Colombian star Shakira has announced plans to help build at least 10 new schools in the Chocó region of western Colombia. This initiative aims to support children affected by the devastating earthquake that struck the area, claiming hundreds of lives and causing extensive damage to homes and facilities.
A surprise visit to the city of Quibdó
Shakira made the announcement during a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of the Chocó region. She inspected several schools damaged by the earthquake, met with students, shared touching moments with them, and took commemorative photos.
Priority for children
Shakira emphasized that rebuilding damaged schools is a top priority, stressing the need to ensure children return to their classrooms as quickly as possible and to prevent the natural disaster from affecting their futures or depriving them of educational opportunities.
Speaking to reporters, the Colombian star explained that her primary concern is ensuring schools are not overlooked once the state of emergency ends, noting that every day children spend away from the classroom represents a further loss for their future.
Shakira was accompanied on the visit by Howard Buffett—son of American businessman and billionaire Warren Buffett—as the Howard G. Buffett Foundation prepares to collaborate with Shakira’s “Fundación Pies Descalzos” (Barefoot Foundation) on a project to rebuild schools that had been destroyed.
Devastating earthquake leaves hundreds of casualties.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, killing at least 300 people and destroying approximately 27,000 homes, while a large number of affected residents were forced to spend nights in the open after losing their homes.
