Shakira has helped launch a partnership to promote childhood development in Brazil. The Whenever, Wherever singer is a representative for the ALAS Foundation and met some of the young children at the launch in Rio de Janeiro.
Shakira met and played with kindergarten and primary school pupils before giving a speech alongside representatives of the Brazilian government including the Minister of Human Rights and the Governor of Rio de Janeiro.
The Brazilian singer said: "Both ALAS and I are proud to be part of a programme that provides the children of Brazil with education, health and nutrition, the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and inequality.
"The first six years of a child's life represent the most important stage of development. It is in these years when their brains and capacities, their functions and basic skills are developed. Therefore, I am convinced that investing in Early Childhood Development represents an investment in the future of our countries.
"I hope that programmes like the one we are launching today in Brazil are replicated in all of Latin American. The possibility to end poverty and marginalisation is at our fingertips.
"Let's keep working together so our children may paint a better future for themselves and for us all."The programme aims to enable children reach their full potential and break the cycle of poverty by helping them all gain access to health care, nutrition and education.