Shakira makes surprise visit to earthquake-hit region in Colombia, pledges funds to rebuild schools and a university

Colombian music star Shakira made a surprise trip Monday to an earthquake-damaged region of her home country, according to a report published Tuesday. The visit focused on areas affected by a major earthquake that struck Colombia last week, and it included an announcement of new commitments aimed at rebuilding damaged education facilities.

The Washington Times reported that Shakira traveled to the hard-hit area unexpectedly and addressed the need for restored learning spaces for local students. She said she was committing to rebuild multiple schools and a university in the region, tying her support to the next phase of recovery following the disaster.

The report did not provide additional figures on the scale of damage, the number of buildings affected, or the cost of the rebuilding effort. It also did not detail whether the university rebuilding would involve reconstruction of a specific campus, an expansion, or other renovations, beyond Shakira’s stated commitment to support a university in the earthquake zone.

Shakira’s pledge positions her philanthropic involvement alongside broader disaster-recovery efforts led by Colombian authorities and local institutions, which typically manage emergency response and coordinate longer-term rebuilding. In the days after a quake, community needs often shift from immediate rescue and temporary shelter to restoring essential services such as classrooms, labs, and safe routes for children to return to daily life.

The report described Monday’s activities as part of Shakira’s commitment to the rebuilding process, but it did not specify a timetable for contracting, construction, or oversight. As recovery moves forward, the practical impact of such pledges commonly depends on transparent project governance, procurement, and coordination with local education officials and engineers.

It was also not clear from the report whether the announcements would be delivered through a formal foundation, a direct partnership with education institutions, or another mechanism. The specific structure of funding and implementation matters for accountability, especially when rebuilding involves public services and long-term community benefits.

Shakira’s announcement comes as Colombia continues to respond to the earthquake’s damage, with authorities and aid groups focusing on affected neighborhoods and infrastructure. Her commitments to schools and a university indicate an emphasis on long-run recovery, particularly restoring education access for students and staff in the weeks and months ahead.