Shakira Pledges to Rebuild Schools in Earthquake-Affected Colombian Region

Bogota, Aug. 14 (AP) – Colombian superstar Shakira pledged on Monday to assist in rebuilding at least 10 schools in a remote western region of her homeland. This area was severely impacted by a catastrophic earthquake last week that claimed hundreds of lives.

The renowned singer, famous for hits such as “Hips Don’t Lie,” committed to this cause during a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of Colombia’s Chocó province. She toured damaged schools and interacted with students.

My main concern is that once the emergency response is over, these schools remain neglected, and so many people are forgotten and left in need, Shakira told reporters. The children not being able to return to school is worrying. Here, connectivity is lacking, so online classes are not an option. Every day missed from school is a day we lose for their future.

Joining her was Howard Buffett, son of billionaire philanthropist Warren Buffett, who has assisted Shakira in previously establishing schools in Chocó. His foundation will collaborate with Shakira’s Barefoot Foundation on this project.

I come whenever she calls, Buffett stated regarding his visit. Shakira also announced that Global Citizen and Live Nation have each pledged $500,000 for the cause.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake on August 10 affected a wide swath of western Colombia, killing at least 287 people and destroying more than 26,000 homes, according to authorities. 194 people are reported missing by official records, while other data suggest the number could exceed 4,100.

The quake’s epicenter was in Chocó, one of Colombia’s poorest areas, where at least 3,100 houses were destroyed and more than 265 educational centers were affected.

The Colombians owe a historical debt, Shakira noted, stressing the need for progress in Chocó, where her foundation has been active for 22 years, supporting two schools that have graduated hundreds of students. Investing in education is worthwhile, she emphasized.

Assessment of the damage has been challenging due to the region’s connectivity issues. Chocó has few roads and mainly relies on river routes and unpaved paths. About 600,000 residents, mostly from indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, live in poverty here, according to national government figures from last year.

During her visit to a secondary school in Quibdó, Shakira remarked, There aren’t enough words to comfort, no magical solutions for the ongoing pain. Yet, she stressed her commitment to remain with those who lost homes and schools until normalcy returns, particularly for children.

Shakira, known for hits like “Whenever, Wherever” and “La Tortura,” has long championed educational causes. She promised to focus her efforts on rebuilding a local technological university in Chocó.

The 49-year-old singer draws significant attention for both her performances and charity work. She headlined the halftime show at the FIFA World Cup 2026 finals in July and performed for about 2 million people on Copacabana Beach in Brazil two months earlier.

Following two simultaneous earthquakes in Venezuela in June, Shakira announced that the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund committed $500,000 to educational recovery efforts there.

Her announcement is part of a broader response from prominent Colombians and Latin American artists aiding Colombia and Venezuela. Singers Marc Anthony and Chayanne took part in a benefit concert in Miami on Sunday.

In Los Angeles, Shakira attended a live fundraiser at SoFi Stadium. Colombian singer Karol G, participating in three concerts there, pledged to match donations from fans to her Con Cora Foundation and will join Maluma, Sebastián Yatra, and others in a benefit concert in Bogotá this Sunday.

The Colombian Football Federation and the South American Football Confederation also committed $1 million to a recovery fund initiated by Colombia’s First Lady, Ana Lucía Pineda, last week.