Shakira Visits Chocó and Announces $1.25M Effort t...

Shakira is lending a hand to schools in Colombia after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake damaged the area.

On Monday, Aug. 17, the Colombian singer visited Quibdó, which is the capital of the Colombian province of Chocó, and announced a $1.25 million commitment to rebuild affected schools. The commitment includes $500,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a $500,000 match to the Fund from Live Nation and $250,000 from CAF, according to a press release.

“These past few days, I’ve watched my country suffer, but I’ve also watched people come together with the resilience and solidarity that has always defined us,” Shakira, 49, said in a statement.

“Schools are more than buildings. They give children the stability and routine they need most after a disaster. That’s why we’re making an initial $1.25 million commitment to help rebuild schools and get children back into their classrooms,” she continued. “Chocó is not alone. Colombia is not alone. And we will keep going.”

During the “Whenever, Wherever” singer’s visit, she announced that she would personally dedicate her efforts to the reconstruction of Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó Diego Luis Córdoba, which is the department’s main public higher education institution.

“This university is where most of our Pies Descalzos graduates continue their higher education,” the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer said. “Rebuilding it means protecting the path those young people have already begun.”

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Businessman and philanthropist Howard Buffett joined Shakira during her visit and announced that The Howard G. Buffett Foundation would join the initiative by supporting Fundación Pies Descalzos in the reconstruction of 10 additional schools in Quibdó and its rural areas.

In addition to her rebuilding efforts, Shakira also called on the governments of countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and Japan to contribute.

After the earthquake on Monday, Aug. 10, 40 schools completely collapsed and hundreds more were affected in Chocó. According to Reuters, at least 250 people were killed.

“To the parents who lost their children, words are not enough. All I can offer is my heart, and the promise that their pain will never be forgotten,” Shakira said in a statement.

After Venezuela’s earthquake in June, Shakira announced the the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund would commit $500,000 to education recovery.

A month later, in July, she performed during the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime performance.