ShakiraFundación Pies Descalzos

Shakira pledges $1.25 million to rebuild 10 schools and a university in Colombia after earthquake; emphasizes emotional connection to the area

Shakira has pledged $1.25 million to rebuild 10 schools and a university in Colombia following a devastating earthquake, emphasizing her emotional connection to the area where her foundation has operated for over two decades. The funds will help get children back into classrooms.

Rolling Stone Rolling Stone18 August 2026 · 08:29 UTC
CuriousCats Full Story

Shakira has pledged $1.25 million to rebuild 10 schools and a university in Colombia after a recent earthquake, highlighting her deep emotional ties to the region. The funds will be distributed through her Fundación Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Foundation), which has been active in Chocó for over two decades.1245

The pledge includes contributions from various partners: $500,000 from Shakira and Live Nation, $500,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, and $250,000 from CAF, the development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. Shakira expressed her concerns, stating, “What worries me the most is that schools are not rebuilt once this emergency is over,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Reflecting on her connection to the area, she remarked, “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.” The funds will be directed towards not only rebuilding the schools but also ensuring that children can return to their classrooms as soon as possible, addressing the immediate educational needs of the affected communities.

Shakira’s foundation currently operates two schools in the region, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to education in Chocó, which has faced numerous challenges over the years.

Key Insight
“The funds will be channeled through Shakira’s Fundación Pies Descalzos, aimed at getting children back into classrooms. Shakira, who has operated in Chocó for over two decades, expressed her deep emotional connection to the region, stating, 'It’s a place I love... I really want to see it rebuilt again.'”
CuriousCats studied:
1
Rolling StoneRolling Stone
“During the visit, Shakira committed an initial $1.25 million to help rebuild 10 schools and a university via her charitable foundation.”
Rolling Stone →
Ask CuriousCats
Who is Shakira's charitable foundation helping?
What triggered Shakira's $1.25 million donation?
Why is the Chocó region significant to Shakira?
Are schools in Colombia getting similar support from others?
How does Shakira's donation compare to previous years?
CuriousCats STORYARC
EARLIER IN THE STORY:
Shakira pledges to build at least 10 new schools in Colombia after devastating earthquake destroys 3,100 homes and affects over 265 educational sites.
The New York TimesThe New York Times
Shakira pledges to build at least 10 new schools in Colombia after devastating earthquake destroys 3,100 homes and affects over 265 educational sites.

Thousands attended a vigil in central London for Jason Arday, a former University of Cambridge sociology professor found dead after scrutiny over plagiarism accusations.

Britain'S Metropolitan PoliceCambridge EnglandChocó Rebuilding
2026-08-18
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • Shakira pledged to help build at least 10 new schools in a remote region of Colombia after a devastating earthquake struck last week, killing hundreds and affecting thousands of educational sites.
  • Shakira made the pledge during a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of the Colombian province of Chocó, where she toured damaged schools, hugging students and taking photos with them.
  • The epicenter was in Chocó, one of Colombia's poorest regions, where at least 3,100 homes were destroyed and over 265 educational sites affected, according to the regional government latest report.
  • Shakira expressed concern about the long-term impact of the earthquake, stating, “What worries me the most is that schools are not rebuilt once this emergency is over. Every day that children don’t go to school is a day they miss out on their future.”
  • Shakira emphasized the need for commitment, stating, “There is not a way to alleviate the pain of so many, there are no magic solutions,” during her visit to a large high school in Quibdó.
  • Shakira committed to supporting the community, saying, “But what there is, is commitment to be here alongside those from Chocó, to not abandon El Chocó like it historically has been abandoned, until every Colombian and every person from Chocó can return to their normal lives like they deserve and all the children can return to their schools and dream of the futures they deserve.”
Colombia focuses on recovery efforts one week after 7.4 magnitude earthquake; 289 dead, 143 unaccounted for
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera
Colombia focuses on recovery efforts one week after 7.4 magnitude earthquake; 289 dead, 143 unaccounted for

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake in western Colombia killed at least 289 people and injured 4,187.

ActionaidColombia DisasterColombia Earthquake
2026-08-17
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • Magnitude 7.4 earthquake rocked western Colombia, affecting 15 provinces and killing at least 289 people.
  • As of Sunday night, 143 people remain unaccounted for, according to government figures.
  • Search and rescue operations have been suspended since Friday as focus shifts to recovery and reconstruction.
  • 127,557 homes were damaged, with 26,945 destroyed due to the earthquake.
  • 285 health centres and 2,838 educational facilities were also devastated by the disaster.
  • The earthquake has unleashed vast economic destruction in Colombia, with estimates of damage reaching at least $6.4 billion.
CuriousCats
RELATED COVERAGE:
El Ganso expands in Colombia with new Bogotá store, part of its international growth strategy in Latin America
Modaes🇺🇸18 August 2026 · 03:51 UTC
El Ganso expands in Colombia with new Bogotá store, part of its international growth strategy in Latin America

The Madrid-based fashion company is partnering with the Panamanian group BMG to facilitate its entry into the Colombian market. El Ganso aims to exceed 100 million euros in revenue by 2028, projecting 84 million euros in 2026 and 93 million euros in 2027.

Houston-area restaurant sends 40 tons of earthquake relief to Colombia; drive collected 127 tons, more volunteers needed
CW39 Houston🇺🇸17 August 2026 · 13:38 UTC
Houston-area restaurant sends 40 tons of earthquake relief to Colombia; drive collected 127 tons, more volunteers needed

The shipment follows a weekend drive at Made in Medellín in Katy, with volunteers from Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond. Colombia's disaster agency reports 294 deaths and 3,935 injuries from the magnitude 7.4 quake, though totals vary as authorities reconcile reports.

Baze University VC Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi urges government to support private universities, emphasizing their role in national human capital development.
🇺🇸17 August 2026 · 18:37 UTC
Baze University VC Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi urges government to support private universities, emphasizing their role in national human capital development.

Prof. Adeniyi highlighted the financial pressures private universities face in providing quality education and maintaining infrastructure, stating, “It is difficult” to operate without adequate support. He called for expanded government interventions, particularly TETFund support, to enhance research capacity and sustainability in private institutions.

Maryland Tax Court strikes down digital ad tax, ordered refunds for Google, Apple, Peacock; ruling adds to Blueprint funding pressure
Conduit Street Blog🇺🇸17 August 2026 · 16:45 UTC
Maryland Tax Court strikes down digital ad tax, ordered refunds for Google, Apple, Peacock; ruling adds to Blueprint funding pressure

The tax, enacted in 2021 over Governor Larry Hogan's veto, applies to companies with over $100 million in global revenue at rates up to 10%. The court found it violates the Internet Tax Freedom Act and the dormant Commerce Clause, potentially costing the state hundreds of millions in dedicated education funding.

North Carolina's new budget eliminates the Office of Environmental Education and gives experienced teachers a raise that fails to keep pace with inflation, followed by a decade with no additional salary increases for educators with 14 to 29 years of experience.
citizen-times.com🇺🇸17 August 2026 · 09:55 UTC
North Carolina's new budget eliminates the Office of Environmental Education and gives experienced teachers a raise that fails to keep pace with inflation, followed by a decade with no additional salary increases for educators with 14 to 29 years of experience.

The teacher's $50 investment in the Environmental Educator credential 14 years ago has benefited more than 2,500 students, but the budget's elimination of the office undermines that legacy. The teacher's salary increased by 5.4% while the cost of living rose by more than 11%, eroding purchasing power.

Kansas City's Colombian Cultural Association collects donations for Colombia earthquake victims; government reports 100,000+ impacted, thousands of buildings damaged across 400 cities
KMBC🇺🇸16 August 2026 · 15:44 UTC
Kansas City's Colombian Cultural Association collects donations for Colombia earthquake victims; government reports 100,000+ impacted, thousands of buildings damaged across 400 cities

The donation drive runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Anthony Parish, 309 Benton Boulevard, with urgently needed items including sleeping bags, blankets, waterproof tarps, flashlights, and work gloves. The association is spending the weekend gathering supplies to send to the country.

Search teams comb rubble in Colombia nearly a week after quake as aid effort expands; death toll around 290 with 140 missing
🇺🇸16 August 2026 · 20:55 UTC
Search teams comb rubble in Colombia nearly a week after quake as aid effort expands; death toll around 290 with 140 missing

The quake, which struck Monday in San Jose del Palmar, has left more than 4,200 injured, with two-thirds of deaths concentrated in Cali and Pereira. President De La Espriella faces his first major crisis, as billionaire Jaime Gilinski pledges $47.75 million for rebuilding and the Santo Domingo family adds $32 million.

Search teams comb rubble in Colombia nearly a week after quake as aid effort expands; aftershocks add danger for crews and residents
🇺🇸16 August 2026 · 20:07 UTC
Search teams comb rubble in Colombia nearly a week after quake as aid effort expands; aftershocks add danger for crews and residents

In Bogota, a stadium has become the country's biggest donation center, with Sencia reporting over 7,000 volunteers dispatching 700 tons of aid in five days. Billionaire banker Jaime Gilinski pledged 150 billion Colombian pesos ($47.75 million) to rebuild hospitals and schools in his hometown Cali.

Victorian teachers back new pay deal, call off third strike; Premier Ben Carroll pledges full school funding ahead of November election
ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation🇺🇸17 August 2026 · 03:19 UTC
Victorian teachers back new pay deal, call off third strike; Premier Ben Carroll pledges full school funding ahead of November election

The deal includes pay rises of 28.3% to 32.4% over four years, a $2,000 lump sum, and caps after-school meetings at 40 hours per year. Education Minister Gabrielle Williams said the agreement could be endorsed by about October, pending a wider employee vote.

Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella asks Donald Trump to suspend tariffs to aid earthquake recovery as 7.4 quake kills at least 289
ABC7 Los Angeles🇺🇸16 August 2026 · 20:49 UTC
Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella asks Donald Trump to suspend tariffs to aid earthquake recovery as 7.4 quake kills at least 289

The U.S. has offered $26.5 million in earthquake aid, including food, shelters and health supplies. The quake, centered in the poor region of Choco, has left 3,937 injured and destroyed 14,705 homes, with 143 people officially missing.

Get your CIA-level briefing,
in real time.
CuriousCats monitors the internet every minute for you and brings you the most personalized brief of videos, social media posts, news and more.
Download the App
Liked the depth here?
Get the full internet briefed for you any time of the day.
Get CuriousCats