Shakira and FIFA set aside 500,000 dollars for earthquake victims in Venezuela

Shakira has announced a major relief package in partnership with FIFA for the victims of the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. Through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, $500,000 has been set aside to keep education programs running for children in the affected country during the rebuilding process. The Colombian singer announced the initiative via a video on Instagram, inviting organizations in Venezuela that are already working on restoring education for children to apply for funding.

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and striking less than a minute apart, caused catastrophic destruction. Reports indicate that more than 3,300 people have died, over 16,000 have been injured, and more than 17,000 have been left homeless, while thousands more remain missing. The capital Caracas and the coastal region of La Guaira to the north of the city were severely hit by collapsing buildings. Among those killed were reportedly all four members of the up and coming Venezuelan nu metal band Van Der Dijs.

"Today, millions of children are growing up without the education and opportunities they deserve," Shakira said in the announcement video. "That's why I'm so proud to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund." She added: "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's involvement with the fund goes beyond this one initiative. Back in May she announced that she would donate one hundred percent of the proceeds from her World Cup anthem "Dai Dai" to the fund. It is her fourth official FIFA World Cup anthem and her first since 2014. Last fall she joined The Weeknd on the fund's advisory board, with the goal of raising a total of $100 million for education initiatives around the world. Hugh Jackman, John Legend, Elyanna, Kat Graham, and several former heads of state have also signed on to the campaign. Shakira also called on Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron to join, pointing out that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has already done so.

Shakira is set to take the stage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 for the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, alongside Madonna and BTS. She is also currently in the middle of a series of stadium shows across the United States as part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour.

Shakira is not the only musician stepping up for Venezuela. Metallica donated $100,000 through their All Within My Hands Foundation, Rush released a special benefit t shirt with proceeds going to the victims, and Bad Bunny organized a shipment of over 19,000 kilograms of essential supplies. Venezuelan artists including Danny Ocean, Lele Pons, Lasso, and Joaquina have been using their social media platforms to urge fans to help and to share information about relief organizations.