Shakira proud to be helping Barack Obama on education issues

Shakira is "humbled" to have been appointed to President Barack Obama's education committee to share her advice on how to provide the best education for Hispanics living in America.

The Hips Don't Lie hitmaker was named a member of the Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics earlier this week (begs03Oct11) and she was officially handed the position during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Thursday (06Oct11).

Shakira, who has long been involved with educational issues in her homeland through her Barefoot Foundation, admits she is flattered to have been approached for the role and insists the position is a "great honor" for her.

Speaking at the event, the singer told the audience, "Being here today is a tremendous honor for me. I am thankful to President Obama and I am humbled that my philanthropic experience could be helpful in some measure and can be used to amplify the message and work of the President and this Commission...

"I hope that through my appointment to this commission, I will be able to share what I’ve learned through the 15 years I have been involved in the education of Latino children. I am sure you will agree with me that race and ethnicity shouldn’t be factors in the success of any child...

"The Obama administration has made a point to improve Latino education and – as I spoke to the President previously – I am extremely passionate about working with the White House to plan an early childhood education summit in the coming year...

"Thank you again, this is a great honor for me, I am so happy to be here."

Others joining Shakira include community activist Adrian Pedroza and Arizona's School District Superintendent Kent P. Scribner.