Shakira makes surprise visit in earthquake-damaged Colombia

Key Points:

• Colombian singer Shakira pledged to help rebuild at least 10 schools and restore a local technological university in Chocó, a remote region severely affected by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that killed hundreds and damaged thousands of educational sites.
• Shakira made the announcement during a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, expressing concern about the long-term impact on children's education and emphasizing her commitment to not abandon the region.
• The reconstruction efforts will be a collaboration between Shakira’s Fundación Pies Descalzos and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, with additional funding pledges totaling over $1.25 million from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, Live Nation, and the CAF Development Bank.
• Chocó is one of Colombia’s poorest provinces, home to many Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, with difficult access due to limited infrastructure, complicating aid and recovery efforts.
• Shakira’s announcement follows other Latin American artists’ commitments to earthquake relief in Colombia and Venezuela, including benefit concerts and matching donation campaigns.