Shakira backing Indian education drive

Washington, Nov 17 (ANI): Shakira, who serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, hopes that her trip to India will highlight the need for improved education in the country.

The 34-year-old singer, who flew to the nation earlier this month, visited a group of adolescent females in a residential education program in Udaipur, Rajasthan, where the literacy level is around five percent for women, to tell them the need for education.

"My interaction with these adolescent girls was energising and inspiring," Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

"It only reminded me, once again, that girls are a precious resource of intellectual and physical ability - a resource that can help to further society. They need the chance to be educated and empowered.

"For too many girls, the basic human right to education is denied. Yet, educating adolescent girls and ensuring their participation in decision-making that affects them plays a significant role in enhancing their sense of self-worth," she added. (ANI)