Shakira makes surprise visit to Colombia after deadly earthquake, commits to rebuilding schools

Key Points:

• Colombian singer Shakira pledged to rebuild at least 10 schools and restore a local university in Chocó, a remote region severely affected by a recent 7.4 magnitude earthquake that killed hundreds and damaged thousands of educational sites.
• Shakira visited Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, where she toured damaged schools and announced collaboration with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and her own Fundación Pies Descalzos to support reconstruction efforts.
• The singer secured pledges totaling $1.25 million from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, Live Nation, and CAF Development Bank to aid in rebuilding schools and restoring education access for affected children.
• Chocó, one of Colombia’s poorest regions with a largely Indigenous and Afro-Colombian population, faces significant logistical challenges in relief efforts due to limited infrastructure and widespread poverty.
• Shakira’s commitment follows similar efforts by Latin American artists and organizations, including benefit concerts and donation matching campaigns, aimed at supporting earthquake relief in Colombia and Venezuela.