Shakira said: “My visit to Max Payne school today here in Jerusalem – an inspirational school where students learn together, across all divides, speaking both Arabic and Hebrew, learning and playing together without difference - only reminded me, once again, that the most crucial decisions we can make for a better tomorrow concern how to raise and educate our children.” She also made a special surprise visit to another school today that serves Palestinian students, called Beit Tzafafa Primary School in Jerusalem. 

Later today, Shakira will address the Israeli Presidential Conference, meeting with world leaders and journalists, economists, scientists and innovators to discuss the need for a free, quality education for all children, especially girls. The goodwill visit to Israel is part of Shakira’s ongoing work as an advocate for global education, calling for the expansion and improvement of comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.