Shakira put her summer break on hold, boarded a plane, and landed in Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, to witness firsthand the aftermath of a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck on August 10. The catastrophe left behind toppled schools, displaced families, and further devastation in a region that has long been neglected.
The renowned singer from Barranquilla arrived in casual attire—cargo pants, a black t-shirt, and sneakers—to walk through the ravaged areas. She didn't come empty-handed, bringing with her both promises and plans for recovery.
Speaking to the press at the Colegio Tecnológico Industrial Carrasquilla, the largest school in the department, Shakira laid out her ambitious rebuilding agenda: "I am fully committed to the reconstruction of the Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó. Howard will assist us with the Barefoot Foundation to establish ten new schools in Chocó, which is why his presence here today is so vital."
Howard Graham Buffett, the son of billionaire Warren Buffett and a long-time collaborator with Shakira on educational initiatives in Colombia, accompanied her. Together, they assessed the damaged facilities, noting that nearly 200 schools were affected, with 40 completely destroyed, leaving thousands of children without educational facilities.
Shakira announced a substantial financial commitment: $1,250,000 has already been secured to kick-start the rebuilding efforts. Contributions include $500,000 from Global Citizen, another $500,000 from Live Nation, and an additional $250,000 from CAF, all spearheaded by the singer. "My commitment is tangible. We've already gathered one million two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to begin this reconstruction process," she declared.
Shakira's connection to Chocó is longstanding. Her Barefoot Foundation has been active in the region for 22 years, establishing its first office there in 2004 and inaugurating the María Berchmans center in Quibdó a year later. This initiative has seen around 400 students graduate, with 70% pursuing higher education, many at the very university she now vows to rebuild. "Seeing it in ruins is heartbreaking," she said upon inspecting the damaged structure.
What troubles Shakira most isn't the immediate chaos but the potential for neglect in the aftermath. "My greatest concern is that once the emergency phase passes, so many people will be forgotten, and our children will remain out of school," she cautioned. She emphasized, "Every day children are not in school, we are halting their future, and that is unacceptable."
Shakira reassured the gathered media, "Chocó is not alone. Colombia is not alone. We are here together until we rise again," signaling that her visit marks the beginning of an ongoing commitment, to be evaluated weekly and monthly.
Shakira's Commitment to Chocó: Key Questions Answered
What is Shakira's plan for rebuilding schools in Chocó?
Shakira has committed to reconstruct the Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó and, with the support of Howard Graham Buffett and the Barefoot Foundation, plans to build ten new schools in the region.
How much money has been raised for the reconstruction efforts in Chocó?
A total of $1,250,000 has been raised, with contributions from Global Citizen, Live Nation, and CAF, all coordinated by Shakira.
Why is Shakira particularly concerned about the aftermath of the earthquake?
Shakira's main concern is the potential neglect and forgetting of affected communities once the immediate emergency is over, which could leave many children unable to return to school.