Shakira has pledged $1.25 million to help rebuild schools damaged by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia’s Chocó region on 10 August 2026.
The Colombian singer visited Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, on Monday to see damaged schools and meet children affected by the disaster. Through her Fundación Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Foundation), she will help fund at least 10 new schools.
Shakira commits $1.25 million to school rebuilding
The initial funding will come from three sources: $500,000 from Shakira and Live Nation, $500,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and $250,000 from CAF, the development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Shakira said she was particularly concerned about children being unable to return to school.
“What worries me the most is that schools are not rebuilt once this emergency is over. Every day that children don’t go to school is a day they miss out on their future.”
She added:
“It’s a place I love, a place where I’ve seen our students grow in our classrooms. I really want to see it rebuilt again.”
Shakira’s education work in Colombia
Shakira established Fundación Pies Descalzos in 1997 to support children from disadvantaged communities. The foundation currently operates two schools in Chocó, Colombia’s poorest region.
Philanthropist Howard Buffett, who has previously worked with Shakira on education projects in Colombia, will also support the rebuilding programme through the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
“When she calls, I come,” Buffett said.
The earthquake killed more than 200 people, destroyed over 13,000 homes and affected more than 135,000 people.
Shakira previously expressed her support for those affected by the disaster on social media.
“Beloved Colombia, my heart is with everyone who felt this earthquake today and with the families who are going through moments of anguish.”
“All my strength and love for my homeland. Let’s embrace tightly and stay tuned to the instructions so we can help as soon as possible.”
