Shakira makes surprise visit in earthquake-damaged Colombia
Singer Shakira has pledged to rebuild 10 schools and a university in Colombia following a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake. She is collaborating with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and other organizations to support educational recovery.
Why it matters
The initiative addresses the critical need for infrastructure restoration in disaster-stricken areas to ensure children's continued access to education.
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BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — Colombian superstar Shakira announced Monday that she will help rebuild at least 10 schools and restore a local university in a remote and hard-hit region of her home country after it suffered a devastating earthquake last week that killed hundreds and affected thousands of educational sites across western Colombia.
The globally recognized “Hips Don’t Lie” musician 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.
“What worries me the most is that schools are not rebuilt once this emergency is over,” Shakira told journalists. “Every day that children don’t go to school is a day they miss out on their future.”
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