Will.i.am has given a donation of £500,000 to the Prince's Trust in the hope that it will help find a new Mark Zuckerberg in deprived areas of London. The Black Eyed Peas frontman said there was musical creativity in neglected inner city areas around the world and suggested it could be channelled into developing the next internet sensation like the Facebook founder.
The pop star made the donation after holding talks with Prince Charles at Clarence House and meeting youngsters on one of his charity's personal development courses in east London last month.Given via the performer's i.am angel Foundation, the money will help encourage work skills, with a focus on technology.Speaking at the Trust's London headquarters, Will said: "It really takes one person from east London or Brixton to turn into Mark Zuckerberg."The Voice star added: "Every single creative thing in music came from people from inner cities, creativity is thriving there.
"They're not given the tools to become the Zuckerbergs, they're not given the tools to become the Jack Dorseys, Twitter, they're not given the tools to become the Larry Page and Sergey (Brin), Google. "Will.i.am added: "I grew up in east Los Angeles, one of the most under-served and tough neighbourhoods in America. "My family made sure I understood that getting a good education and hard work were key to turning my dreams into reality. "So I am pleased to be collaborating with an organisation that shares my mission to transform the lives of young people who need extra support and structure in their lives."