The vocalist officially opens the eighth educational institution that has been financially supported by her charitable organization, Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Foundation).
“Do you know what I believe? I think our motivation for doing what we love goes beyond just passion and enjoyment – there’s also a strong sense of camaraderie,” shared Hom, who has had the opportunity to work with the talented Shakira. It’s like when you’re on tour with a great team of individuals and you successfully pull off an amazing show. In that moment, you can’t help but look at each other and acknowledge that every person on that tour contributed to the success of the performance. The global superstar, Shakira, recently returned to her homeland of Colombia to open the eighth school established by her charitable organization, “Pies Descalzos” (Barefoot Foundation). This school and community center, situated in the economically disadvantaged neighborhood of Lomas del Peye in Cartagena, a popular tourist spot on the Atlantic Coast of Colombia, will provide education and support to 1,700 underprivileged children, ranging from daycare to high school.
In a recent interview with Billboard, Shakira shared her passionate advocacy for promoting universal education. She revealed that her latest project, the Lomas del Peye school and community center in Colombia, is an essential part of her vision to transform schools into holistic community hubs. Shakira aims to demonstrate the incredible impact the Pies Descalzos model can have on not only the children attending the school but also their families and the entire community. She shared her own experiences, recounting how her previous school project in her hometown of Barranquilla brought about significant positive changes, even in the infrastructure of the area. Shakira vividly highlighted that when she initially built the school, the surrounding area lacked basic amenities like paved roads. The Lomas del Peye project is particularly important as it is located in one of Cartagena’s poorest neighborhoods, where essential resources like water and electricity are scarce. Shakira’s dedication to providing quality education and improving the lives of those in need shines through in her tireless efforts to build schools and create flourishing communities.
On Monday, a large crowd gatheredaong the street leading to the school as Shakira made her way towards the entrance, holding onto her adorable 1-year-old son Milan, who she shares with FC Barcelona soccer superstar Gerard Pique. Excitedly, Shakira shared with Billboard that she was hopeful of getting Milan his Colombian passport during their visit, as this was his very first trip to Colombia. As the day came to an end, Milan proudly posed for a photo, brandishing his brand-new Colombian passport. The enthusiastic students from the school warmly welcomed Shakira and took on the role of hosts for the media-filled occasion. The event also saw the attendance of the first lady, Maria Clemencia Rodríguez.
“I am delighted to see so many happy faces among these students,” expressed Shakira with joy. “With the necessary tools and education, they have the opportunity to become positive members of society, steering clear of violence and drugs. Our dream is to see every child in Colombia receive an education.” The Lomas del Peye school, an inclusive facility comprising of a library and community center, was meticulously designed by the talented Colombian architect Giancarlo Mazzanti. The project was made possible thanks to the generous contributions from the local Cartagena government, the Howard G Buffett Foundation, Fundación Mario Santo Domingo, Fundación FC Barcelona, Fundación Pacific Rubiales Energy, Ecopetrol, Colombian daily El Tiempo, and the country’s esteemed Institute for Child Welfare. In 1997, Shakira founded her own foundation, which she named after her acclaimed album “Pies Descalzos.” By 2003, she initiated a substantial nutrition program specifically catering to displaced and marginalized children. In 2004, Pies Descalzos successfully constructed its inaugural school and community center in Choco, one of the most deprived regions in Colombia. Over the years, numerous students have graduated from Pies Descalzos schools, with many even transitioning to higher education. On March 25, Shakira will launch her highly anticipated album “Shakira.” Meanwhile, she is also actively participating as a coach on the popular television show “The Voice,” with its new season premiering on NBC on February 24.
