The Niall Mellon Township Trust believes that young people can make a real difference! We are embarking on the creation of an educational schools programme, offering teachers and students the chance to engage in a constructive and fun way with South Africa and its people. We are calling on all schools to get involved with us in the following ways:

• Fundraise with Us
• Take part in our Building Blitz
• Let us come and talk to your pupils

Fundraise with Us

• We would be delighted if you would consider holding a fundraising event for the charity to support our work.
• Fundraising can be fun, fun, fun!
• It is also be educational at the same time.
• Learn how to be a project manager, an accountant and an advertising executive all in one.
• We can support you by sending on our fundraising pack which will give you a step by step guide to organising events.
• We also have a host of materials such as balloons, stickers, DVDs, T-shirts and even a life-size shack!

Some popular fundraisers that you might consider would be:

• School Fashion Show
• Bazaar
• Concert
• Non-Uniform Day
• Sports Day
• Country Fair Day

Volunteer Building Blitz

Why not participate on one of our week long blitzes. During the week students will have the opportunity to work on site building houses for the people of the townships. They will also have the opportunity to visit a school, crèche and shack to meet and chat with local people and learn about their lives.

Find out more about our Building Blitzes.

Emily Meehan - Loreto Beaufort, Building Blitz November 2009 said:

"Being actively involved in the Building Blitz 2009 has altered my outlook on life. It was the experience of a lifetime. Nothing could ever have prepared me, both mentally, and physically for that unique week of my life. The volunteers I befriended, and the South African people I interacted with will always hold a special place in my heart. Although there were some sad and quite depressing moments, the positive feeling I experienced from just simply being involved, was by far the best feeling I have ever had. If I were to dream, it would be of going back to help those in need. Thinking of all the happy, cheerful moments we shared throughout the week still brings a smile to my face! By far the best week of my life!"

Pictured above Loreto Beaufort pupils - Robyn  Keogh, Emily Meehan, Kate Kirwan and Robyn Crotty with local children in Wallacedene on the Building Blitz November 2009.

Rachael Fenlon - Loreto Beaufort, Building Blitz November 2009 said:

"For me the greatest moment of the week was meeting Amanda. She is a seventeen year old girl who lives in a shack. She looks after her 3 year old sister and 12 year old brother because her parents live hours away. Even though she has such a tough life, she came every day to help us paint."

Pictured above Loreto Beaufort pupils - Rachel Mellon, Rachel Fenlon and Clare Mongan with local children in Wallacedene on the Building Blitz November 2009.

Read more testimonials from Loreto Beaufort Pupils.

Stephen Boland - Cashel Community School, Building Blitz November 2009 said:

"It was unreal seeing hundreds of Irish people, 6,000 miles from home, working so hard to get as much work done as possible to make a difference."

Cathriona & Brendan Ryan - Teachers Cashel Community School, Building Blitz November 2009 said:

"For us as teachers it was brilliant to see students from our school, leave their comfortable homes and work so hard to help people who live in a completely different environment.  On returning the 6 students have given presentations to all of the other year groups about their experiences.  This has made all our students realise how lucky they are here in Ireland, as well as raising awareness of poverty and charity work."

Read more testimonials from the pupils at Cashel Community School.

Find out more about our Building Blitzes.

Educational Talks

We would be delighted to visit your school to give an informative presentation on the work of the charity and what a huge difference your support can make. We believe that by raising awareness in pupils at such a young age assists in their personal and professional development. Our talk will include a presentation on the townships and its people along with a video and informal discussion.

To find out more contact Mairead:
Mairead Mangan on (01) 494 8200.
Email: mairead.mangan@nmtownshiptrust.com

Looking forward to hearing from you!