Shakira laid the first stone of a new mega-school funded by her foundation ‘Pies Descalzos’ in Cartagena Monday.
Accompanied by Howard Buffett, son of the famous American billionaire philanthropist, and the mayor of Cartagena, Judith Pinedo, Shakira marked the beginning of the construction of her sixth education project for the charity to much fanfare and applause by locals.
The pop star was greeted with her hit song ‘Waka Waka’ performed by a children’s band from Peye Loma community school, which will be replaced by the new building.
The new school will have room for 1,500 pupils and will indirectly benefit 50,000 people living in the Peye Loma neighbourhood by providing information about nutrition, psychological support and comprehensive education on ways to generate income for both children and parents, Caracol reported.
The work of the ‘Pies Descalzos (barefoot) foundation is supported by the Howard Buffet Foundation, the City of Cartagena and the Colombian Family Welfare Institute.
After today’s event, the Barranquilla native will fly by private plane to Panama to resume her tour of the region.