Shakira visited earthquake-damaged regions of Colombia on Monday and pledged $1.25 million [1] to rebuild at least 10 schools [2].
The commitment comes as the country struggles to recover from a deadly earthquake that killed hundreds [3] and damaged thousands of educational sites [3]. The scale of the destruction has left many children without access to classrooms in remote areas.
The singer traveled to the city of Quibdó and other isolated regions to assess the damage firsthand [4]. During her surprise visit, she focused on the urgent need for infrastructure restoration to ensure students can return to a safe learning environment.
Educational facilities were among the hardest hit in the disaster. The loss of these sites has disrupted schooling for thousands of children across the region [3]. By targeting at least 10 specific schools for reconstruction [2], the initiative aims to create a blueprint for wider recovery efforts.
Shakira has a history of philanthropic work in her home country, often focusing on early childhood education. This latest donation of $1.25 million [1] serves as initial funding to jumpstart the construction process in the most affected zones.
Local officials in Quibdó have faced significant challenges in transporting materials to remote areas. The singer's high-profile visit has drawn international attention to the ongoing crisis and the specific needs of the Colombian interior [4].
“Shakira pledged $1.25 million to rebuild at least 10 schools.”
This initiative highlights the critical gap in government disaster response for remote Colombian regions. By leveraging celebrity influence and private funding, the project provides immediate relief to an educational system that lacks the resources to repair thousands of damaged sites on its own.
