Carlos Slim Helù, the richest man in the world for several consecutive years according to Forbes, is giving several municipalities a grant of $50 million to build or restore youth-related facilities.

“Slim allocated $50 million to carry out social, sports, cultural, and educational projects,” said Ziad Hayek, Chairman of the Higher Council for Privatization (HCP) said. Hayek represented the Lebanese- Mexican at the inauguration of the Becharri public park that he supported.

Three projects have been completed so far: Raffoul Fakhri Sports Hall, Michel Sleiman Sports Complex in Jbeil, and the public park.

The grant will be used to restore the premature birth wing at the Karantina Hospital and construct sports centers in Bekfaya, Hammana, Jbeil, Jezzine, and Becharri, among other places. Slim plans more support to the Gibran National Committee and the implementation of ‘knowledge centers’ across the country.

In Becharri, Slim supported the restoration of a sports field. Becharri Mayor Antoine Tawk said: “He is also funding the establishment of a playground and a cultural center with a cost of $1.5 million.” The center will include a library, a theater, a computer room, and a multi-use hall.

Roy Helou, Construction Manager overseeing the development of Jezzine sports facility, said: “The facility is a two-floor culture and sports center stretching over 1,500 square meters of land.” The facility includes a floor for gym halls, a lecture hall, a computer room, and a floor for sports games. It will be completed by the end of the year.

Hayek said that the philanthropy targets goals established by the Carlos Slim Foundation.