Shakira has visited communities in Quibdó, Chocó, following the devastating earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10. The Grammy-winning singer toured schools damaged by the disaster and shared photographs and videos from her visit on Instagram. The singer used her social media platform to highlight the difficulties faced by children and families in the affected region. She also announced a series of initiatives aimed at helping students return to classrooms.Shakira’s Fundación Pies Descalzos is working with several organisations on the recovery programme. The efforts will focus on education and the rebuilding of facilities affected by the earthquake. Sharing an update from Colombia, Shakira wrote, “Colombia is hurting, but Colombia is not broken. These past few days, I’ve seen something powerful people showing up for each other, especially for our kids.”
Shakira announces USD 1 million education support
Shakira revealed that the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund will provide USD 500,000 for children affected by the disaster. The money will be used to support their return to school. She wrote, “That’s why I’m so proud to announce that the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is dedicating $500,000, working hand in hand with Pies Descalzos, to support children returning to the classroom.” Live Nation will match the contribution. This takes the combined financial support to $1 million. The initiative comes as schools and educational institutions across the region deal with significant damage caused by the earthquake. Shakira’s announcement aims to provide immediate assistance while longer-term reconstruction work gets underway.
Shakira pledges personal support for university
The singer also announced that she would contribute her own resources towards rebuilding the Technological University of Quibdó. The university has a connection with Fundación Pies Descalzos. Many students who graduate from schools associated with the foundation reportedly continue their education at the institution. Shakira said, “These funds are being matched by Live Nation, for a combined $1 million contribution. I am also committing my personal resources to the reconstruction of the Technological University of Quibdó, where many of our @fpiesdescalzos graduates go on to continue their higher education.”
10 new schools planned in Chocó
Another major announcement concerns the construction of new schools in Chocó. Shakira revealed that the Howard G. Buffett Foundation will partner with Fundación Pies Descalzos on the project.She said, “I am also very pleased to announce that the Howard G. Buffett Foundation has committed to building, alongside Pies Descalzos, 10 new schools in Chocó. Everyone can join in the effort to help our kids through this crisis. If you’re a registered nonprofit, or you know of one doing this work, I encourage you to register your interest and share your story with us.” The planned schools are expected to help communities rebuild educational infrastructure that was damaged by the earthquake.
Colombia earthquake leaves widespread destruction
The earthquake has caused extensive loss of life and major infrastructure damage across Colombia. According to figures reported by Xinhua news agency on August 14, the disaster had claimed 273 lives. David Tamayo, director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, said that 3,824 people had been injured. Another 377 people were reported missing. The disaster reportedly destroyed 12,584 homes and damaged 74,873 others. It also caused 172 buildings to collapse. Educational infrastructure was among the areas heavily affected. A total of 2,198 schools and educational institutions were reportedly impacted. The earthquake also affected 825 community centres, 216 health centres and five airports.On the music front, Shakira continues to remain active internationally. Her latest major musical work is reportedly the 2026 FIFA World Cup official anthem ‘Dai Dai’, featuring Burna Boy. The singer performed it during the World Cup Final halftime show in July 2026.The project follows her 2024 studio album ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran’.