Shakira Commits to Rebuild Schools in Colombia After Earthquake
Colombian superstar Shakira pledged on Monday to rebuild at least 10 schools in a remote western region of her native country. This area suffered extensive damage from a devastating earthquake last week, which claimed the lives of hundreds. Known globally for hits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” Shakira made this commitment during a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of Colombia’s Chocó province. During her visit, she toured damaged schools and interacted with students, offering hugs and taking photos.
“What concerns me most is that once the emergency phase is over, these schools might remain unreconstructed and people may be forgotten,” the singer told reporters. “Children here cannot attend school online due to connectivity issues; every day out of school affects their future.”
Shakira was accompanied by Howard Buffett, son of philanthropist Warren Buffett, who has previously assisted in establishing schools in Chocó through Shakira’s foundation, Pies Descalzos. Howard G. Buffett Foundation will collaborate on this project. “I come whenever she calls,” Buffett remarked about his visit.
She also shared that Global Citizen and Live Nation have pledged $500,000 each for the cause.
The August 10 earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 affected a wide area in western Colombia, taking at least 287 lives and destroying over 26,000 homes, according to authorities.
About 194 people remain missing, though other sources suggest over 4,100 missing. The earthquake’s epicenter was in Chocó, one of Colombia’s poorest areas, where 3,100 homes and more than 265 schools faced destruction.
“Colombians have a historic debt; Chocó has long been ignored and progress here has been difficult, but progress is possible,” Shakira stated. Her foundation has focused on education in Colombia for 22 years and maintains a presence in Chocó, running two schools from which hundreds have graduated. “Investing in education is worthwhile.”
Assessment of regional damage is challenging due to limited infrastructure. Chocó is comparable in size to Switzerland, yet lacks proper roads, relying on rivers and unpaved paths for connectivity. Most of its 600,000 residents live in poverty, with many being indigenous or afro-Colombian communities.
“Words can’t console the current sorrow; there are no quick fixes for this pain,” Shakira declared during her visit to a high school in Quibdó. “But there is a solid commitment to support those who lost homes and schools. The aim is to ensure every child returns to school and every resident’s life normalizes.”
Known for hits like “Whenever, Wherever” and “La Tortura,” Shakira stressed her dedication to rebuilding a local technical university in Chocó. At 49, she continues to draw significant attention for both performances and advocacy, having headlined the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show and performed in Brazil before a crowd of nearly two million.
Following twin earthquakes in Venezuela in June, Shakira announced Global Citizen’s $500,000 commitment to recover educational systems there. Her latest announcement is part of a broader regional effort. Colombian singer Karol G agreed to match fan donations to her organization and will join other artists in a benefit concert in Bogotá.
Last week, the Colombian Football Federation and the South American Football Confederation jointly committed $1 million to the recovery fund “Colombia, a Heart” led by Colombia’s First Lady Ana Lucía Pineda.