Shakira announces investment of R$6.8 million to rebuild schools in Colombia

Shakira's visit to Chocó, Colombia, this week had an objective that went beyond reviewing the region where she maintains social projects.

The singer announced an initial investment of R$6.8 million (US$1.25 million) to help rebuild schools destroyed or damaged by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that hit the department.

The artist was in Quibdó, capital of Chocó, on Monday (17), accompanied by representatives of organizations that will participate in the initiative. The resources will be used mainly to restore the school structure and return students to the classroom.

The announced amount will be divided between different partners. FIFA's Global Citizen Education Fund and Live Nation will contribute R$2.7 million (US$500,000) each. CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, will be responsible for another R$ 1.4 million (US$ 250 thousand).

During the visit, Shakira stated that the situation caused by the disaster showed, at the same time, the scale of the damage and the ability of the local population to mobilize.

"In recent days, I have seen my country suffer, but I have also seen people come together with the resilience and solidarity that have always defined us," declared the 49-year-old singer.

For her, the reconstruction of schools is one of the priorities because the spaces represent more than physical structures for children and adolescents who had their routines interrupted by the earthquake.

"Schools are more than just buildings. They provide children with the stability and routine they need most after a disaster," he said.

Shakira also reinforced that the announced amount represents only the first step of mobilization. "Chocó is not alone. Colombia is not alone. And we will continue," he said.

Education is one of Shakira's main areas of activity in her home country. The singer created Fundación Pies Descalzos, which develops projects aimed mainly at children and communities in vulnerable situations.

The organization maintains schools and educational initiatives in Colombia and has served thousands of students over the years.

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