Pies Descalzos Foundation

Shakira launched the Fundación Pies Descalzos in 1997 when she was just 18 years old, driven by her own upbringing in Barranquilla and a desire to help children facing extreme poverty. The organization operates as a private non-governmental entity headquartered in the singer's hometown, focusing on building schools and providing educational support to displaced families and those living in remote areas across Colombia.

The foundation does not simply construct buildings; it creates comprehensive learning environments that include nutritional programs, teacher training, and full educational services ranging from early childhood through secondary school. This approach aims to break the cycle of poverty by giving children the academic tools they need to succeed socially and economically.

Over nearly three decades, the group has expanded its footprint significantly. Recent operations have targeted regions like the Guajira peninsula and the Chocó department, areas often hit hardest by both chronic underdevelopment and natural disasters. The foundation maintains an active digital presence with a YouTube channel that has accumulated over 925,000 views, keeping supporters updated on their ongoing projects. [edit]

The core purpose of the Pies Descalzos Foundation is to guarantee access to quality education for every child in Colombia regardless of their socioeconomic status. By targeting vulnerable communities affected by displacement or natural catastrophes, the organization works to ensure that no student is left behind due to financial hardship. [edit]

The story begins in 1997 when Shakira returned to Barranquilla after her initial international success and decided to invest her resources locally. She founded the organization to address the lack of educational opportunities for children in her community. Since then, the foundation has grown into one of Latin America's most prominent celebrity-led charities.

Major expansion occurred in November 2018 when the first stone was laid for two new schools in Barranquilla. This marked a significant shift toward larger infrastructure projects designed to serve thousands of students. The organization continued to evolve its strategy by partnering with major entities like la Caixa Foundation and the FC Barcelona Foundation to co-fund new constructions.

In May 2023, the foundation committed to renovating schools in the Guajira region to improve conditions for local students. A few months later in September 2023, Shakira inaugurated a new school in Barranquilla supported by these key partners. The work remains ongoing with a focus on resilience against climate-related challenges. [edit]