Shakira has pledged to help build at least 10 new schools in Colombia’s hard-hit Chocó region after a powerful earthquake struck the country last week, according to ABC News.
The singer made the announcement during a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, where she toured damaged schools, greeted students and took photos with them. She said she was especially concerned that schools may not be rebuilt quickly after the emergency.
“Every day that children don’t go to school is a day they miss out on their future,” Shakira told reporters, according to the report. She said her foundation, Fundación Pies Descalzos, has worked in Chocó for 22 years and wants to see the area rebuild.
Howard Buffett, son of billionaire philanthropist Warren Buffett, joined her on the visit, and his foundation will work with Shakira’s organization on the project. Shakira also announced $500,000 pledges from Global Citizen and Live Nation toward the effort.
The 7.4 magnitude quake killed at least 287 people and left extensive damage across western Colombia, with more than 26,000 homes destroyed and hundreds of educational sites affected, according to authorities.
