CHOCÓ, Colombia - International music superstar Shakira has pledged her support to communities affected by the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10, with a special focus on rebuilding schools damaged by the disaster.

The singer recently visited Chocó, the region identified as the earthquake’s epicenter, to assess the impact of the tragedy and help coordinate recovery efforts. During her visit, Shakira emphasized the importance of restoring educational facilities so that children can return to learning as quickly as possible.

The powerful earthquake caused widespread destruction across western and central Colombia, leaving thousands of residents struggling to recover. While Chocó experienced the strongest effects of the quake, several surrounding cities and regions, including Pereira, Cali, Manizales, and nearby communities, also suffered significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and public services.

Schools were among the buildings hardest hit, disrupting the education of countless students. Recognizing the urgent need to restore access to safe learning environments, Shakira announced her commitment to supporting reconstruction projects in the affected areas. The initiative aims to rebuild damaged schools and provide children with the resources they need to continue their education despite the challenges caused by the disaster.

Local residents welcomed the singer’s visit and praised her efforts to draw international attention to the region's recovery needs. Community leaders expressed hope that her involvement would encourage additional support from charitable organizations, government agencies, and private donors.

Shakira has long been known for her humanitarian work, particularly in the field of education. Through various charitable initiatives, she has worked to improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged children across Latin America. Her latest commitment in Chocó continues that mission, focusing on helping young people overcome the hardships created by the earthquake.

As recovery efforts move forward, the rebuilding of schools is expected to play a vital role in restoring a sense of stability and normalcy for families affected by the disaster. With Shakira lending her voice and resources to the cause, many hope the region's students will soon be able to return to safe and welcoming classrooms.

The road to recovery remains challenging, but initiatives like these offer a beacon of hope for communities working to rebuild after one of the country's most destructive natural disasters in recent years.