Colombian singer Shakira made a surprise visit to earthquake-damaged schools in Quibdó to support relief and rebuilding efforts this month [1], [2].
The visit highlights the urgent need for infrastructure repair in the Chocó department following a major natural disaster that disrupted education for local children.
The effort follows a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck on Aug. 10, 2026 [2], [3]. Shakira traveled to the region to assess the damage and coordinate financial aid for the affected communities [1], [3].
Fundraising efforts associated with the visit have yielded varying totals. Some reports indicate over $1 million was raised for general earthquake relief [1], while other reports specify a total of $1.25 million specifically for quake-damaged schools [2].
Beyond the immediate financial contributions, the singer committed to a long-term recovery project. Shakira pledged to help rebuild at least 10 schools that were damaged during the seismic event [3].
The visit to Quibdó serves as a high-profile call for continued international and domestic attention to the Chocó department, a region often facing systemic infrastructure challenges.
Local officials and organizers said the funds will be used to restore safe learning environments for students. The pledge to rebuild schools aims to ensure that the educational gap created by the Aug. 10 disaster is closed quickly [2], [3].
“Shakira pledged to help rebuild at least 10 schools”
The involvement of a global figure like Shakira often accelerates the delivery of aid to marginalized regions like Chocó. By pledging to rebuild specific schools rather than providing only general cash relief, the initiative shifts from immediate disaster response to long-term structural recovery, potentially creating a blueprint for public-private partnerships in Colombian disaster management.
