We are a Colombian non-governmental organization created by the artist Shakira in 1997 with the main objective of promoting PUBLIC QUALITY EDUCATION for children in vulnerable situations in Colombia.
“Throughout my life I have seen how education works miracles, I have seen lives and even whole communities transformed. And believe me, to see that a child who did not have opportunities to succeed, manages to get ahead and obtain equal opportunities in adulthood, is such a satisfying feeling that even surpasses that of earning me a Grammy.”- Shak
Shakira creates the Pies Descalzos Foundation in Colombia after her first international success.
Shakira is named UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
At the age of 25, Shakira receives the “Solidarity Recognition” from Ayuda en Acción. Shakira wins the Spirit of Hope at the Billboard Latin Music Awards.
Shakira receives recognition from the Charity Personlichkei, Bild.
MTV presents the a “Premio Agentes de Cambio” to Shakira Mebarak. Shakira is invited to speak at Oxford University to talk about her philanthropy work as well as the importance of Early Childhood Education.
Young Leaders International Foundation Award - Young Leader
Former President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, names Shakira as a member of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.
At the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Shakira participated in the ALAS-BID awards for the promotion of early childhood development.
Order of Princess Isabella (November 20, 2013), granted by the Borbones of India for humanitarian works carried out through the Barefoot Foundation Foundation
-Shakira was recognized as a "Hero" at the Radio Disney Music Awards. This award was given in recognition of her philanthropic trajectory, as well as her work with the children of Colombia and the world that she has developed through the Pies Descalzos Foundation. -Best leader in Colombia 2014
- Shakira Mebarak receives the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum for her leadership in early childhood education and development. - Shakira is recognized as one of the great leaders by Fortune magazine.
“We educate to transform realities, since education is inclusion and equity in order for all the children to initiate the career of their lives in the same starting line. We can only achieve this with quality education”
“It’s passion and it moves us, it is the opportunity to change thousands of children and young people’s lives, this is what really matters and what we feel proud of”
“Education allows the human being to know their own skills and weaknesses, and from there to design with purpose which allows them to walk towards happiness”
“There is nothing more powerful than education, it is the only tool we can give our children to ensure a better future for them and our country”
“I believe in education because it is the safest path to bring peace, equality, fulfilled dreams and achieve goals for every single kid in our country”
“Educating is orientating, is creating, is giving opportunities, and is making an easier path to do new things”
“Education leads us in the search for a better future; contributing with knowledge acquired during a long process of learning and living experiences”
“With quality education, we are going to obtain open minds with positive ideas”
“Education empowers us to bring order to this world, stemming from our sole thoughts and beliefs aiming for social equality”
“Education alters realities, feeds visions, grants tools, waives inequality and most importantly, enables change-driven mentalities and the collective construction of a better future for everyone”
“I believe in education as a transforming tool because it draws the most sincere and shiny smiles on the saddest faces”
“Education ends the hopelessness of communities, opening the way to dreams and opportunities for a better future”
“Education creates a change of perspective and it allows the integral development of the human being; contribute to progress and the advancement of all communities”
“Seeing a happy child on the way to school with a backpack full of books, notebooks and pencils, is the guarantee of not only a more prosperous world but also a more equal and fair society”
“Education is the most accurate way for two vital social transformations: Reduce inequalities and break down prejudices”
He is the president of the board of directors for the Corporate Group Bavaria S.A. and president of Valorem’s S.A. Board of Directors, some of the most powerful companies of the country. In addition, he is Member and Vice-president of SABMiller’s Directory PLC. Nowadays he is Member of the Boards of directors of several NGO’s in the world.
Is the current president of the National Association of Entrepreneurs of Colombia, Co-founder of Compartamos con Colombia and Granitos de Paz Foundation. In 2012, he was the director of the Department for Social Prosperity and Mayor in charge of Cartagena. He was Deputy Minister of Finance in different opportunities and is member of the Board of Directors of several NGO’S.
Has been director of multiple financial institutions. Former Partner and member of the Board of Directors de La General de Seguros in Venezuela. Co-founder of technology companies, including StarMedia Network and Founder of ERN Advisors, Inc. Company focused on financial and business advisory in Florida, USA.
Ex-President of Reficar S.A. He has also been Minister of Mines and Energy and Economic Development, and President of Sismocol, Avianca, Diners Club and Colseguros. He was also the Financial Vice President of the Colombian Petroleum Company Ecopetrol.
Currently the ambassador of Colombia at the United Nations in NYC. Prior to, she’s been Minister of Education and Exterior Relationships of Colombia. She was Presidential Adviser of Security of Medellin, Ambassador of Colombia, before the Kingdom of Spain and General Secretary of the Union of South American Nations. From 2003 to 2011, she was of the Pies Descalzos Foundation and she continues her participation in the Board of Directors.
We are an organization that believes in an equitable Colombia through PUBLIC QUALITY EDUCATION. We do this by building educational spaces, generating innovative teachings, supporting nutrition, providing psychosocial care and promoting community development, for children in situations of vulnerability.
By 2020 we will reach a leading position in Colombia with our strategy of intervention in PUBLIC QUALITY EDUCATION, contributing to the construction of spaces of peace for more than 21,000 beneficiaries in the Public Educational Institutions of the country and surrounding communities.