Barack Obama has announced that Shakira has been appointed to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.
“This is a tremendous honor for me,” the Colombian pop star told The Huffington Post. "I am humbled that my philanthropic experience could be helpful or that my voice can be used to amplify the message and work of the President and this Commission. Latino youth are the fastest-growing group in America, yet more Latino children are living in poverty—— 6.1 million in 2010 -- than children of any other racial or ethnic group.
“As I have seen in my own Foundation work, the only road out of poverty is education. 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. I am grateful to have an opportunity to support such important work."
Shakira is one of four people Obama appointed to the Advisory Commission this week.
“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,” he said. “I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”
