Shakira builds schools in Colombia after devastating earthquake

Shakira has pledged to donate $1,25 million to build new schools in a region of Colombia hit by a devastating earthquake.

The Colombian pop star made a surprise visit to Quibdo, the capital of Choco province, on Monday to tour damaged schools and talk to children who survived the 7,4-magnitude earthquake that struck the region on August 10.

During the visit, the singer pledged an initial $1,25 million to build at least 10 new schools, through her humanitarian foundation Fundación Pies Descalzos, the Associated Press reports.

The money will come from three sources: $500.000 will be donated by Shakira and Live Nation, another $500.000 will be provided by the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, while $250.000 will be provided by CAF, the Development Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean.

"My biggest concern is that schools will not be reopened when this emergency situation passes. Every day that children do not spend in school is a day they miss out on a part of their future," Shakira told reporters.

She added that it was a place she loved very much and where she watched students progress in their classrooms.

"I really want to see those schools rebuilt again," she said.

Shakira was joined during the visit by Howard Buffett, son of billionaire and philanthropist Warren Buffett, who has previously collaborated with the singer on educational projects in Colombia. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation will collaborate with Shakira's foundation on the new project.

"When she calls me, I come," Buffett said of his collaboration with the singer.

Shakira founded her foundation in 1997 to help children from poor families, and currently runs two schools in Choco, the poorest region of Colombia.

The earthquake killed more than 200 people, destroyed more than 13.000 homes, and affected more than 135.000 people.