Twenty one Galway volunteers were part of a 500 person group which took part in a major building blitz in South Africa on behalf of the Niall Mellon Township Trust recently.
The group, which was based in Mbekweni, Paarl, constructed 78 homes for 900 residents who live in “appalling poverty”.
This was a historic blitz for the charity - which was set up in 2002 by Dublin entrepreneur Niall Mellon to provide social housing for poor communities in South Africa - as it was the first time there was a majority of women on the trip.
“The welcome given by the people of Mbekweni was amazing, the warmth and enthusiasm shown by the community brought an even greater level of determination to our volunteers,” says Mr Mellon. “The week was a phenomenal success for the charity. I am especially proud of our 300 women volunteers who took to painting, blocklaying and plastering like ducks to water and with enthusiasm like no other. This was the first building blitz that we have had a majority of women. It was so successful that I am now concerned for the few male construction workers in Ireland! The quality of work in building these homes was outstanding and we were very proud to hand over 78 sets of keys to families who so richly deserved them.
“My hope is they will continue to inspire their own community and many others to actively participate in helping others, lifting their spirits and aspirations for a better and brighter future.”
He says he is “very proud” that 500 Irish volunteers were on site recently determined to play a part in helping South Africans solve their housing problem.
“It is only three months since 2,000 volunteers marched into Khayelitsha representing the largest group of white people ever to house build in a township in South Africa.”
Community development is an integral part of the work of the charity engaging local people in the planning and design of their new communities.
“We are currently building in 23 townships, 13 in the Western Cape and 10 in Gauteng and although we have only been in existence for seven years we are currently the largest charity provider of quality social homes in South Africa.
“Our aim is to support the effort of the South African government to provide housing for its people. The Niall Mellon Township Trust has worked in partnership with local communities, municipalities and volunteers and all of these have played a huge part in making the house building programme achieve 11,000 houses to date.”
The charity is seeking volunteers. Telephone (01 ) 4948200 or visit www.nmtownshiptrust.com for further information.
