Full Breakdown
Shakira Donates $500,000 to Support Education for Children Affected by Venezuela Earthquakes
7/5/2026, 8:54:47 PM
The Donation and Its Intended Use
Colombian singer Shakira announced a $500,000 (?£373,400) contribution from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund to support education for children displaced by the June 24 earthquakes in northern Venezuela. The money will fund school attendance, learning materials, and mitigate long-term educational setbacks. The contribution is part of a broader effort to raise $100 million for education worldwide.
Earthquake Impact and Human Toll
On June 24, magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 tremors struck northern Venezuela, causing extensive damage. Reported deaths range from almost 3,000 to more than 2,600, and missing persons are described as “thousands” or over 60,000. Aftershocks persist, and international rescue teams are active. All four members of the Venezuelan nu-metal band Van Der Dijs died.
Shakira’s Role with FIFA and the Global Citizen Education Fund
Shakira has served on the board of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and will perform at the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final in MetLife Stadium. In May, she pledged 100 percent of profits from “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official anthem, to the fund. She now urges fans and leaders to help raise $100 million for global education. Her halftime performance at the 2026 World Cup Final coincides with her call for contributions to the fund.
Other Celebrity Contributions
The campaign also features videos from Hugh Jackman, John Legend, Elyanna, Kat Graham, Dhar Mann, and former Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar. Metallica’s members donated $100,000 through the All Within My Hands Foundation, and Rush released a benefit-sale t-shirt for victims.
Data & Statistics
- Earthquake magnitudes: 7.2 and 7.5
- Confirmed deaths: 2,600 – 3,000 (varying reports)
- Missing persons: “thousands” – > 60,000 (varying reports)
- Shakira’s donation: $500,000
- Fundraising target: $100 million
Official Statements & Responses
Shakira said education programs risk long-term disruption without immediate aid. The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund affirmed its plan to direct the donation to school-based interventions and to encourage further contributions from the football community. She also highlighted that without such support, school enrollment could decline sharply.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the death toll (2,600-3,000) and missing persons (“thousands” versus > 60,000). No official government casualty figures were cited, leaving a verification gap.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, education programs are likely to face long-term setbacks, disrupting the progress that was already being made,” — Shakira, Singer-Songwriter
- “As a supporter of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, I’m standing with the children of Venezuela to help ensure that, as the country rebuilds, every child continues to have access to education and the opportunity to learn.” — Shakira, Singer-Songwriter
- “no child is left on the sidelines.” — International coalition of former heads of state, global leaders, and philanthropists (open letter)
What’s Next
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund will keep its $100 million campaign, while Shakira’s donation will be allocated to education interventions for children in the affected Venezuelan areas. Aftershocks and reconstruction will shape ongoing humanitarian needs.
