Shakira and FIFA have committed $500,000 to support children's education in Venezuela following two devastating earthquakes that struck the country on June 24. The singer announced the initiative over the weekend in an Instagram video, saying the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund will direct the money toward organizations working to restore educational access during the disaster recovery.
According to Billboard, the two earthquakes measured magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 and struck less than a minute apart. The disasters have claimed more than 3,300 lives to date, left 16,000 people injured, and displaced more than 17,000, with thousands still unaccounted for.
"Today, millions of children are growing up without the education and opportunities they deserve," Shakira said in the Instagram video. "That's why I'm so proud to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund."
The $500,000 commitment builds on Shakira's existing relationship with the fund. In May, she announced she would donate 100 percent of profits from her 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem "Dai Dai" to the Education Fund. She and The Weeknd both joined the fund's advisory board last fall ahead of this summer's World Cup tournament. The fund's announced goal at the time was to raise $100 million for education efforts around the world.
Shakira also called on world leaders to support the campaign. She specifically named Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as already having joined the initiative, and she encouraged the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron to commit as well.
"I'm also pleased to share that the FIFA Global Education Fund will dedicate $500,000 to support organizations in Venezuela that are helping children whose education has been disrupted by this terrible tragedy," she said. "We'll invite trusted local organizations already leading the relief effort to apply for funding to help children get back into the classroom, support teachers and restore access to learning."
Shakira is set to perform during the halftime show at the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in the New York and New Jersey area, alongside Madonna and BTS.
