Brazil, Oct 2: Columbian pop singer Shakira visited a day care center in Rio de Janeiro's City of God shantytown Friday, before performing at the 2011 Rock in Rio festival.
The Colombian artist was joined by Brazilian children's entertainer Xuxa, Brazilian Human Rights Minister Maria do Rosario and first lady of Rio de Janeiro state Adriana Anselmo, among others.
The group arrived with a heavy police escort to a crowd of mostly children who cheered for both celebrities as they entered the small community day care center.
The four women met with teacher's and children and signed a cooperation agreement which promises to help prevent violence in poorer communities in Brazil and improve educational programs that target children from 0-6 years old.
The cooperative includes the non-profit “Alas” represented by Shakira, Xuxa's foundation and the Brazilian government, is looking to open at least one-hundred more day care centers throughout Brazil.
“This is a moment of great pride for me and for the ‘Alas' foundation. To be a part of a program that equips children with tools like health, education and nutrition, which help break the cycle of poverty and inequality,” Shakira said.
Shakira, met with Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff in the country's capital earlier this year where she first discussed the proposed project. AP
