Her Hips Don’t Lie (About Education): Obama Appoints Shakira to Advisory Commission

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Colombian singer Shakira knows a thing or two about educating children.

At least that’s what Obama must be thinking, as the White House has just appointed the “Whenever, Wherever” singer to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, according to a statement released on Wednesday.

(PHOTOS: Colombian Sensation Shakira)

While this appointment probably comes as a surprise to many — if not all — people out there who associate Shakira with the Grammys and soccer, the singer has actually been heavily involved in children’s programs in Latin America. There’s the Barefoot Foundation, which she founded,  which creates schools and educational projects in Colombia, South Africa, and Haiti. Also, according to the White House’s statement, she was made “a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund in 2003, where she promotes the expansion and improvement of comprehensive early childhood care and education across the world.”

The commission — which will also include former Montgomery Board of Education president Nancy Navarro, executive director of the Partnership for Community Action Adrián A. Pedroza and the superintendent of a high school district in Phoenix Dr. Kent P. Scribner — will advise Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan on issues related to the educational success of Hispanic students.

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