Shakira has pledged $1.25 million to build new schools in the region affected by the devastating earthquake in her home country, Colombia.
The Colombian pop superstar made a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of the Chocó province, on Monday to tour damaged schools and meet with children affected by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that hit the region on 10 August.
During the visit, the Hips Don’t Lie singer committed an initial $1.25 million (£924,000) to help build at least 10 new schools via her charitable foundation, Fundación Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Foundation), according to The Associated Press.
The pledge will come from three sources: $500,000 (£370,000) from Shakira and Live Nation, $500,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and $250,000 (£185,000) from CAF, the development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.
“What worries me the most is that schools are not rebuilt once this emergency is over,” Shakira told reporters. “Every day that children don’t go to school is a day they miss out on their future.”
She added, “It’s a place I love, a place where I’ve seen our students grow in our classrooms. I really want to see it rebuilt again.”
The She Wolf singer was joined by philanthropist Warren Buffett’s son, Howard Buffett, who has partnered with Shakira on education initiatives in Colombia before. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation will collaborate with her Barefoot Foundation for the latest project.
“When she calls, I come,” Buffett said of his involvement.
Shakira set up her foundation in 1997 to help impoverished children and currently runs two schools in Chocó, Colombia’s poorest region.
More than two hundred people were killed during the earthquake, over 13,000 homes were destroyed, and more than 135,000 people have been affected.
Following the disaster, Shakira wrote on social media, “Beloved Colombia, my heart is with everyone who felt this earthquake today and with the families who are going through moments of anguish. In times like these, we Colombians know how to come together and support one another.
“All my strength and love for my homeland. Let’s embrace tightly and stay tuned to the instructions so we can help as soon as possible.”
