On Saturday, the Harvard Foundation gave its 2011 Artist of the Year award to Colombian singer and humanitarian Shakira. Last year she performed the official 2010 World Cup song Waka Waka and, over the course of her career, has sold more than 50 million albums.

She humbly addressed the college crowd with an inspiring speech (video below taken by a front row student) concerning the importance of education in undeveloped countries.

As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founder of the Barefoot Foundation (created when she was only 18), Shakira uses her big mouth, as she said in her speech, to promote the power of education. She asked Harvard students, since they will be the leaders of the future, to take advantage of their own resources to be part of the effort to improve educational systems for impoverished kids around the world.

Growing up surrounded by poverty, Shakira said she used to think that if youre born poor, youll die poor. When she grew up, she realized that there are solutions.

We agree. What will you do to improve the educational conditions in troubled areas of your community?

Similar Posts:

• ISU Foundation announces sculpture naming winner
• VIDEO: Jill Scott Live on Regis & Kelly
• Top skateboarders descend on Voorhees Park for Skate Jam
• New Year’s Eve Ball offers up live entertainment, fireworks
• VIDEO: Timothy Bloom Talks Importance of Music in Schools