Shakira raises $750,000 to rebuild schools after the earthquake in Colombia

Tuesday 18 August 2026 - 15:40

After the powerful earthquake that struck Colombia, Shakira chose to go directly to one of the hardest-hit areas to support the affected populations. The Colombian singer traveled to Quibdó, in the Chocó region, where she met students and visited several schools damaged by the disaster.

Beyond this visit, the artist announced a mobilization aimed at accelerating the reconstruction of educational infrastructure. Her commitment includes the rebuilding of at least ten schools and the restoration of a local university.

Education at the Heart of Reconstruction

For Shakira, getting children back into classrooms is one of the urgent priorities following the earthquake. The singer emphasized the consequences that a prolonged interruption of schooling could have on the youth in the region.

"Every day that children do not go to school is a day they lose their future," she stated, highlighting the necessity of quickly rebuilding the affected institutions.

The announced mobilization represents a funding of $750,000. The FIFA Foundation Global Education Fund and Live Nation will contribute $500,000, while the CAF Development Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean will provide an additional $250,000.

These funds are intended to support the necessary work to restore educational infrastructure and facilitate the return of students to their schools.

A Longstanding Presence in Chocó

Shakira's commitment to this region did not start with the earthquake. Through her Barefoot Foundation, the singer has been working for several years to promote access to education for children and youth in Colombia.

The foundation has been established in Chocó for 22 years and manages two schools in the area. Her presence in the region gives a particular dimension to the artist's new mobilization, as she has been able to directly witness the damage caused by the disaster.

During her visit, Shakira interacted with students and shared several moments with them. Accompanied by American philanthropist Howard Buffett, she also reaffirmed her commitment to the region.

"This is a place I love, a place where I have seen our students grow in our classrooms," she explained.

A Catastrophe with Severe Consequences

The earthquake caused significant damage in Colombia. According to the reported figures, nearly 300 people lost their lives, and over 140 others were still missing. Thousands of buildings were also destroyed or damaged.

In this context, the reconstruction of schools represents an issue that goes beyond merely restoring buildings. For affected families, the reopening of schools must allow children to regain a school environment and some stability after the disaster.

Shakira intends to position her intervention within this long-term perspective. "I really want to see this place rebuilt," she affirmed during her visit.

A Commitment that Extends Her Social Action

This initiative thus reinforces the singer's long-standing commitment to education in Colombia. By placing school infrastructure at the center of her post-earthquake intervention, Shakira seeks to support the region beyond the emergency phase.

In Quibdó, her visit was both a moment of support for the affected communities and the starting point for a concrete contribution to reconstruction. With the announced $750,000 and the participation of several partners, the stated goal is to enable children to return to their schools and contribute to the gradual return to normalcy in Chocó.