Shakira Pushes For Everyone’s Commitment Towards Early Childhood Education As She Joins President Obama In ‘Invest In Us’ Campaign

Singer Shakira arrives at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada May 18, 2014. REUTERS/L.E. Baskow REUTERS

Shakira has joined President Barack Obama in "Invest In Us" campaign towards early childhood education. The 37-year-old singer, who is in a relationship with Barca star Gerard Pigue, has shared a good message about the importance of education in changing the lives of not only the children, but also the community.

President Obama hosted a summit on the White House about early education on Dec. 10. Even though Shakira wasn't able to be in attendance at the event since she is pregnant with her second child, she sent a video message tackling how significant high-quality early education is for children to reach their full potential.

Shakira explained in the video why she is so passionate about the campaign. Shakira, who has been an advocate of education for a long time, has helped build schools in Colombia and some parts of Latin America. She believes that the children are the ones who can benefit immeasurably from the "Invest In Us" campaign. Other celebrities who have lent their voices to the cause include singer John Legend, and actors Jennifer Garner and Julianne Moore.

During the summit as shared in a statement posted on the official Web site of White House, President Obama has announced some great news for kids' early childhood education programs. He revealed that a collective investment worth $1 billion will be allotted for U.S. pre-school and early childhood education programs.

In addition, President Obama announced that the administration will be giving $750 million worth of investment in early education - $250 million will be allotted for Preschool Development Grants that would benefit 18 states and $500 million will be allotted to early care and education to more than 30,000 infants and toddlers.

Other private sector companies have also pledged donations of more than $340 million combined. The Walt Disney Co. has contributed $55 million in high quality apps and books to help strengthen reading programs for children aged three to five.

J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation has donated $25 million for high-quality early childhood development opportunities. UPS and The Lego Foundation, have contributed $5 million apiece for reading and early childhood programs, respectively. For more information, visit Investinus.org.