Shakira plans to build a school in Haiti to help child victims of the recent earthquake, the Colombian-born pop-star announced on her website Thursday.
The star, who is increasingly famed for her philanthropy as well as her hits “Hips Don’t Lie” and “She Wolf”, said that in the aftermath of the earthquake which devastated the Caribbean island on January 12 there was the need for long-term reconstruction as well as short-term aid.
“I hope we can use some of what we’ve learned working in Colombia to help Haiti’s children recover,” said the Baranquilla-born singer. “When we educate children we empower societies, and right now Haiti needs all of our help.”
Shakira’s charity The Barefoot Foundation (Fundacion Pies Descalzos) will work with non-profit design company Architecture for Humanity to build the school. They plan to build “a holistic school that will inspire and encourage Haiti’s next generation of leaders,” said the firm’s head.
The death toll of the Haitian earthquake is thought to be potentially as high as 200,000, with over 70,000 bodies recovered from the wreckage so far.