Join our Building Blitz 2026 and be part of a life-changing school construction project in South Africa. This unique, one-week volunteer experience empowers people from all walks of life to help improve education for underprivileged children living in some of the country’s most disadvantaged communities.
Described as “inspirational” by Nelson Mandela, Mellon Educate’s Building Blitz programme is driven by volunteers like you, every brick laid, every classroom built, makes a lasting difference in the lives of children who urgently need access to safe, supportive learning environments.
Since 2003, thousands of volunteers from Ireland, the UK, the US, and South Africa have taken part in our school-building missions. Many return year after year, inspired by the impact they’ve made and the bonds they’ve built. While it may sound daunting, you’ll be supported every step of the way with:
To take part, you’ll need to fundraise towards your volunteer target, but you won’t do it alone. We’re here to help you reach your goal and make your dream of volunteering in Africa a reality.
You don’t need any construction experience to join the Building Blitz, just team spirit, enthusiasm, and a desire to help others. Whether you’re painting classrooms, mixing cement, or helping assemble playgrounds, every task you take on brings hope and opportunity to township children.
Expect a week of hard work, shared laughter, and unforgettable memories. Volunteers often say the connections made, both with locals and fellow volunteers, are among the most rewarding aspects of the trip.
The Building Blitz is more than just a volunteering trip; it’s a chance to build brighter futures. You’ll witness the joy in children’s eyes as they walk into their new school, the tears of gratitude from their parents, and the pride of teachers who finally have a proper space to teach.
By volunteering, you’ll not only transform lives through education, you’ll gain fresh perspective, lifelong friendships, and a deeper understanding of how grassroots change really happens.
Ireland & European (Euro) = €5,000
*Northern Ireland & UK (Sterling) = Stg£3,650
*Preliminary Northern Ireland and UK fundraising targets only — subject to Board approval.
Please note targets for Northern Ireland and the UK exclude flight costs.
USA = $5,500
We would like to encourage our donors and volunteers who are UK taxpayers to make use of the Gift Aid facility when making payments to Mellon Educate (UK) in respect of the “donation element”* of volunteers’ targets. This means that the charity will be able to claim from HMRC 25 pence in every pound donated. Gift Aid does not assist the volunteers in meeting their targets, but greatly helps the charity by raising additional funds to carry out its objectives.
*Please note:
For the 2025 building blitz the cost of volunteers’ deposit, flights, accommodation, and the end of blitz celebratory evening are considered to be a benefit to volunteers to a value of £1,251. Gift Aid rules prevent volunteers (and persons connected to volunteers – e.g. family members and related companies) applying Gift Aid to payments/donations towards the cost element of their target.
In practice this means that volunteers (and their family members etc) cannot apply Gift Aid to the above costs (£1,251) as part of their fundraising target (including their deposit). However, once this part of the target has been met, all further payments will be considered to be donations and will qualify for Gift Aid.
If you have any queries regarding Gift Aid eligibility, please contact HMRC direct. For further information, please contact us on 353-1-494 8200 to speak to a member of our team.
Ready to change lives through hands-on volunteering? Complete our volunteer application form today to register your interest in joining the Mellon Educate Building Blitz 2026, a one-week mission to help build and renovate schools in disadvantaged communities across South Africa. Once we receive your application, a team member will follow up personally to guide you through the next steps. To confirm your participation in the 2026 Blitz:
Start your application and become part of a life-changing journey to build schools, empower communities, and create lasting impact in Africa.
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