Shakira Pledges $1 Million to Rebuild Chocó Schools After Quake

Colombian superstar Shakira has pledged to help rebuild one of the worst hit areas of the country after the quake. The singer has pledged to help rebuild damaged educational facilities after a powerful earthquake in western Colombia. The singer went to the remote Chocó region, which has been historically neglected, and said she would rebuild a university and several schools damaged in the disaster.

Shakira said she will focus on helping children and students return to school after the country’s schools were affected by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake on August 10. The disaster affected hundreds of educational centers, damaged thousands of homes and killed hundreds of people in western Colombia.

In the Chocó capital, Quibdó, Shakira highlighted the need for children to return to school as soon as possible after a disaster. Later, philanthropist Howard Buffett joined her, his foundation partnering with Shakira’s Pies Descalzos Foundation on the rebuilding efforts.

The singer's initiative is to help in the reconstruction of the Technological University of Chocó and to build or restore about 10 schools in the region. The project does not provide short term emergency help but focuses on long term educational support.

The announcement is part of the broader effort of Colombian and international agencies to help the communities affected by the earthquake, including Shakira's humanitarian work.

Shakira Returns to Chocó to Aid in Earthquake Recovery

Shakira’s trip to Chocó was a personal one given the region’s long relationship with her philanthropy in education. The singer has been involved in educational projects for underprivileged kids all over Colombia through her Pies Descalzos Foundation.

Communities were already plagued by poor infrastructure and economic hardship, which the earthquake exacerbated. The reconstruction efforts are even more important for the local families, as Chocó has been one of the poorest regions in Colombian history.

While in the country, Shakira said that rebuilding schools was a priority, noting that education provides a sense of normalcy after a crisis. “Children affected by disaster need more than emergency assistance – they need safe learning environments to continue their education and build back their futures,” she said.

The singer has been very active in charity work via education. The singer's foundation used to build and support schools in Colombia.

Shakira was joined by Howard Buffett, whose foundation has funded humanitarian and development projects in Colombia. The partnership and Shakira’s foundation will work on rebuilding schools damaged in the earthquake.

The effort marks an increasing role for private philanthropy in disaster recovery, especially when government resources may not be sufficient to swiftly rebuild damaged infrastructure.

But beyond the financial aid, Shakira put Chocó on the international map and inspired other governments, companies and humanitarian organizations to contribute $1 million towards the education program to repair damaged schools

Shakira has donated some $1 million toward rebuilding schools destroyed in the earthquake as part of her recovery efforts. Her funding will come from partnerships between Global Citizen and Live Nation and from her own philanthropy.

The project will target the reconstruction of the Technological University of Chocó and support to at least 10 schools affected by the disaster. We want to bring back educational opportunities for the thousands of students affected by the earthquake.

Shakira’s work as a humanitarian centers around education. For years she has been working with the Pies Descalzos Foundation to help schools, teachers and communities in Colombia.

The singer, who has long advocated for education as one of the most powerful weapons against poverty and a pathway to opportunity for children in vulnerable communities, said:

The quake damaged schools in western Colombia, forcing many students to flee their homes and disrupting education. The rehabilitation of those facilities is regarded as a key element in the overall recovery process.

The fundraiser is part of a growing trend of celebrities joining forces with nonprofits to respond to humanitarian emergencies.

While governments are generally leading the recovery, private organizations can add resources and help focus international attention on the need.

Shakira has called on governments and companies to assist in the reconstruction work, particularly in Chocó, where communities have been hit by chronic economic deprivation.

In her latest endeavor, she’s transitioned from entertainer to humanitarian advocate, using her global platform to highlight the need for recovery in her native country.

Colombia’s Earthquake: A Major Reconstruction Challenge

The quake in western Colombia has caused devastation and is one of the largest challenges for the country’s new government.

The 7.4-magnitude quake struck several towns including Chocó, Cali and Pereira. Hundreds were killed, thousands wounded and homes, schools and infrastructure were heavily damaged, officials said.

Some of the destroyed buildings were schools, and this has raised questions about when children will be able to return to their normal schools.

International agencies and donors have provided emergency assistance, and the Colombian government has begun recovery efforts. The World Bank also said it was providing funding to Colombia for immediate needs and for longer-term recovery. The reconstruction of schools is very important for the communities of Chocó, where many families already have problems of economic and social character.

Shakira has helped shine a light on the region and the need for continued investment.

“As the first emergency response is over, the affected communities should not be forgotten,” she said. She said it was important to develop institutions to serve future generations. Reconstruction will take months, if not years, and will require government agencies, international organizations, private donors and local communities working together.

Emergency aid provides immediate shelter, food and medical assistance, but rebuilding schools and colleges is a long-term investment in Colombia’s future.

Shakira's commitment to education also speaks to that larger goal of recovery.

Shakira’s Humanitarian Legacy in Colombia Continues

Shakira’s response to the earthquake is part of a long history of humanitarian work in Colombia and internationally.

In 1997, the singer created the Pies Descalzos Foundation to create education programs for children in poverty and with social challenges. The organization has built and operated schools throughout Colombia, providing thousands of students the opportunity to receive an education.

Her latest work in Chocó carries on that mission, centering on communities affected by a natural tragedy.

Rebuilding schools is a long-term investment that will provide opportunities for children and families—not a short-term relief effort.”

Other Latin artists and international agencies have also pitched in with the earthquake response. Concerts and fundraising campaigns have been organized to help the victims in Venezuela and Colombia.

Shakira’s own visits to the communities affected only further highlight the recovery efforts.

A world-famous Colombian artist has been a light for many residents in hard times.

The singer’s effort is another example of how celebrities may use their influence to focus resources and attention on humanitarian crises.

But rebuilding from a major earthquake requires sustained effort, not just one-off donations.

It will take a joint effort by government agencies, non-profit organizations and international partners to rebuild infrastructure and assist communities hit by the disaster.

But Shakira is only one piece of that larger effort, and her involvement has helped to bring the needs to recover Chocó to the world stage.

Shakira’s latest project is to get children and students back to learning as quickly as possible. Education is a key part of the recovery of Colombia from the earthquake.