American YouTuber MrBeast Builds 100 Wells in Africa

James “Jimmy” Donaldson, known professionally as MrBeast, is an American YouTuber credited with pioneering a genre of YouTube videos that centers on expensive stunts and challenges and giving away money. With more than 208 million subscribers, he holds the title of the platform's most subscribed individual and the second most subscribed channel overall. In 2022, he secured a place on the Forbes list as the highest-paid YouTube creator.

Leveraging his substantial online following and influential presence, MrBeast has emerged as a dedicated philanthropist. Over the past few years, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at assisting those facing hardships. Among his endeavors is the funding of cataract surgery for 1,000 individuals unable to afford it. Furthermore, he orchestrated a monumental fundraising effort, generating $30 million in support of the Ocean Conservancy and The Ocean Cleanup. This substantial contribution is dedicated to the removal of 30 million pounds of plastic and other pollutants from oceans, beaches, and rivers, showcasing MrBeast's unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

His latest YouTube video, in which he explains he built 100 wells across Africa to provide clean water for those without it, has drawn a myriad of opinions online.

YouTube

Donaldson stated that the newly established wells will offer fresh drinking water to a population of up to 500,000 individuals across Cameroon, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Additionally, an associated fundraising campaign aimed at assisting local water aid organizations had garnered over $300,000 by Monday morning. The 10 minute video also depicted his acts of supplying resources to schools in Kenya, constructing a bridge over a river to establish a safe connection between a village and local schools and hospitals, and gifting bicycles to a village in Zimbabwe to facilitate children's commute to school. So how has someone giving this much brought about so much controversy?

Donaldson’s great gift to these countries has brought to attention the corruptness of these countries. Prominent Kenyan activist and journalist Boniface Mwangi asserts that “we are a “shamful, horrible country… a begging nation governed by millionares.” He also added that Kenyan senators each get car grants worth $33,000 and those cars are fueled each month, but then no money is left to help Kenyan people. Donaldson’s substantial donation brings to attention the willing ignorance of the Kenyan government to help their citizens, and their reliance on others to help.

In an article by CNN Saran Kaba Jones, founder and CEO of FACE Africa, stated: “I’ve been doing this for 15 years, but we’ve been struggling to continue the work because funding, awareness, and advocacy all take work.”

She also added, “overnight, this person comes along, who happens to be a white male figure with a huge platform, and all of a sudden, he gets all of the attention. It’s kind of frustrating, but it’s also understanding the nature of how the world is.”

A Kenyan politician Francia Gaitho criticized his video because it carries on the stereotype that Africa is dependent on handouts and philanthropic intervention.

She praises Donaldson for bringing about awareness to the water crisis, but also warns about the issue of sustainability. While these new wells are a great thing, they must be functional in the years to come. It’s one thing to install the wells, it’s another thing to make them sustainable for future generations.

Certain critics have previously alleged that Donaldson exploits vulnerable individuals to generate views and revenue. However, he stated on X that, "I will consistently utilize my channel to assist people and endeavor to inspire my audience to do likewise."

YouTube

Although his video has generated both praise and criticism, it represents a commendable philanthropic initiative that will benefit numerous individuals facing challenges. Watch Donaldson’s Youtube video titled “I Build 100 Wells in Africa” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwKJfNYwvm8