Shakira's School Pledge
Shakira Vows to Build 10 New Schools in Earthquake-Devastated Colombian Region of Chocó
Colombian superstar Shakira made a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of the Chocó province, and pledged to help build at least 10 new schools in one of her country's hardest-hit regions after a devastating earthquake. The 7.4 magnitude quake struck western Colombia on August 10, killing at least 287 people and destroying over 26,000 homes, according to WFMZ.
The epicenter was in Chocó, one of Colombia's poorest regions. Over 265 schools were damaged or destroyed there. Shakira toured the wreckage and announced major pledges to help rebuild, according to Voice of Alexandria.
Shakira Announces $1 Million in Pledges for Schools
During her visit, Shakira secured $500,000 each from Global Citizen and Live Nation — totaling $1 million — to fund new school construction in Chocó. She announced a commitment to build at least 10 new schools in the region, according to Journal-News. The singer walked through damaged classrooms and met with local families affected by the disaster.
Shakira's foundation has focused on educational access for young Colombians for over two decades. "We've been in Chocó for 22 years," she said, making clear her long personal ties to the region. She said she wants to see it rebuild, according to KDH News.
A Devastating Quake in One of Colombia's Poorest Regions
The August 10 earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.4. It killed at least 287 people and destroyed over 26,000 dwellings across western Colombia. The hardest blow fell on Chocó, where at least 3,100 homes were destroyed, according to Dayton Daily News.
More than 265 educational sites were affected across the region. Chocó is already one of Colombia's most isolated and underfunded provinces. The earthquake made an already difficult situation far worse for thousands of children who rely on local schools, according to WRBL.
Shakira's Foundation Has Deep Roots in Chocó
Shakira founded her Barefoot Foundation — known in Spanish as Fundación Pies Descalzos — to expand educational access for vulnerable youth in Colombia. The foundation has operated in Chocó for 22 years, making it one of the organization's longest-running commitments, according to Messenger-Inquirer.
The singer's visit was unannounced, adding to its impact. Her presence drew international attention to a region that rarely makes headlines. She used that spotlight to lock in corporate funding and push for faster rebuilding, according to Head Topics Canada.
What Comes Next for Chocó's Destroyed Schools
The $1 million in pledges is a starting point, but rebuilding 10 or more schools will require sustained effort. Chocó's remote geography and poor infrastructure make construction especially difficult and costly. Shakira has not yet announced a timeline for when building will begin, according to Voice of Alexandria.
The Colombian government is still assessing the full scale of damage from the quake. Thousands of families remain displaced. For children in the region, the loss of school buildings means a disruption to education that could last months or longer, according to WFMZ.
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