Shakira Pledges $1.25 Million to Rebuild Colombian Schools Damaged by Earthquake

Colombian pop star Shakira made an unannounced visit to Quibdó, the capital of the Chocó province, on Monday, August 17, 2026. She pledged $1.25 million to reconstruct educational facilities damaged by a recent earthquake.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, causing widespread devastation. At least 287 people died, over 26,000 homes were destroyed, and hundreds of schools were impacted. Chocó, the earthquake's epicenter, is one of Colombia's poorest and most isolated provinces, where river networks and unpaved roads complicate logistics.

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What worries me the most is that schools are not rebuilt once this emergency is over. Every day that children don’t go to school is a day they miss out on their future.

During her visit, Shakira toured affected classrooms and met with local leaders. "What worries me the most is that schools are not rebuilt once this emergency is over," Shakira told journalists. "Every day that children don’t go to school is a day they miss out on their future."

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When she calls, I come.

The initial $1.25 million recovery package includes contributions from Shakira and Live Nation, the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, and the CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. Her foundation, Fundación Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Foundation), will manage the funds. Philanthropist Howard Buffett also accompanied Shakira, with his foundation committing to reconstruct 10 additional schools. "When she calls, I come," Buffett stated.

Shakira also intends to focus personal efforts on restoring Quibdó’s damaged technological university. "There is not a way to alleviate the pain of so many, there are no magic solutions," Shakira said. "But what there is, is commitment to be here alongside those from Chocó, to not abandon El Chocó like it historically has been abandoned, until every Colombian and every person from Chocó can return to their normal lives like they deserve."

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There is not a way to alleviate the pain of so many, there are no magic solutions. But what there is, is commitment to be here alongside those from Chocó, to not abandon El Chocó like it historically has been abandoned, until every Colombian and every person from Chocó can return to their normal lives like they deserve.