Shakira named Harvard’s Artist of the Year

“The students and faculty of the Harvard Foundation are honoured to present multi-platinum artist Shakira with the 2011 Artist of the Year 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 the foundation’s director S Allen Counter.

The ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ hitmaker started the Barefoot Foundation when she was just 18 and has opened six schools through it. The prime goal of the charity is to ensure that every child has the basic right to quality education.

Shakira has also been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2003.

Hollywood biggies like Sharon Stone,Will Smith,Matt Damon and Salma Hayek were some of the previous recipients of the award.