Shakira Works To See That All Children Have Basic Education

April 22, 2008 12:20 p.m. EST

London, England (CNS) - Colombian pop star Shakira is being praised by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on her efforts to see that every child in the world has a basic education. Brown joined Shakira in a telephone conference Monday.

Shakira, a Grammy-winning singer, is supporting a week of events in support of the Global Campaign for Education. She said the advocacy group is pressing world leaders to provide funding for primary education for 72 million young children who now miss out on schooling as a result of poverty.

Shakira said the group also aims to inspire support for 226 million older children who miss out on classes because of truancy or a lack of access to schools.

The singer praised Brown, who as British treasury chief in 2006 pledged $15 billion over 10 years for education in the developing world. Brown is largely considered the "No. 1 champion of education," according to the chairman of the Global Campaign for Education.