Shakira pledges to build 10 new schools after Colombia earthquake

Colombian singing star Shakira pledged to help build at least 10 new schools in a remote region of her country that was recently hit by a devastating earthquake, which killed hundreds and damaged thousands of educational facilities in the western part of the nation. The global star made the commitment during a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of Colombia’s Chocó department, where she inspected earthquake-damaged schools, met with students, and posed for photos with them.

Shakira told reporters, “What worries me most is that schools will not be rebuilt once this emergency situation ends. Every day that children do not go to school is a day they miss out on opportunities for their future.” Shakira was accompanied by Howard Buffett, son of billionaire and businessman Warren Buffett.

The Howard G. Buffett Foundation is set to partner with the Fundación Pies Descalzos to implement the project.

This announcement comes as the death toll from the recent 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia has risen to approximately 300, with more than 3,935 people injured, 320 missing, and 353 rescued, according to Colombia’s National Disaster Risk Management Unit.

In its latest update, the unit stated that the disaster affected 54,008 families, totaling 115,461 people, across 448 municipalities in 15 departments. It also reported that 66 buildings collapsed, 14,493 homes were destroyed, and 81,506 other homes were damaged.