Shakira makes surprise visit to earthquake-damaged Colombia

Colombian singer and philanthropist Shakira has stepped forward with a significant commitment to assist in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck western Colombia last month. During an unannounced visit to Quibdó, the capital of the Chocó province—one of the areas hardest hit by the disaster—Shakira announced plans to help establish at least 10 new schools to support the region’s educational recovery.

The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.4, occurred on August 10 and has resulted in substantial human and infrastructural losses. Official reports cite nearly 300 fatalities and widespread destruction, including over 26,000 homes and hundreds of educational facilities. Chocó, recognized as one of Colombia’s poorest provinces and home to a predominantly Indigenous and Afro-Colombian population, experienced severe damage with thousands of dwellings and at least 265 schools affected.

Shakira’s visit was marked by her tours of damaged school buildings and interactions with local students, underscoring her longstanding connection to the area. Her foundation, Fundación Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Foundation), has been active in Chocó for more than two decades, operating two schools and supporting hundreds of students. Highlighting her concern for the disruption in education caused by the earthquake, she emphasized the urgency of rebuilding efforts to prevent long-term setbacks for children’s futures.

Accompanying Shakira was Howard Buffett, son of philanthropist Warren Buffett and a prominent donor with a history of supporting Colombian initiatives. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation will partner with Shakira’s foundation on this new project to construct the schools. Additional funding commitments include $500,000 from both Global Citizen and Live Nation, aimed at bolstering the recovery efforts.

The logistical challenges of aid distribution in Chocó are considerable. The province’s remote geography, limited road infrastructure, and reliance on river transport complicate relief operations and damage assessments. Communication difficulties persist, with some reports still varying on the exact number of missing persons and the full extent of the destruction.

Shakira also revealed plans to focus on restoring a local technological university, further demonstrating her dedication to education in the region. This initiative aligns with her broader history as a vocal advocate for educational access and youth empowerment in Colombia.

Her philanthropic engagement follows a pattern of rapid response to natural disasters in Latin America. Earlier this year, she contributed to relief efforts following earthquakes in Venezuela, pledging support for education recovery there. Shakira’s high-profile presence in global music events, such as her recent performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, amplifies her ability to draw attention and resources to humanitarian causes.

Shakira’s commitment is part of a larger mobilization within the Latin American artistic community. Other prominent Colombian artists, including Marc Anthony, Chayanne, Karol G, Maluma, and Sebastián Yatra, have participated in benefit concerts and fundraising initiatives to support earthquake relief in both Colombia and Venezuela. Sports organizations have also contributed, with the Colombian Football Federation and the South American Football Confederation jointly donating $1 million to national recovery funds.

As recovery efforts continue, Shakira’s pledge to build new educational infrastructure represents a critical component of long-term rehabilitation in Chocó. Her involvement signals a renewed focus on the region’s needs and the importance of sustained investment in education to help communities rebuild and thrive after the disaster. Details on the timeline and scope of the school construction project remain forthcoming, but the collaboration between her foundation and established philanthropic partners marks a strategic effort to address the crisis comprehensively.