Shakira, the Colombian singer and dancer beloved by nations worldwide, was recently nominated for a charity award in Spain.
The Prince of Asturias Concord award is presented to individuals “whose work has significantly contributed to fostering peace, the defense of human rights, freedom, solidarity, the safeguarding of heritage, or, in general, the progress of humanity.”
Previous recipients include Stephen Hawking, the renowned scientist, and J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series.
Shakira is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, as well as the founder of the Barefoot Foundation, having created its partner, the Pies Descalzos Foundation, when she was only 18 years old. This past year, the organization raised funds to build schools in Colombia and Haiti.
The Barefoot Foundation works to provide education to children across the globe. It supports practical and innovative education programs while promoting the importance of childhood education.
The organization believes that “Education is the key to a better world for everyone, not just underprivileged children. Education is not just books and facts; it is also social and emotional growth.”
The Barefoot Foundation “helps children exercise their basic right to an education, paving the way for their growth in society.”
According to their website, the foundation works “with boys and girls whose lives have been disrupted by violence and poverty hoping that someday we will no longer lose young human potential to poverty, malnutrition and violence.” They add that “Simply providing teachers and schools is not enough when children are faced with extreme poverty, so we work to ensure that they do not learn with empty stomachs and broken homes.”