While some folks are focused on who Shakira is dating and we know her “hips don’t lie”, we are paying attention to the philanthropic side of the beautiful Colombian songstress. More than 10 years ago, Shakira launched Pies Descalzos Foundation (Pies Descalzos means “barefoot”). Their mission was and is “to ensure that every Colombian child can exercise their right to a quality education. Their vision is to demonstrate a sustainable, replicable education model which provides quality education to Colombia’s most vulnerable people, thereby unlocking their intellectual, emotional and social potential…[…]… Since 2003, Shakira’s Pies Descalzos Foundation has opened six schools serving disadvantaged children and their families through education, nutrition, income-generating projects and counseling.” (Source)

By 2008, Shakira launched the US-based Barefoot Foundation, which “works to ensure that every child can exercise his or her right to a quality education.” (Source)

The foundations were put in place and have helped the many children who have been displaced, from Colombia and other areas, are from poorer areas, from violent surroundings or have not received proper education for any other reason. The goal is to insure that every child receives an equal opportunity and promise of a bright future.

The Barefoot Foundation’s YouTube Channel includes a documentary that illustrates the situation clearly:

http://www.barefootfoundation.com – Documentary about the Barefoot Foundation, produced by Freixenet and directed by Jaume de la Iguana.

(Source: Barefoot YouTube Channel)

Just last week, Shakira announced her collaboration with soccer (futbol) team FC Barcelona’s Foundation in creating educational programs for the Hispanic community in Miami, Florida. The collaboration will result in the building of sports and recreation centers in both Miami and Cartagena in Colombia.

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