Shakira, la Colombian singing sensation and humanitarian, just added another another gold star to her already spotless reputation for being a great role model. In her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia, Shaki has opened up a school which will take in 1,500 underpriveleged children, an initiative of her charitable organization, Fundación Pies Descalzos:

In an interview with Caracol Televisión, Shakira explained that ever since adolescence she wanted to find a way to help children who, in spite of a lack of economic resources, want to study. “I’ve been coming here to the La Playa neighborhood since I was 15. I came with the nuns and my classmates to teach children to read,” said the artist.

Shakira called the opening of the school — built with her own funds and donations from various U.S. and European businesses — “a dream come true”.

Via / El País