Shakira pledges $1.25m to rebuild Colombia schools after devastating earthquake

Shakira has pledged an initial $1.25m to help rebuild schools damaged by the devastating earthquake that struck western Colombia, turning her latest visit to her home country into a major education relief effort.

The Colombian singer travelled to Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, on August 17, where she visited areas affected by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the country on August 10. The disaster caused widespread destruction across western Colombia, damaging homes, schools and hospitals and killing hundreds of people.

During her visit, Shakira toured damaged classrooms and met students and educators. She also met Chocó Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba and Quibdó Mayor Rafael Bolaños as local officials assessed the region's urgent needs.

Nearly 200 schools in Chocó have reported damage following the earthquake. The singer's commitment will support efforts to repair and rebuild educational facilities so children can return to classrooms.

The $1.25m commitment combines contributions from several organisations. Shakira and Live Nation are providing $500,000, while the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is contributing another $500,000. CAF, the development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, is providing $250,000. The money will be channelled through Shakira's Fundación Pies Descalzos, the organisation she established to improve educational opportunities for children in Colombia.

Shakira made clear that restoring schools is an important part of the region's longer recovery. Speaking to journalists during the visit, she said her biggest concern was that schools could remain damaged after the immediate emergency had passed.

"Every day that children don't go to school is a day they miss out on their future," she said.

The singer also spoke about her personal connection to Chocó. Fundación Pies Descalzos has operated in the region for more than two decades, including through two schools serving local communities.

"I really want to see it rebuild again," Shakira said while discussing the area and its children.

Philanthropist Howard Buffett also travelled with Shakira during the visit. His foundation has previously worked with the singer on education projects in Colombia, and he announced separate support for rebuilding 10 additional schools in Chocó.

The pledge comes as Colombia continues dealing with the aftermath of one of its most destructive earthquakes in decades. Reuters reported that the 7.4 magnitude quake struck western Colombia on August 10 and caused severe damage across cities including Cali and Pereira. By August 16, official estimates put the death toll at around 290, with more than 140 people still missing and approximately 4,200 injured.

Chocó has faced particular difficulties because of its geography and limited infrastructure. Communities in the Pacific region can be difficult to reach, with some areas relying heavily on rivers and roads that were affected by the disaster.

Shakira's involvement also continues a long history of philanthropic work focused on education in Colombia. She founded Fundación Pies Descalzos in 1997 and has consistently used the organisation to support children and communities with limited access to educational resources.