Since 2002, Mellon Educate has harnessed the power of ordinary volunteers to deliver extraordinary impact in South African townships. Originally focused on housing, the charity pivoted in 2013 to build schools instead, committing to an educational transformation across communities that lacked access to quality learning spaces.
“I never imagined 23 years ago that the small journey I started would be joined by so many people over the years. I was deeply proud recently to mark the charity’s achievement of housing 250,000 people, and to especially recognise the enormous contribution of our incredible volunteers in making this possible.” – Niall Mellon, Founder & CEO.
The Building Blitz: Seven Days That Change Lives
Every November, the Building Blitz brings together hundreds of volunteers, often tradespeople, students, corporate teams, and community groups, from Ireland, the UK, the US, and South Africa. From 15th to 22nd November 2025, Blitz Week will once again mobilise individuals to build classrooms, toilets, playgrounds, and kitchens in just seven days.
The impact reaches far beyond bricks and mortar; it’s about creating safe, respectful learning spaces where thousands of children can truly flourish. Since 2013, Mellon Educate has helped enhance the educational experience of more than 65,000 students.
“Having taken part in a Building Blitz, I can say firsthand that the experience is truly transformative. In just seven days, you see classrooms rise from the ground, but more importantly, you witness the hope it brings to children and their communities. The sense of teamwork, purpose, and impact is unlike anything else. For those of us in the hardware and building industries, it’s a powerful reminder that the skills and materials we work with every day can change lives on the other side of the world.” – Myles Conlon, Access Plastics and Board Member of Hardware Association Ireland.
This year’s Blitz is already oversubscribed, demonstrating the strength of public support, but applications for 2026 are now open. For those who want to be part of the movement, now is the time to register interest.
Ways to Help Beyond Volunteering
Mellon Educate recognises that not every company or individual can join the Blitz, which is why the charity has created a suite of impactful ways to contribute:
– CSR Partnerships “One Employee, One Child”
Businesses can sponsor literacy slots for children, matching every staff member with a child in the year long programme. This builds measurable social impact, strengthens employee engagement, and aligns with ESG strategies.
– The Literacy Hat Challenge
Companies sponsor literacy hats, branded versions of the iconic hard hats worn on Blitz sites. Each hat funds a Community Literacy Tutor to teach six children for a year. It’s a powerful symbol that connects the building trades to building literacy.
– Corporate Engagement
From donating materials to sponsoring volunteer teams, hardware suppliers, contractors, and builders can link their workforce and supply chain directly to global CSR ambitions.
A Collective Irish Achievement
Reflecting on Mellon Educate’s achievements; “Mellon Educate’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable. As a company deeply rooted in building materials and construction, we recognise the true value of creating safe, sustainable spaces. What inspires us most is how Mellon Educate has harnessed the collective effort of volunteers and partners to transform not just buildings, but lives. Their work proves that when communities and industries come together, we can build more than classrooms, we can build brighter futures.” – James Dunne, Gyproc & ISOVER Ireland
From bricks to books, Mellon Educate is not just building schools, it’s building futures.
To register interest for the 2026 Building Blitz or to explore CSR and sponsorship opportunities, scan the QR code or email info@melloneducate.com
