Shakira pledges $1.25 million for 10 new schools in earthquake-hit Colombian region

Pop superstar Shakira made a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of Colombia's Chocó province, to see firsthand the damage to schools caused by a recent 7.4 magnitude earthquake. The singer pledged $1.25 million to construct at least 10 new educational facilities in the region, where the disaster claimed over 200 lives and affected more than 135,000 people.

Shakira expressed deep concern that schools might not be rebuilt once the emergency situation passes. "Every day that children do not go to school is a day they miss part of their future," she told reporters. She emphasized her affection for the region and her desire to see the schools restored.

The funding for the new schools will be a collaborative effort. Shakira and Live Nation will contribute $500,000, with an equal amount coming from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The CAF, a development bank for Latin America and the Caribbean, will provide the remaining $250,000.

During her visit, Shakira was joined by Howard Buffett, son of billionaire Warren Buffett, a long-time collaborator on educational projects in Colombia. Buffett's foundation will partner with Shakira's foundation on the new initiative. "When she calls me, I come," Buffett stated about his partnership with the singer. Shakira established her foundation in 1997 to aid children from impoverished families and currently supports two schools in Chocó, Colombia's poorest region.