Shakira, a Colombian artist, singer, dancer, and social entrepreneur has been named the 2011 ‘Person of the Year‘.

Not only has she sold over 50 million albums, having several number ones around the world; but she has also founded the Fundacion Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Foundation).

Fundacion Pies Descalzos was founded in Barranquilla, Colombia aimed at the health, education and nutrition of the children in the country. Shakira’s mission is emphasizing the fact that education and health

are recognized as fundamental rights, and not luxuries her foundation currently has five schools in different regions of the country, providing education and psychological support for more than 4000 children.

 

In the past year, Shakira has raised over $400,000 to build schools in Haiti by appearing in adverts, making the donation to her own foundation.

 

She has also inspired students around Colombia to raise money for her foundation – such was the case of Pedro Lucas Caballero, who along with Shakira’s support, organized concerts at his school to raise money for Pies Descalzos.

After recognizing the social problem in Colombia, Shakira managed to address this problem by founding Pies Descalzos, where she has already made a great difference in the country.

 

Bibliography:

http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/shakira/264974-shakira-haiti-donation

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/08/shakira_n_1082301.html

http://www.fundacionpiesdescalzos.com/en/who-we-are.html