Shakira Pledges $1.25M To Rebuild Colombian Schools

Shakira is putting her considerable resources — and her own hands — to work in Chocó, Colombia, where a recent earthquake has devastated communities and left thousands of children without schools. The singer, who was born in the country’s Caribbean coast town Barranquilla, visited Quibdó to announce the first wave of relief and rebuilding efforts through her Fundación Pies Descalzos, which has worked in Chocó for 22 years supporting children, families and local communities through education.

The disaster has hit the region’s schools especially hard: nearly 200 were damaged, including 40 that were completely destroyed. “To the parents who lost their children, words are not enough,” Shakira said. “All I can offer is my heart, and the promise that their pain will never be forgotten.”

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The initial rebuilding fund has already reached $1.25 million. Live Nation and Global Citizen have each pledged $500,000, while CAF, the development bank for Latin America and the Caribbean, has committed another $250,000 to help affected children return to school. “My commitment is real,” Shakira said. “We have already raised $1.25 million to get this rebuilding process underway.”

Shakira will also personally lead efforts to rebuild the Universidad Tecnológica de Quibdó, the city’s only university and one of the institutions damaged in the disaster. The school holds particular significance for Fundación Pies Descalzos, as many of its graduates go on to pursue higher education there.

The longer-term rebuilding effort will include the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, which is partnering with Fundación Pies Descalzos to construct 10 new schools in Chocó. “A school is more than just buildings,” Shakira said. “It’s where a child feels safe, where they can grow, dream and where they can get the chance at a better future.”

The singer emphasized that the recovery will extend well beyond the immediate news cycle, calling on the international community and private sector to continue supporting the region. “This is just the beginning,” she said. “It’s going to be a long fight but we’ll keep going week after week, month after month, raising new donations and bringing new organizations that understand the importance and how urgent it is to protect our children.”

Fundación Pies Descalzos will continue working with local communities and its partners to identify the most urgent needs, coordinate funds and oversee reconstruction phase by phase. “Our commitment isn’t going anywhere: we won’t stop until every child in Chocó, and across Colombia can go back to their classrooms, their friends, their lives,” Shakira said. “Chocó is not alone. Colombia is not alone. We’re in this together until we’re back on our feet.”

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