Two Leitrim men roll up sleeves for South Africa school built

Two Carrick-on-Shannon men have returned home after a week of blistering heat, hard labour and “the best buzz you could imagine” while helping to build new school classrooms in one of Cape Town’s disadvantaged townships.

Gerry Quinlan and his brother-in-law Gerry Phillips travelled to South Africa in November as part of the annual Niall Mellon Educate Building Blitz, joining hundreds of volunteers from across Ireland and the UK. “It’s amazing the work they do,” Gerry said. “You don’t need any trade skills. You just push wheelbarrows, move blocks, mix cement — and you learn as you go.”

This year’s volunteer crew worked through seven long days in what Gerry described as “the blazing heat,” wearing full safety gear and moving constantly between tasks. “If you sit down for two or three minutes, you feel guilty,” he laughed. “You need to get back up and get going again. It’s probably one of the best things I’ve ever done in my time.”

The Carrick duo spent much of their week cutting blocks, hauling cement and helping to build eight new classrooms, a kitchen and an education hub at a local primary school. “We make great friendships out there,” Gerry said. “That’s what brings us back every year, and the children are so happy we’re there.”

For Gerry, the emotional impact of the trip was as powerful as the physical work. “You go to the shacks and it really gets you,” he said. “But then you see the children — they’re so happy we’re there. They sing, dance, put on shows. They know we’re coming every year.”

He described one moment years ago that has stayed with him: “One of the lads gave his ice pop to a little girl. Then another girl arrived. When the first child finished eating it, the second girl licked all the ice pop off her fingers. You don’t see that here. It hits you how they have absolutely nothing.”

Volunteers cover their own costs to travel, often raising €5,000 or more through local events and donations.
“Everything is paid for by the volunteers,” Gerry said. “Family and friends are brilliant — they support you so well.”

This was Gerry’s fifth trip and Phillips’ ninth. “I signed up again for next year,” he said. Gerry said the experience has changed how he looks at life in Ireland. “When you’re back home and you see all the children getting big presents for Christmas… you don’t say much. We have so much here, and they have nothing. It puts everything in perspective.”

Despite the challenges — long flights, safety precautions, and the emotional weight of what volunteers witness — Gerry insists it’s worth every hour. “It’s fulfilling. You feel so good about what you’ve done. You’d love to stay longer.”

The Mellon Educate mission has transformed from building homes to building education infrastructure, something Gerry now sees as life-changing. “At first I wasn’t sure,” he admitted, “but the children walk miles to school. They get uniforms, clean clothes, three meals a day, and an education. Then they go home to shacks. Most of their day is in school — and they thrive because of the schools.”

He added: “Niall Mellon trains trains young men and women to build. They get careers out of it. You don't have to have experience in construction.” As for Cape Town itself, Gerry said volunteers must stay cautious. “It wouldn’t be safe to walk alone,” he said. “We always go out in groups. But once you know what you’re at, it’s fine.”

Back in Carrick-on-Shannon, Gerry finds himself torn because not everyone understands.
“You’re on a high when you come back,” he said. “You’d love to tell everybody. But sometimes people just don't understand.” Still, he hopes the story inspires even one person to join next year.

“You never know who you reach,” he said. “It might be the best thing they ever do too.” Anyone interested in volunteering for the 2026 Mellon Educate Building Blitz or supporting the charity’s work can visit melloneducate.com.

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