Shakira pledges to rebuild schools in earthquake-hit Chocó, Colombia

Following a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake on August 10 in western Colombia, singer Shakira has announced plans to rebuild at least 10 schools in the Chocó department. During a visit to Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, the artist met with affected families and inspected damaged educational facilities.

Shakira’s Pies Descalzos Foundation will lead the reconstruction efforts in collaboration with philanthropist Howard Buffett, whose foundation will also focus on rebuilding 10 schools in the region. The singer also expressed intentions to support the reconstruction of the Chocó Technological University.

Initial funding for these efforts includes $1.25 million, with $500,000 contributions each from Global Citizen and Live Nation, and $250,000 from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). The earthquake resulted in at least 287 deaths, 194 missing persons, and significant destruction of homes and infrastructure in one of Colombia’s most impoverished regions.