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Shakira commits to rebuild university and ten schools
The singer’s pledge centers on restoring education in a region where damaged schools cannot be replaced by online learning.
What happened
Shakira visited Quibdó, in Colombia’s Chocó department, after the earthquake damaged schools there. She announced a commitment to rebuild the Technological University of Chocó and help construct new schools with philanthropist Howard Graham Buffett. She also announced initial reconstruction funding from partners including Global Citizen and Live Nation.
Numbers
- 7.4Magnitude of the Colombia earthquake
- 10 schoolsNew schools pledged in Chocó
- US$1 millionInitial reconstruction funds announced
- US$1.25 millionHigher total cited in coverage
Questions
- Why is remote learning not an option?
- Shakira stated that the area lacks connectivity, leaving students without a home-learning alternative while damaged classrooms remain unusable.
- Who is supporting the school effort?
- Howard Graham Buffett is working with Shakira and her Pies Descalzos Foundation, while Global Citizen and Live Nation were named as contributors.
- What stage is recovery in?
- Recovery has shifted from searching for survivors to recovering bodies and rebuilding homes, hospitals, schools and roads, while displaced residents remain in shelters.
- What did Shakira fear after emergency ends?
- She warned that schools could be left unrepaired after the emergency period, preventing children from returning to class.
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The catch
Coverage gives different initial funding totals and no public timetable for rebuilding work.