Shakira Pledges US$1 Million to Rebuild Colombia’s Quake-Hit Schools
Colombia · Earthquake
Key Facts
- —What happened Shakira pledged US$1 million (US$1.5 million with partners) to rebuild schools in Colombia’s quake-hit Choco department.
- —How big a jump The total is US$1.5 million, with Shakira’s share US$1 million and US$500,000 extra from others.
- —The real story A pledge with Howard Buffett on August 17, 2026, targets ten new schools in Choco, Colombia’s poorest region.
- —The catch No official statement from either foundation confirms fund management, budget, or timeline; all details remain pending.
- —Who it touches Students in Choco, including the Universidad Tecnologica del Choco, which Shakira reportedly wants to rebuild without a formal agreement.
- —What comes next Watch for official releases from the Pies Descalzos and Howard G. Buffett foundations naming a fund manager and project costs.
The singer visited Quibdo with Howard Buffett and pledged to rebuild schools, but key funding details remain unclear.
Shakira visited Quibdo, Colombia, on Monday, August 17, 2026, with American philanthropist Howard Buffett. She said she has raised US$1 million to rebuild schools damaged by the earthquake in the Choco department, with additional support from Grupo Citizen and other partners.
What Shakira promised in Quibdo
Shakira announced the donation during her visit to Quibdo on August 17, 2026. Colombian media, including La Republica and Pulzo, reported that she said she had collected US$1 million for educational rebuilding.
The singer also said Grupo Citizen and other partners would contribute an extra US$500,000. That brings the total announced to US$1.5 million, but the breakdown was not detailed in her remarks.
Shakira spoke of building ten new schools in the department. She said Howard Buffett would help Pies Descalzos with this plan, as captured on national television.
The pledge comes after a major earthquake hit Choco, damaging many schools. The exact date and scale of the quake were not detailed in the announcements, but the need was clear from the visit.
The role of Howard Buffett and foundations
Howard Buffett, son of investor Warren Buffett, joined Shakira on the trip. He is known for his philanthropy in Colombia, with a long record of work in the country.
Reports say the Howard G. Buffett Foundation will collaborate with Pies Descalzos on the ten-school project.
But no joint official release has been published by either foundation.
Shakira’s comments, captured on national TV, suggest Pies Descalzos will channel the help. However, no formal statement confirms the fund’s administration.
Both foundations have not issued a detailed press release with budget, timeline, or management structure. This leaves several key questions open.
What remains unconfirmed
There is no official document outlining who will manage the US$1 million. No trust, special account, or lead NGO has been named.
The list of municipalities for the ten new schools is not public. Neither is the total project cost or the share each partner will pay.
Reports mention Shakira’s intention to rebuild the Universidad Tecnologica del Choco. But no formal agreement or dedicated funding has been announced for that project.
Publimetro noted that key financial details are still unconfirmed. Until official statements appear, these points should be treated as pending.
Why this matters for Latin America
This pledge shows a high-profile push to rebuild education after a natural disaster in a poor region of Colombia. For investors and residents, transparency in such funds matters greatly.
Choco is one of Colombia’s poorest departments, and large donations can change lives—but only if the money is managed well.
The lack of clear administration details is a warning sign. Donors and the public should watch for official updates from the foundations.
Past philanthropic projects in Latin America have struggled when fund management was unclear. Following this story closely will show if this effort avoids those pitfalls.
More: Colombia news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money did Shakira pledge for Choco schools?
Shakira said she raised US$1 million for rebuilding schools in Choco. Grupo Citizen and partners will add US$500,000.
When did Shakira visit Quibdo?
She visited Quibdo, the capital of Choco, on Monday, August 17, 2026, with Howard Buffett.
Will the money rebuild the Universidad Tecnologica del Choco?
Reports say Shakira wants to support that university, but no formal amount or official agreement has been announced.
Who will manage the donation funds?
No official statement from the Pies Descalzos Foundation or the Howard G. Buffett Foundation has named a fund manager or trustee.
Connected Coverage
Villa de Leyva Kite Festival: Colombia’s Windy Weekend of Kites and Solidarity
Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 289
Karol G and Miguel Bosé Headline a Bogotá Solidarity Concert for Quake Victims
Sources: larepublica.co; abcnews.com; publimetro.co; youtube.com; infobae.com
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief