SHAKIRA on GANDHI

I've Followed Gandhi's Maxim: Shakira

Colombian singer Shakira, who

was awarded a medal by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for her work to promote social justice and the advancement of children worldwide, says she has followed Ma

hatma Gandhi's maxim.

In her remarks, the singer said on

Wednesday: "Gandhi used to say 'Be the change you wish to see in the world' and I've followed that maxim."

Shakira thanked the ILO for the prize and dedicated it to all children suffering from violence and extreme poverty, which is the focus of her Barefoot Foundation.

That non-profit organisation takes its name from the recording artist's first album and is devoted to ensuring that education is universally available to every child.

Its Colombian partner, the , works to assist vulnerable children affected by population displacement in the Andean nation, providing them with nutritious meals, education and psychological-support services.

IANS, dt. 04.03.2010