Colombian singer Shakira visited the Chocó department this week to pledge a multi-million-dollar investment in education infrastructure following a devastating earthquake [1], [3].
The commitment targets one of Colombia's most impoverished regions, where the disaster crippled essential public services and displaced thousands of residents [4].
Shakira traveled to Quibdó, the capital of the Chocó department, accompanied by the governor of Chocó and philanthropist Howard Graham Buffett [1], [2]. During the visit, the singer toured damaged neighborhoods to assess the scale of the destruction and show solidarity with the local population [1], [3].
The aid program focuses on rebuilding the Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó and constructing 10 new schools [1], [2]. While the exact investment figure was not specified, the initiative is described as a multi-million-dollar pledge [3].
The reconstruction effort follows a magnitude-7.4 earthquake that struck on Aug. 10, 2024 [1]. The disaster resulted in at least 13 deaths [4].
Local reports indicate that hundreds of homes and other buildings were destroyed or damaged during the seismic event [4]. The quake left thousands of people displaced across the western region of the country [4].
Shakira's visit to the devastated areas aimed to launch a reconstruction program specifically for education infrastructure [1], [3]. This focus addresses the immediate need for safe learning environments for children and university students in the wake of the disaster.
“Shakira pledged a multi-million-dollar investment in education infrastructure.”
This initiative highlights the role of high-profile philanthropy in filling gaps in government disaster response, particularly in marginalized regions like Chocó. By prioritizing the university and primary schools, the funding seeks to prevent long-term educational regression caused by the loss of physical infrastructure after the magnitude-7.4 quake.
