Shakira brings forth Barcelona’s humanitarian side

Shakira’s presence has proved to be quite magnetic. Ricard Maxens press room at Camp Nou witnessed a havoc of another kind with lots of journalists as it is usual for a Luis Enrique press briefing. In company of Barcelona’s social activity’s vice president Jordi Cardoner, Shakira was present to promote an alliance between the club and her Bare Feet foundation, this foundation was created for charitable aid concerning schooling and education, among which is an initiative to establish a new school “Nuevo Bosque” in Barranquilla, Colombia and which will see the day light next year. The aforementioned school will be mark as the seventh to be built by Shakira’s foundation.

Cardoner issued a statement on the alliance, in which he stated: “We haven’t come here today to talk about football and seeing the press room packed is a real surprise, Through Futbolnet, a programme which uses sport to transmit values, we want to contribute our own grain of sand from Barcelona, during what is an important moment for Colombia in the peace process”.

Shakira was overwhelmed and in an emotional state at the beginning of her speech, this was evident through this statement: “who could have told me that from here at Camp Nou, such a special place for Gerard and our children that we would be presenting a project which means so much to me and to which I have dedicated so much time. When we started to build schools in Colombia 20 years ago, we chose remote areas where they were absolutely nothing at all – no infrastructure, roads or even fresh, drinking water. We built schools where the government was absent and thousands of children didn’t have access to quality education. The transformation was immediate – jobs were generated, healthy nutrition was available and the students responded academically. Investing in education, when it works, is the best conclusion and it is the best strategy to eradicate poverty. Thanks to Barça we have already been able to build football pitches in Barranquilla and Cartagena. I was born, raised and lived in Colombia. To see how lives are being transformed instead of being trapped in a continual cycle of poverty is liberating. It shows that there is a way out”.

Shakira also went on to praise and comment on the humanitarian side of the club, she announced that Barcelona is a perfect club, since it successes to combine both outstanding players’ and a unique humanitarian side. She also mentioned that her son Milan came to understand  those elementary and necessary needs, such as going to school or eating or even playing football and which most people take for granted are not accessible by lots of people.

Shakira also showcased her famous sense of humor and lightheartedness, saying that: “As a partner, Piqué supports me in everything. He helps me for my well being and I do the same for him. He tries to make sure that I am happy and I do the same so that his happiness is projected out on the pitch. It’s something we do when we are at home…”

Shakira was asked about the thought if Piqué being Barcelona’s president, and she said that: “I think you, the media, have put that idea about more times that Gerard has…”

A further inquiry was in her opinion on Piqué controversial statements, for her: “Maybe neither of us is really like the image of ourselves which is portrayed. Maybe I am a little more.”

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