ve seen our students grow in our classrooms,” Shakira said in a video posted on X.
Singer Vows to Support Children’s Education
Shakira said her foundation has helped provide educational opportunities for young people across Colombia. Hundreds of students have graduated from its schools in Chocó over the years.
“I really want to see it rebuild again.”
During her visit to a large high school in Quibdó, Shakira acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing affected communities.
“There are no magic solutions,” Shakira said, pledging to remain alongside the people of Chocó until children can return to school and rebuild their futures.
“There is not a way to alleviate the pain of so many; there are no magic solutions,” Shakira, 49, said during her visit to a large high school in Quibdó.
“But what there is, is commitment to be here alongside those from Chocó, to not abandon El Chocó like it historically has been abandoned, until every Colombian and every person from Chocó can return to their normal lives like they deserve and all the children can return to their schools and dream of the futures they deserve.”
The Grammy-winning singer has supported education initiatives in Colombia for years. She has also recently backed education recovery efforts in Venezuela following earthquakes there.
Her latest commitment adds to those efforts as Chocó begins rebuilding after the devastating earthquake. The focus now remains on restoring schools and helping children resume their education.
