Rebuilding hope: Shakira issues KSh 161m to build schools affected by earthquake

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- Shakira made a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of Colombia's Chocó region, which was devastated by a 7.4-magnitude earthquake on 10 August

- The pop superstar toured damaged schools and met children affected by the disaster, with more than 200 people killed and over 135,000 people impacted

- Shakira announced a major financial commitment through her Fundación Pies Descalzos during her visit, with philanthropist Howard Buffett also joining the effort

Shakira has pledged KSh 161 million (approximately $1.25 million) to construct at least 10 new schools in Colombia's Chocó region after a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the area on 10 August, killing more than 200 people and destroying over 13,000 homes.

The Colombian pop superstar touched down in Quibdó, Chocó's capital, on Monday, 19 July, for a surprise visit to assess damage to schools and spend time with children affected by the disaster. More than 135,000 people have been affected by the earthquake overall.

During her tour of the affected areas, Shakira committed the initial funds through her charitable foundation, Fundación Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Foundation), which she established in 1997 to support children living in poverty.

The foundation currently operates two schools in Chocó, one of Colombia's most economically disadvantaged regions.

Shakira's emotional plea for children's education

"What worries me the most is that schools are not rebuilt once this emergency is over," Shakira told reporters during the visit. "Every day that children don't go to school is a day they miss out on their future. It's a place I love, a place where I've seen our students grow in our classrooms. I really want to see it rebuilt again."

Philanthropist Howard Buffett, son of billionaire Warren Buffett, accompanied Shakira on the trip, having previously partnered with her on education initiatives in Colombia.

"When she calls, I come," Buffett said of his decision to join the effort.

Local officials received Shakira with visible emotion, with Chocó's governor praising her decades-long investment in the region's children and describing her as Colombia's greatest global ambassador.

"The eyes of not only Colombia but the world are on Chocó because she is here," one official said, adding that her presence would help attract further donations from philanthropists, corporations, and fellow artists.

Shakira reacts to the earthquake

Shortly after the earthquake struck, Shakira had reached out publicly to express her solidarity with those affected.

"Beloved Colombia, my heart is with everyone who felt this earthquake today and with the families who are going through moments of anguish," she wrote. "In times like these, we Colombians know how to come together and support one another."

Watch Shakira's visit to earthquake-hit Chocó and her announcement to local officials:

According to Billboard, Shakira's $1.25 million commitment marks an initial contribution, with plans to continue fundraising for the wider reconstruction of the region.

The governor of Chocó separately pledged to personally oversee the rebuilding of the Tecnológica del Chocó University as part of the broader recovery effort.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.