Shakira dropped an Instagram video over the weekend that hit different. No auto-tune, no theatrics — just her, straight up telling the world that the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is earmarking $500,000 to help the children of Venezuela keep learning while their country rebuilds.
“Today, millions of children are growing up without the education and opportunities they deserve,” she said in the clip. “That’s why I’m so proud to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.”
She didn’t stop there. Barranquilla’s finest laid it out plain: the money is going toward organizations already on the ground in Venezuela — the ones doing the real work — getting kids back in the classroom, supporting teachers who lost everything, and rebuilding access to learning where it’s been ripped away.
“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,” Shakira 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.”
Why This Matters Right Now
For those who haven’t been following — and pana, you need to be following — Venezuela got hit hard. Back on June 24th, two massive earthquakes, magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck less than a minute apart. We’re talking over 3,300 confirmed dead, 16,000 injured, and thousands still unaccounted for. Whole buildings came down in Caracas and along the coast in La Guaira. This isn’t a headline that fades in a week — families are still digging out, still searching, still grieving.
Shakira’s been connected to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund for years, sitting on its advisory board alongside The Weeknd since the fund’s launch, when the goal was set to raise $100 million for education access around the globe. This earthquake relief pledge is an extension of work she’s already been doing — but the timing, and the need, make it hit even harder.
And get this — Shakira already had skin in the game before the earthquakes even happened. Back in May, she announced she’d be donating 100% of the profits from “Dai Dai,” her official anthem for the FIFA World Cup, straight to the Education Fund. That’s her fourth World Cup anthem, first one since 2014 — and now it’s tied directly to helping Venezuelan kids recover.
La Comunidad Shows Up
Shakira’s not out here alone. The Latin music community and beyond has been mobilizing hard since the quakes hit:
- Metallica donated $100,000 through their All Within My Hands Foundation
- Rush dropped a special-edition benefit t-shirt to raise funds for victims
- Bad Bunny oversaw a shipment of 42,000 pounds of essential supplies
- Venezuelan-born artists like Danny Ocean, Lele Pons, Lasso, and Joaquina — all Caracas natives — have used their platforms nonstop to push fans toward relief resources
This is what family looks like when the music industry actually shows up for home.
What’s Next
Shakira’s asking anyone who wants to help to contribute directly to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, and she’s inviting Venezuela-based organizations doing relief work to apply for funding. She’s also set to headline the halftime show at the FIFA World Cup Final on July 19th at MetLife Stadium, sharing the stage with BTS and Madonna — marking the first time a World Cup final has ever had a halftime show at all.
So when that stage lights up in the Meadowlands, know that behind the spectacle, there’s a $500K commitment already working on the ground back in Venezuela. That’s the difference between a moment and a movement — and Shakira’s making sure it’s the latter.
