Shakira is Harvard's Artist of the Year!

Shakira began contributing to charities when she was just 18 years old, and fittingly, Harvard Foundation's Director S Allen Counter said Shakira was chosen for prestigious award of Harvard Foundation's 2011 Artist of the Year because of her musical contributions to culture and her work helping children in impoverished areas such as Haiti.

Every year, the Harvard Foundation (started by the Harvard inter-cultural arts and sciences centre) acknowledges the world's artists, scientists and leaders for their humanitarian efforts though the giving of the award.

"Her contributions to music and distinguished history of creativity have been applauded by people throughout the world, and she is greatly admired worldwide for her humanitarian efforts through her Barefoot Foundation" said Counter. Shakira started the Barefoot Foundation when she was just 18 years old, and has opened six schools through it.