The World Literacy Foundation is honored to award Shakira for her significant contribution to the improvement of literacy for disadvantaged children around the world. The award was announced at the World Literacy Summit.
Shakira's success as a musical artist and performer has brought her great achievement since she first appeared in the limelight in 1990. Crowned with 3 Grammy Awards and 12 Latin Grammy Awards, and recognized as one of the highest-selling Colombian pop artists of all time, her exceptional talent has landed her several achievements. While her success in the music and performance industry has taken the world by storm, her support for children's literacy and education has only improved and gained traction over the years. Shakira's philanthropy endeavors began shortly after the singer found international success, then providing her a platform to make a widespread impact.
Recognizing a lack of support in the education system in her home country of Colombia, Shakira took efforts into her hands, founding Pies Descalzos Foundation in 1997, building the first school in her home town Barranquilla, Colombia.