We recently wrote that Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson, a well-known YouTube star, contributed $200,000 to support a universal basic income (UBI) initiative in Karamoja, a village in Uganda.
UBI involves giving regular cash payments to everyone in a community without any conditions. Per Business Insider, another notable figure, soccer player Sadio Mané, has been consistently funding a similar initiative in his hometown in Senegal.
Mané, who has played for clubs like Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and currently Al Nassr, started giving 70 euros ($76) monthly to each resident of Bambali, his hometown, which has about 2,000 residents.
This monthly amount closely matches Senegal’s minimum wage of $88. Mané’s donations amount to around $152,000 monthly, translating to about $1.8 million annually. He makes over $40 million per year, tax-free, from his current club in Saudi Arabia.
In a 2019 interview with Canal+ Sport Afrique, Mané expressed his views on wealth and his experience growing up. Mané explained how he experienced hunger and hardship and had to play football barefoot.
He emphasized that he now uses his earnings to help his people by providing essential supplies and services. He prefers to invest in his community rather than flaunt luxury items.
Mané’s efforts include building schools and a stadium, supplying clothing, shoes, and food to those in severe poverty. He has also given a monthly stipend to all residents in Bambali, assisting their family economies.
In 2019, Mané funded the construction of a school with nearly $350,000. In 2021, he provided approximately $500,000 for a hospital in the village. His focus on education and healthcare highlights his commitment to improving living standards in Bambali.
Additionally, Mané has financed several other projects in his hometown. He helped construct a post office and a gas station, introduced 4G cell coverage, and launched programs to provide free laptops and sportswear to children.
He also offers cash grants to top-performing students. These contributions showcase his multifaceted approach to community development.
Mané’s investments in infrastructure and his UBI program collectively amount to several million dollars over the years.
His actions reflect a deep-rooted dedication to uplifting his community and providing opportunities that were not available to him while growing up.
His story is a powerful example of how individuals can make significant positive changes in their communities by sharing their success.
Mané’s contributions to Bambali encompass:
- Education: Built a school, provided laptops, sportswear, and grants.
- Healthcare: Funded a hospital.
- Infrastructure: Constructed a post office, gas station, and introduced 4G coverage.
- Basic Needs: Supplied food, clothing, and shoes to those in need.
- Financial Support: Provided a monthly stipend to all residents.
These efforts reflect Mané’s balanced approach to immediate relief and long-term development. His commitment to Bambali transforms lives and sets a precedent for how successful individuals can impact their hometowns.
His story shows the potential for sports stars and wealthy individuals to contribute meaningfully to community welfare and development without seeking personal accolades or luxury displays.
Mané’s dedication to his roots and his ongoing support for Bambali reflect his genuine desire to give back and improve the lives of others. His philanthropic efforts are a testament to the power of using personal success to uplift entire communities.
