Singer Shakira visited Quibdó on Monday to announce she will fund the reconstruction of educational infrastructure following a devastating earthquake in Colombia.
The initiative addresses a critical gap in regional recovery efforts after a magnitude-7.4 quake [1] left residents of the Chocó department without essential learning facilities.
Shakira arrived in the capital of the Chocó department on Aug. 17 [2] accompanied by American philanthropist Howard Graham Buffett. The visit occurred one week after the earthquake struck on Aug. 10 [3]. The seismic event resulted in the deaths of 13 people [1].
During the visit, the Colombian singer said she would rebuild the Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó. In addition to the university, she pledged to fund the construction of 10 new schools [4] to replace those damaged by the disaster.
The singer and Buffett traveled to the affected areas to assess the damage on the ground [5]. The region of Chocó has historically faced infrastructure challenges, and the recent magnitude-7.4 earthquake [1] exacerbated the instability of local buildings.
Educational facilities were among the hardest hit during the Aug. 10 event [3]. By focusing on the reconstruction of the university and primary schools, the donors aim to restore academic services to the community as quickly as possible.
Local officials and residents in Quibdó met with the delegation on Monday [2]. The commitment to build 10 new schools [4] represents a significant private investment in the region's recovery process.
“Shakira announced she will rebuild the Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó.”
This private funding effort fills a vital void in the immediate aftermath of the Chocó earthquake, where government resources are often stretched thin. By prioritizing the Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó and primary schools, the initiative focuses on long-term societal stability through education rather than just short-term emergency relief.
