Shakira to support the reconstruction of a university and 10 schools in Colombia's earthquake zone

Colombian singer Shakira has announced her support for the reconstruction of educational institutions in her country following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that occurred on August 10. Shakira visited the city of Quibdo, located in the Choco administrative region, which was the epicenter of the earthquake, alongside American businessman Howard Graham Buffett.

Speaking to journalists, Shakira stated that she would dedicate her personal efforts to the reconstruction of the Technological University of Choco. The artist said that Buffett would also support the construction of 10 new schools in the region in partnership with the Pies Descalzos Foundation.

''I will dedicate all my personal efforts to rebuilding the Technological University of Choco. Howard, together with the Pies Descalzos Foundation, will help us build 10 new schools in Choco; that is why it was so important to bring him here and to come here today.''

Drawing attention to the long-term consequences of children being kept away from education, Shakira emphasized that the region should not be forgotten once the emergency response process concludes. The artist said, “Every day that children do not go to school is a day we put their future on hold, and we cannot allow that.”

It was announced that Global Citizen will contribute 500 thousand dollars and the concert organization company Live Nation will contribute 500 thousand dollars for the reconstruction of the schools destroyed in the earthquake. Thus, a total fund of 1 million dollars has been created for educational institutions.

Shakira and Buffett toured the areas affected by the disaster in Quibdo; they also visited the Carrasquilla Industrial Technology School, which is noted as the largest school in the region. During the visit, they met with children as well as the Governor of Choco, Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi.

Shakira also called on the governments of Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom, as well as the private sector and foundations, to support the recovery efforts in Choco. It had been reported that the number of people who lost their lives in the earthquake that occurred in Colombia on August 10 exceeded 300.

News Source: 12punto