Shakira announces reconstruction of ten schools in Colombian earthquake zone

Background: The earthquake of August 10

At Shakira's side, Howard Buffett also appeared — an investor who has financially supported the singer's aid projects in the region for years. "Vengo siempre que me llama", Buffett said about the visit, underscoring the close collaboration between the two. According to those traveling with them, Buffett will provide funds together with Shakira for the initial reconstruction measures and will participate in seeking additional international partners.

Local authorities in Chocó assessed the visit as an important signal of solidarity. The governor and the education administration pointed out that the reconstruction of schools is not only a matter of infrastructure but also determines when children and young people in the department will be able to experience a return to normalcy. Estimates suggest that in the core area of Chocó alone, more than 30 schools have been damaged to varying degrees.

Buffett as a long-time supporter

Shakira, who has long been committed to educational projects in Latin America, has previously worked with Buffett on new school construction in the region. Her foundation network has, according to its own figures, financed dozens of facilities in poor parts of Colombia to date. During the current visit, she announced that she would channel part of the planned proceeds from upcoming concerts into the initiative and call on international aid organizations to support it.

After the earthquake, rescue teams searched for survivors for days. The Colombian government declared a state of emergency for the affected areas and coordinated aid deliveries with international partners. Despite these efforts, the supply of drinking water, medical assistance, and psychosocial care remains precarious in several remote communities. In many places, school operations are only possible on a provisional basis.

With her pledge to personally advance the school construction, Shakira is following up on earlier promises. In the region, the singer is regarded as one of the best-known ambassadors for children's rights. Local media reported that children and teachers greeted the singer during her visit with song and small performances. For many families, this was the first sign that the difficult situation in Chocó was being noticed internationally, it was said.

Education as an anchor for reconstruction

Observers see the initiative as a signal that goes beyond immediate emergency relief. Schools are often the first places in disaster regions where everyday life and community re-establish themselves after a crisis, education experts explained. Reconstruction could therefore serve as a kind of anchor for the region's long-term recovery.

According to those involved, the exact number of schools to be built and the timeline for reconstruction are to be determined in the coming weeks together with local authorities and international experts. Shakira and Buffett reportedly intend first to select sites where the damage is greatest and the number of affected students is highest.

Next steps and fundraising appeal

Finally, the singer called on private individuals and businesses to support the reconstruction efforts with donations or in-kind contributions. Through her foundation, she also wants to offer sponsorship programs for schools so that children in Chocó can learn in a stable environment again in the medium term.

For the coming days, the Colombian Ministry of Education announced a nationwide fundraising campaign coordinated with Shakira's initiative. The aim is to ensure that the funds reach where they are most urgently needed and that school operations in the department of Chocó can fully resume as quickly as possible.