Shakira

We know how to address this, and it is within our reach. And we can truly be the cause of change and be the first generation in human history to bring education to all children everywhere so no child is left behind.
- Shakira -

Ferley didn't think he'd ever get to go to school. His thin frame is shrunken by congenital rickets, making him look closer to six than to his eleven years. Read Ferley's entire story >

President Obama Announces Decision to Appoint Shakira to Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics

WASHINGTON – On October 5th, President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts:

  • Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll – Member, President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics

  • Nancy Navarro – Member, President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics

  • Adrián A. Pedroza – Member, President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics

  • Kent P. Scribner  – Member, President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic

President Obama said, “I am grateful that these impressive individuals have chosen to dedicate their talents to serving the American people at this important time for our country.  I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”

 

 

Paving the Way…

The Barefoot Foundation is a U.S. non-profit, non-governmental organization created by internationally acclaimed recording artist and humanitarian Shakira. The organization is devoted to ensuring that every child can exercise his or her basic right to a quality education. We aim to improve the education and quality of life for the millions of boys and girls denied the chance to fulfill their potential.

Our Colombian partner, the Pies Descalzos Foundation, is a Colombian non-profit, non-governmental organization devoted to providing opportunties for children in Colombia.

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We Inaugurated a Flagship School in Barranquilla!

On February 4, 2009, the Pies Descalzos Foundation opened its fifth school in a ceremony attended by Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and Shakira. The school will serve 1,800 students in Barranquilla and create a community center in a neighborhood suffering from poverty and displacement. In addition to quality bilingual education, the school offers vocational training, income-generating projects, health services and programs for the entire community

Read more: We Inaugurated a Flagship School in Barranquilla!

Shakira Announces Haiti School Initiative to Aid Recovery

NEW YORK—Prior to her performance on the Hope for Haiti Now Telethon, Shakira announced an initiative to build a new school in Haiti through her Barefoot Foundation. The Foundation will work in partnership with Architecture for Humanity to build the school and NGO partners to provide education, school feeding, clean water and sanitation services. Foundation board member Howard Buffett, World Food Program Ambassador Against Hunger and chairman of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, will fund the school feeding component of the initiative and other related services such as providing safe water and sanitation.

Read more: Shakira Announces Haiti School Initiative to Aid Recovery

Shakira All I have to do is close my eyes and I can imagine their faces; I know that each child has a name, a heart, a dream; I know that their lives are just as valuable as yours or mine. Yet many of these children die every day in total abandonment.
SHAKIRA
www.shakira.com