Singer Shakira at a concert to commemorate Columbian Independence Day
Shakira added, “A child who lacks sufficient nutrition and education is never able to lead a dignified life, and that must change.”
That is the challenge with which the young inimitable singer, planned to confront the presidents of several Latin American nations: Mexico, Argentina, El Salvador, Panama, and Paraguay.
The event was held on September 24, where Shakira tried to encourage the presidents to begin a mutual effort to fight child poverty. The aim is to ratify an agreement during the October summit meeting of Ibero-American representatives.
Her words came as representative of ALAS (Latin America for Solidarity). An organization founded in 2006 by some of the most influential artists, intellectuals, and business leaders of Latin America.
Shakira donated US$40 million to ALAS for reconstruction in areas of Peru and Nicaragua that were devastated by natural disasters.
Shakira’s Early Involvement
The singer, born in Columbia in 1977 and of Catalan origin, had early on—since 1997— become involved in her native land with the “Fundacion Pies Descazos” (“Barefoot Children's Foundation”).
Her `social` responsibilities are primarily providing nutrition and education for street children, and those who have other basic needs.
Shakira was named ambassador for UNICEF in 2003. The lyrics of her songs often include corruption, crime, torture, and criminal abortion. The German TV program ZDF voted her "2007 Charity Person of the Year," for the program "A Heart for Children."
This year, her song "La Despedida," from the soundtrack of the movie "Love in the Times of Cholera," was nominated for a Golden Globe in the Best Original Song category.
Background
ALAS (América Latina en Acción SolidariaLatin America for Solidarity) was founded in 2006 by Colombian singer Alejandro Sanz, and Spanish musician Miguel Bose. Sponsors of the organization include literature Nobel Laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim.