cover story
of her new fans didn’t know was Latin American presi-
how actively involved she was in dents to do their part in
her own charities just as much as providing aid for the
she was with her music. Despite future leaders of the
her success, Shakira remained world. Some of the presi-
humble in nature and continued dents spoke out about
to think about the disadvantaged their current programs,
children in her country. goals and ideas to help
At a very young age, Shakira their impoverished chil-
was well aware that the future of dren. During the U.S.
the economy was based on the presidential elections,
youth at hand. Understanding Shakira encouraged peo-
that her home country of Colom- ple to vote for Obama
bia didn’t always provide for the and President Obama
youth she decided to take matters was honored to receive
into her own hands. The Pies the endorsement. Presi-
Descalzos Foundation was creat- dent Obama has praised
ed in 1997 to serve some of the Shakira for being such a
fundamental needs of children in positive role model for
Colombia. It aims to provide vic- young Latinas in the U.S.
tims of violence an education, and for young men and
psychological support, nutrition women around the world.
and health coverage. Children With a call to serve
benefit from the foundation the world one song at a
because it provides hope for their time, it is no wonder
families as well. Pies Descalzos Shakira has had so much
provides families with jobs success. A beautiful and
onsite for a sense of independence, sta- ceeds of Shakira’s concerts are used as talented role model speaks and acts
bility and overall development. donations for non-profit organizations from the heart and touches lives by pro-
In 2003, Shakira was appointed a helping the needs of children. As proof viding opportunities for the future gen-
global Goodwill Ambassador for in itself that the world so loves Shakira, eration. Each day that goes by, another
UNICEF, the world’s leading organiza- Pope John Paul II granted her an audi- child is enlightened and another family
tion for children. With the success of ence at the Vatican. In 2008, Shakira is blessed with the hope of a future.
her music, Shakira has gained fame and received a NCLR ALMA Humanitarian Shakira’s humanitarian efforts are truly
power and has used it to benefit those Award for her great contribution to one of a kind and are genuinely from
who are less fortunate. In 2006, Shaki- humanity and continues to receive the heart, which is everything one can
ra, with the help of fellow Latin artists world recognition for her humanitarian expect from somebody named woman
founded the ALAS Foundation efforts. full of grace.
(América Latina en Acción Solidaria). In early 2008, Shakira was the Shakira is an example of the success
The foundation is a non-profit organi- Honorary Chairperson for Global Cam- that life can bring if you commit your-
zation that serves to reduce poverty, paign for Education (GCE) “Action self to do what you enjoy. As a little girl
inequality and exclusion for children in Week”. The Global Campaign for Edu- who loved to write, sing and dance, the
Latin America. It provides health care cation is a coalition of organizations in gifted Shakira continues to work
programs for poor children and preg- about 120 countries that raise aware- towards a goal, “This is my dream: that
nant women in order to help reduce the ness for universal basic education. someday my career will go beyond and
death threats of street children. “Universal education isn’t about chari- get people to work with me in this ship
Shakira’s humanitarian drive is ty, it’s about investment,” says Shakira. because we have to put our eyes in our
fueled by her musical success. Her “By providing vulnerable children with children.”
musical talents have been recognized a basic education we can create a better, For more of Shakira’s charity infor-
by a number of awards and nomina- safer world.” mation or donations please visit
tions, which she seems to use as fund- At a recent conference in late 2008 at
www.fundacionpiesdescalzos.com and
ing for her programs. Many of the pro- Columbia University, Shakira asked
www.fundacionalas.org HNM
68 Celebrating over 15 Years of Embracing Diversity WWW.HNMAGAZINE.COM
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