Shakira Helps Rebuild Schools and University in Chocó

The Colombian superstar is supporting education recovery in Chocó, including school reconstruction and the restoration of a university serving students from her Pies Descalzos Foundation.

August 19, 2026: Shakira is stepping up for her home country following the devastating earthquake that struck Colombia earlier this month.

The singer shared an emotional message on Instagram announcing a major education-focused relief effort in Chocó. Her initiative includes funding from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a matching contribution from Live Nation, her own resources for the reconstruction of the Technological University of Chocó, and support from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to build 10 new schools.

HOLR breaks down Shakira’s latest humanitarian effort and her commitment to helping Colombian children return to the classroom.

 

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Shakira Says Colombia Is “Not Broken”

In her Instagram message, Shakira acknowledged the devastation facing her country while emphasizing the strength of Colombian communities.

“Colombia is hurting, but Colombia is not broken,” she wrote, highlighting the way people have been supporting one another following the disaster.

The singer said she had been particularly moved by efforts to help children affected by the crisis.

Her latest announcement focuses on education, with the goal of helping students return to school and ensuring that the earthquake does not permanently disrupt their education.

$1 Million Contribution to Support Education

Shakira announced that the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund will dedicate $500,000 through its partnership with her Fundación Pies Descalzos.

Live Nation will match that amount, bringing the combined contribution to $1 million.

Additional funding from CAF brings the initial broader commitment to $1.25 million, according to recent reports.

The money will help support the reconstruction of education facilities damaged by the earthquake.

The focus is particularly important in Chocó, one of the regions most severely affected by the disaster.

Shakira Will Support the Reconstruction of a University

Shakira is also putting her own resources toward the reconstruction of the Technological University of Chocó Diego Luis Córdoba in Quibdó.

The university holds a particularly personal connection for the singer because graduates from her Pies Descalzos Foundation go on to pursue higher education there.

The university was among the infrastructure damaged by the August 10 earthquake. Shakira has said that restoring the institution is important for providing students with a pathway to continue their education.

Her commitment therefore extends beyond helping children return to school and into supporting their longer-term educational opportunities.

10 New Schools Planned for Chocó

Another major part of the initiative involves the construction of 10 new schools.

Shakira announced that the Howard G. Buffett Foundation will work alongside Pies Descalzos to support the project.

The partnership comes as communities across Chocó continue to deal with extensive damage to homes, infrastructure and educational facilities following the earthquake.

For Shakira, rebuilding schools is about more than replacing damaged buildings.

It is about giving children stability during an extremely difficult period.

Shakira’s Longstanding Commitment to Education

The latest announcement builds on Shakira’s longstanding work through Fundación Pies Descalzos.

The foundation has spent years supporting education and vulnerable communities in Colombia.

That history makes her involvement in the current recovery particularly significant. Rather than simply making a one-time donation, she is supporting projects designed to restore access to education over the longer term.

Her foundation has also been closely connected to communities in Chocó, making the region especially meaningful to her humanitarian work.

Colombia’s Earthquake Caused Widespread Damage

The humanitarian effort follows a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10.

Chocó was among the hardest-hit areas, with significant damage to homes, infrastructure and schools. Reports have put the death toll at nearly 300, while thousands of buildings and educational facilities were affected across the country.

The destruction has created an urgent need for both immediate relief and long-term reconstruction.

Education is a particularly important part of that recovery because damaged schools can prevent children from returning to a sense of normalcy.

Shakira Is Calling for More Support

Shakira also encouraged other organizations to participate in the recovery effort.

In her Instagram statement, she called on registered nonprofits and organizations already working with children affected by the crisis to share their work and express their interest in receiving support.

Her message reflects an effort to connect existing community organizations with resources rather than approaching recovery as a single-organization effort.

The singer has also urged international partners to help Colombia during the recovery period.

Why Education Is at the Center of the Effort

For Shakira, education has long been connected to social mobility and opportunity.

The latest initiative reflects that belief.

Rebuilding a classroom does more than restore a physical building. It gives children a place to learn, reconnect with their communities and continue planning for their futures.

The reconstruction of the Technological University of Chocó takes that idea even further by supporting students beyond primary and secondary education.

Shakira’s Humanitarian Work Continues

Shakira has repeatedly used her global platform to draw attention to education and children’s welfare.

Her latest effort demonstrates how her celebrity influence can be used to mobilize financial support and public attention during a crisis.

HOLR has the latest celebrity and humanitarian news, and Shakira’s response to the earthquake shows a deeply personal commitment to the country where she was born.

Her message is ultimately one of resilience.

Colombia has suffered devastating losses, but through partnerships, community support and investment in education, Shakira is helping push the recovery forward.

As she wrote in her message, Colombia may be hurting, but she believes it is not broken.

FAQs

What is Shakira doing to help Colombia after the earthquake?

Shakira is supporting education recovery in Chocó, including the reconstruction of schools and the Technological University of Chocó.

How much money has been committed to the education recovery effort?

The initial broader funding commitment is $1.25 million, including $500,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, $500,000 from Live Nation and $250,000 from CAF.

How many schools will be built in Chocó?

The Howard G. Buffett Foundation has committed to supporting the construction of 10 schools alongside Shakira’s Pies Descalzos Foundation.

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