Shakira Pledges to Rebuild Schools in Quake-Hit Chocó
Shakira visited Quibdó and pledged to rebuild at least 10 schools in Chocó after a deadly earthquake.
Colombian singer Shakira has committed to helping rebuild at least 10 schools in the western province of Chocó, which was hit by a powerful earthquake last week. The announcement came during a surprise visit to Quibdó, the provincial capital, where she toured damaged classrooms and met with students.
The 7.4-magnitude quake struck on August 10, killing at least 287 people and destroying more than 26,000 homes across western Colombia. In Chocó alone, over 3,100 dwellings were destroyed and more than 265 educational sites were affected, according to regional authorities.
Shakira, who was accompanied by philanthropist Howard Buffett, said her foundation, Fundación Pies Descalzos, would work with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation on the rebuilding project. The singer also announced pledges of $500,000 each from Global Citizen and Live Nation.
"What worries me the most is that schools are not rebuilt once this emergency is over," Shakira told journalists. "Every day that children don't go to school is a day they miss out on their future."
Her foundation has operated in Chocó for 22 years, running two schools in the region. Shakira said she plans to dedicate her "personal efforts" to rebuilding a local technological university as well.
Aid groups have faced challenges assessing damage in Chocó, a region roughly the size of Switzerland with limited road connectivity. Most of its 600,000 residents live in poverty, and the area is largely home to Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities.
"There is not a way to alleviate the pain of so many, there are no magic solutions," Shakira said during her visit. "But what there is, is commitment to be here alongside those from Chocó."
The singer's pledge adds to a wave of relief efforts from prominent Latin American artists. Marc Anthony and Chayanne performed at a Miami benefit concert on Sunday, while Karol G has pledged to match fan donations during her Los Angeles shows. A benefit concert is also planned in Bogotá this Sunday featuring Maluma and Sebastián Yatra.