Overview
- Shakira made a surprise visit to Quibdó on Monday and announced an initial $1.25 million commitment, joining with Global Citizen, Live Nation and CAF to begin school reconstruction in Chocó.
- The $1.25 million package consists of $500,000 from Shakira and Live Nation, $500,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, and $250,000 from CAF and will be channeled through Fundación Pies Descalzos.
- Philanthropist Howard G. Buffett and his foundation separately pledged to support the rebuilding of at least 10 additional schools after accompanying Shakira on the visit.
- The Aug. 10, 7.4-magnitude earthquake had its epicenter in Chocó and left at least 287 people dead with thousands of homes and more than 265 educational sites damaged in the region, worsening long-standing poverty and isolation.
- Shakira’s foundation has worked in Chocó for more than two decades so the effort could speed classroom recovery and attract more private support, but limited roads, river-only access to many towns and wide damage will slow assessments and construction.