MrBeast's Initiative of 100 Wells in Africa Garners Support and Controversy
MrBeast's latest video showcasing his remarkable feat of constructing 100 wells in Africa has sparked mixed reactions online Published on Saturday, this impressive initiative has garnered significant praise and some criticism from viewers worldwide
MrBeast, the popular American YouTuber, has stirred up a mixed reaction online with his recent video claiming to have constructed 100 wells in various parts of Africa. Released on Saturday, the video has sparked discussions among Kenyan activists and journalists, who argue that it sheds light on the shortcomings of the Kenyan government. Meanwhile, MrBeast, whose true identity is Jimmy Donaldson, foresees the possibility of facing backlash and being "canceled" due to the response received.
The construction of 100 wells across Cameroon, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe will ensure access to clean drinking water for approximately half a million individuals, according to Donaldson. Additionally, the fundraising campaign associated with this initiative has already amassed more than $300,000 by Monday morning, which will be utilized to support local water aid organizations.
In a 10-minute video, Donaldsons showcased his generous contributions to Kenyan schools, including the donation of new furniture, soccer balls, computers, whiteboards, and projectors. Additionally, he undertook the construction of a bridge that provided a safe connection between a village, local schools, and a hospital. Furthermore, he extended his support by donating bicycles to a Zimbabwean village, facilitating children's access to education. Drawing a sharp contrast, prominent activist Boniface Mwangi criticized the Kenyan government, describing the country as "shameful" and "horrible," governed by wealthy individuals while relying on begging.
MrBeast, a popular YouTube sensation, was photographed posing with fans during the opening of his inaugural brick-and-mortar establishment, MrBeast Burger Restaurant, located at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 4, 2022. This image captures the excitement of the occasion. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for MrBeast Burger)
Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images
Behind the staggering success of MrBeast
He added on X (previously known as Twitter), "Why do we provide newly elected members of parliament and senators with a Sh5 million ($33,000) car grant and fuel their cars every month, but we lack the funds to drill boreholes for our people?"
Likewise, freelance journalist Ferdinand Omondi applauded Donaldson's endeavors but expressed his embarrassment at a YouTuber flying to Kenya for a charity tour to perform tasks that our taxes should have fulfilled a long time ago.
CNN attempted to contact a spokesperson from the Kenyan government for comment, but no response was received at the time of publication.
Although there was heavy emphasis on the videos criticizing the Kenyan government, Donaldson predicted a potential negative response. He expressed on X that he expects to face consequences for sharing a video that assists people, emphasizing that he is not concerned about the outcome.
Aspiring Kenyan politician Francis Gaitho faced backlash for his critique of Donaldson's video, claiming that it perpetuates the stereotype of Africa being "dependent on handouts...and philanthropic intervention." However, Gaitho's comments also received their fair share of criticism.
YouTuber MrBeast paid for cataract removal for 1,000 blind or near-blind people, according to a new video posted to his YouTube channel.
Mr. Beast/YouTube
MrBeast, a YouTube sensation, has made a significant impact by enabling 1,000 visually impaired individuals to regain their sight through his sponsorship of cataract surgeries. Donaldson, widely recognized as the top individual content creator on YouTube, boasts an impressive subscriber base of over 200 million. His benevolent acts have received immense recognition, as he continues to create videos documenting his endeavors, such as funding cataract surgeries for 1,000 visually impaired individuals and providing prosthetic limbs for 2,000 amputees.
Such videos have assisted him in establishing a business empire with the potential value surpassing $1 billion. Moreover, they have earned him substantial acclaim, leading to his inclusion by Time magazine as one of the most influential individuals in 2023.
While Donaldson has faced accusations from certain critics in the past, who claimed he exploited vulnerable individuals for the sake of generating views and income, he firmly stated on X that his channel will always serve as a means of aiding and inspiring his audience to make a positive impact.
