At Unidos en Red, we are deeply proud of the response of Fundación Pies Descalzos, a member organization of our network, to the educational challenges created by the August 10 earthquake in Colombia. On August 17, Shakira visited Quibdó alongside representatives of the Foundation and international partners to support affected communities and gain firsthand insight into the damage suffered by local schools.
As a result of this mobilization, an initial commitment of USD 1.25 million was announced to support the reconstruction of damaged educational infrastructure and help ensure that children and young people can return safely to the classroom. This effort is further strengthened by the support of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, which will work alongside Fundación Pies Descalzos to rebuild ten additional schools in Quibdó and other rural areas of Chocó.
We are proud that Fundación Pies Descalzos is placing more than two decades of experience at the service of Chocó’s recovery. The organization will lead reconstruction efforts in coordination with local authorities and educational communities, recognizing that rebuilding a school also means restoring stability, protection, and hope to families in the aftermath of an emergency.
We celebrate this initiative as a powerful expression of solidarity, resilience, and commitment to education. The reconstruction of these spaces will provide communities with safe and dignified environments for learning while enabling children and young people to continue building their futures. At Unidos en Red, we are honored to recognize the efforts of an allied organization that once again demonstrates that education is a fundamental tool for transforming the present and creating pathways to a brighter future.