Shakira for Education

Obama Appoints Shakira

President Barack Obama appoints Shakira to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

In addition to Shakira, Nancy Navarro, Adrian A. Pedroza, and Kent P. Scriber, were all appointed a position on the Commission.

Obama stated “I am grateful that these impressive individuals have chosen to dedicate their talents to serving the American people at this important time for our country.  I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.” 

According to reports, “Hispanics are both the largest and fastest-growing minority group, yet they have the lowest education attainment levels of any group in the country” and the Commission aims to improve the “academic achievement of Latino students and the lives of all Hispanics nationwide.”

In response to her appointment, Shakira stated, “I am humbled that my philanthropic experience cold be helpful or that my voice can be used to amplify the message and work of the President and this Commission. [...] For a host of reasons, Latino young people in this country disproportionately drop out of school and far too few finish college. Closing this gap will not only determine the economic future and competitiveness of this nation, but can serve as a model for the world.”

Shakira has been involved in the education of children throughout the world through her non-profit, non-governmental organization, The Barefoot Foundation, which is “devoted to ensuring that every child can exercise his or her basic right to a quality education.”

“We know how to address this, and it is within our reach. And we can truly be the cause of change and be the first generation in human history to bring education to all children everywhere so no child is left behind.” – Shakira



Read more at Look to the Stars, the Barefoot Foundation and the Whitehouse.