The Asan Nanum Foundation said Sunday that it will dispatch 500 people as youth overseas volunteers every year to take part in projects aimed at remodeling children’s education facilities located in developing countries.

The first team of 100, which held its kick-off ceremony on Saturday, will be heading to five different nations ― Kenya, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Nepal and China ― beginning Feb. 13.

“I’m pleased that our young people are gifted with the opportunity to go overseas and share what they have,” said its honorary board chairman Chung Mong-joon. “The foundation expects to more actively participate in such projects in the future.”

The event is the largest volunteer activity launched by a private organization, according to the foundation officials.

The foundation will support all fees related to the overseas volunteer activity and it also plans on offering overseas education opportunities for those who show outstanding performance in foreign countries, the officials said.

Last year, Chung, his relatives and Hyundai firms contributed 500 billion won ($446.42 million) to inaugurate the foundation in memory of Chung’s deceased father Chung Ju-yung. It was established on the 10th memorial of Chung, who founded the Hyundai Business Group as a trailblazing entrepreneur.

The group has split into different Hyundai groups since Chung’s death.

By Cho Ji-hyun (sharon@heraldcorp.com)