Mellon Educate is an Irish-based African development charity founded by developer & philanthropist Niall Mellon in 2002 and established as a charitable company in 2004. Thanks to the enormous collective effort of volunteers, in conjunction with the South African government, has built houses for 175,000 homeless people in South Africa’s poorest townships. This was only possible because ordinary people took selfless action to do something truly extraordinary, lend a helping hand on our annual “building blitz” in South Africa.

This November, Seamus will be traveling to the Lwandle township in Cape Town, South Africa with Mellon Educate, as a volunteer, to help build and renovate much-needed facilities at two primary schools. These schools serve nearly 2,800 children who live in the township, many of whom face challenging conditions both in and out of the classroom.

The project is ambitious but vital. In just 1 week, Seamus and 400 like-minded volunteers plans to construct 18 new classrooms, 2 kitchens, 2 toilet blocks, 2 play parks, and 4 covered shelters. These improvements will not only enhance the learning environment for the current students but will also benefit thousands more in the years to come.

Once again the goodwill of the Slieve Gallion Drama Walkers has shone brightly as they come together to Support Seamus in raising much needed funds for Mellon Educate. Their unwavering dedication and community Spirit is truly inspiring as they rally behind this important cause to make a lasting impact on the lives of children in need as they gear up for the exciting challenge of hiking through the Sperrin's on the 28th of September 2024.

Slieve Gallion is a mountain in County Derry. With its Stunning scenery and views, it is the easternmost of the Sperrin Mountains. Reaching a height of 528 metres and dominates the western shore of Lough Neagh.

The Group will be setting off bright and early with a lap of Lough Fea on the morning of Saturday the 28th of September at 8.00am.

From Lough Fea they will make their way across Crocknagoss to Mobuy Wood. From Mobuy Wood they will start the hefty hike up into the hills of Glenarudda reaching the summit of Slieve Gallion with stands at 528 meters high.

Stopping at the small shipping container (Known as the Lighthouse), which is positioned 500 meters down from the summit and serves as a shelter for a quick cup of tea, a few ginger nuts, and a fresh drink of water for the groups four-legged ramblers Alfie Keenan and his two lady friends Sandy and Sparkles Lupari. Oh, and to let anyone who had to stop to tie their shoelaces catch up.

From here they will descend across Tintagh Mountain reaching the cross where Fr Gates will give absolution to the regular offenders.

Tracking their way through Iniscarn Forest to the Finish line in the hope that some good Samaritans has turned up again with soup and sandwiches.

That is why we’re appealing to you, local businesses and people of the community close to our volunteers, to dig deep, to put your hand in your pocket and give our volunteers a dig out so that they can roll up their sleeves and help lift children out of a life of hopelessness to a higher level of education, a level where they can contribute and shape their society. Nelson Mandela once said,

“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world“.