Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Shakira Pledges School and University Rebuilding After Colombia Earthquake
A powerful earthquake damaged many homes, schools, and public buildings in Colombia.
Shakira visited damaged schools in Quibdó to see how children and communities were affected.
She said she wants children to get back to school quickly.
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund promised $500,000 to support education recovery.
Live Nation agreed to match that money, making the combined contribution $1 million.
Shakira also promised to use her own resources to help rebuild the Technological University of Quibdó.
The Howard G. Buffett Foundation plans to help build 10 schools in Chocó.
Another report said CAF would provide $250,000 for school rebuilding.
Reports gave different numbers for people missing after the earthquake.
Shakira visited earthquake-damaged schools in Quibdó, Colombia, and shared photos and videos of the trip.
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund pledged $500,000 with Fundación Pies Descalzos to help children return to classrooms.
Live Nation will match the contribution, creating a combined $1 million education-recovery effort.
Shakira pledged personal resources to rebuild the Technological University of Quibdó, while the Howard G. Buffett Foundation committed to building 10 schools in Chocó.
Reports differ on the disaster’s toll, citing between 194 and 377 people missing, while one report listed 273 deaths and 3,824 injuries.
- Who
- Shakira, Fundación Pies Descalzos, the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, Live Nation, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, CAF, and Colombian communities affected by the earthquake.
- What
- Education and reconstruction assistance was announced for damaged schools and the Technological University of Quibdó.
- When
- Shakira visited after the August 10 earthquake; casualty figures were reported on August 14 and in a subsequent Monday report.
- Where
- Quibdó and Chocó, Colombia.
- Why
- To help rebuild damaged education facilities and enable children to return to school after the earthquake.
Reported casualty figures
Alternative casualty figures
People missing
Reported casualty figures
The Colombian government reported 194 people missing in a Monday update, while another report cited 377 missing people on August 14.
Alternative casualty figures
Civilian-run databases put the number of missing people at more than 4,100.
- Earthquake date
- August 10
- Reported magnitude
- 7.4, according to one report
- Reported casualties
- One report cited 273 deaths, 3,824 injuries, and 377 people missing
- Infrastructure damage
- 12,584 homes destroyed, 74,873 damaged, and 172 buildings collapsed
- Education impact
- 2,198 schools and educational institutions were affected
- Combined contribution
- $1 million from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and Live Nation
- Additional commitments
- The Howard G. Buffett Foundation committed to 10 schools, while Shakira pledged personal resources for the Technological University of Quibdó
- Reporting discrepancy
- The regional government reported 194 people missing, while civilian-run databases reported more than 4,100
