Come meet our amazing team of volunteers, who will be travelling to South Africa this November, to take part in this year’s Building Blitz for Mellon Educate.
These volunteers will join a group of between 300-400 people in a township, to build a school in just seven days. The school will facilitate the education of 1,200-1,500 children.
Here’s why they wanted to get involved.
NOEL ELLIOTTCEO UK, Elliott Group
2025 will mark Noel Elliott’s eight year taking part in the Mellon Educate programme. As the third generation of Elliott Group, Noel has a long-standing tradition in the construction industry. His core role involves leading the company from initial business development through to estimating, commercial management, and overseeing project execution at the steering level.
His compassion for people and his innate desire to help others have led to his strong involvement with Mellon Educate, where he has witnessed the incredible impact on children and their communities. Noel has encouraged and assisted many volunteers in participating, never taking for granted the opportunities we have been given and striving to bring the hope of education to many people.
Just Giving link
WINNIEFRED AGHAEZE
Quantity Surveyor
Winnie is returning for her fourth consecutive year with Mellon Educate. Over the years, she has found the Building Blitz to be a truly humbling and rewarding experience. While each week has brought its challenges, the purpose behind the work and the smiles on the children’s faces throughout the week and at handover is what keeps her motivated. Winnie is thrilled to be taking part once again this year.
LAUREN EITEHR Manager
Lauren is absolutely delighted to be returning to South Africa this November for another Building Blitz with Mellon Educate. Having witnessed first-hand the importance of this initiative to the communities and families last year, she felt inspired to return. Lauren is passionate about helping to create a safe and inspiring environment where children can learn, grow, and dream big, because every child deserves the chance to thrive.
LAURA MCCOOEY
HSEQ & ESG Manager
Laura is originally from Camlough now living in Loughbrickland with her husband and three young children. With a degree in Construction Engineering and Management, Laura has been working in the construction industry for almost 20 years. In 2021 Laura joined Elliott Group as HSEQ advisor and is currently in the position of HSEQ & ESG Manager.
Volunteering in her local area at community events and co-hosting a monthly support group for those effected by pregnancy and infant loss, Laura is not one to shy away from helping others where she can.
Laura thoroughly enjoyed her time in education and is a true believer that everyone deserves the opportunity to have the same experience she did. Having always wanting to take part in an opportunity like this, Laura is delighted to have been selected to take part in this years Building Blitz with Mellon Educate.
Just Giving link
ELENA GOAGA
Senior Site Manager
Born in Romania and moved to London 6 years ago, Elena joined Elliott Group as a senior site manager in January 2024.
“I have never been to Africa before and I cannot wait to discover and experience their culture, by meeting with the locals and exchange stories, while also helping the community by building new schools for the less fortunate kids and promote education. I am very excited to be participating in this year`s Mellon Educate Building Blitz. I think it will be a life changing experience that will make us realize how lucky we are with what we have and that we shouldn’t take everything for granted. I am expecting this to be an emotional and humble week but thrilling at the same time, which I am sure will make me want to go back next year if I will have the opportunity. I have seen what the teams from previous years managed to do and I am ready for the challenge.”
Just Giving link
BERNADETTE MAGUIRE
HSEQ Manager
Bernadette has worked with Elliott Group for many years so is familiar with the Mellon Educate Charity. “I am thrilled to take part in the Building Blitz 2024, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that holds great personal significance for me. I firmly believe that every child deserves access to a quality education and the fundamental ability to read and write. Participating in this initiative will be an incredibly rewarding experience. My family has supported this charity for years, and now I’m eager to get more involved myself. I can’t wait to help out and make a difference with Building Blitz 2024.”
CADE MARSHALL
Pre- Construction Quantity Surveyor
Cade was inspired to take part in this year’s Mellon Educate Building Blitz after hearing first-hand stories from colleagues who participated last year. For him, it’s an incredible opportunity to give back and make a real difference, not only in the lives of local children, but also their families and the wider community. A keen traveller who enjoys immersing himself in new places and cultures, Cade is especially excited to do so in such an impactful and meaningful way. He recognises that while many take education for granted, others face daily challenges just to access the basics.Grateful for the chance to contribute, Cade is ready to get hands-on and help provide the kind of educational facilities every child deserves.
CONOR JORDAN
Project Manager
Since join ing Elliott Group three years ago I have heard many incredible stories from my colleagues of the great experiences that they have shared from participating in the Mellon Educate Building Blitz. I am happy to be participating in this years Mellon Educate Building Blitz because it gives me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and communities in need. Being part of a team that is building safe, well-equipped schools is incredibly fulfilling, as education is a powerful tool for change. This experience not only allows me to contribute physically through hands-on work, but it also connects me with others who share the same passion for giving back. Knowing that our efforts will help create a better future for students makes every moment on-site worthwhile.
ANDY MCGOVERN
Site Manager
Having obtained a Degree in Structural Engineering, I have worked with the Elliott family for the last 30 years on various projects from London to Cavan. Joining the 2025 Mellon Educate mission isn’t just about helping build classrooms; it’s about stepping into a legacy I’ve admired from afar. It’s putting into action what I’ve learned about leadership and giving—mirroring Mellon’s belief that ordinary people, taking ordinary actions, can achieve extraordinary results. ” I am passionate about using my skills to make a tangible difference in communities that need it the most. I believe that contributing to such impactful projects can bring about real, positive change and I am excited about the prospect of being part of a team dedicated to improving education and infrastructure for those in need. ”
DYLAN ST JOHN
Quantity Surveyor
Dylan St John is from Mullinahone in South Tipperary and relocated to London in January 2025 after securing a role as a Quantity Surveyor with Elliott Group. While his move was driven by a desire to broaden his career and deepen his understanding of the construction industry, he never expected such an incredible opportunity like this to arise. Volunteering in Africa and supporting less fortunate communities has long been a personal goal for Dylan. When he learned that Elliott Group, in partnership with Mellon Educate, could help bring this dream to life, he was both thrilled and deeply grateful to be selected. He sees this as a week he will never forget and a chance to help build a school and essential infrastructure, providing children with the foundation for a brighter future. For Dylan, it’s a meaningful way to use his skills and be part of a team committed to making a lasting and powerful impact.
MELISSA O’NEILLOffice Administrator
Melissa has been working with Total Fitout since August 2022 and is delighted to have the opportunity to volunteer with Elliott Group for the Mellon Educate Building Blitz 2025 in Cape Town. She is
looking forward to witnessing first-hand the impact the charity has on children living in some of the poorest communities. Melissa believes that education plays a vital role in every child’s life, helping to shape their future and open the door to employment. She anticipates a rewarding and fulfilling experience, having heard glowing reports from previous volunteers.
Paulo Fernando A Silva
Junior Site Engineer
Paulo moved to Ireland in February 2023 and joined Elliott Group as a Site Engineer in March 2024. When he first heard about the annual initiative in South Africa, he was immediately inspired by the opportunity to be part of something so meaningful. The chance to help build a school and contribute to changing the lives of hundreds of children deeply resonated with him. Paulo firmly believes that education is the foundation for a better future, and that by working together, we can create lasting change, not just for individuals, but for the progress of an entire country.
NOEL BEIRNE
HSEQ Advisor
Originally from County Leitrim in the west of Ireland, Noel Beirne has been with Elliott Group for over six and a half years. Before that, he spent eight years in Australia, where he was actively involved in various charity initiatives — a passion that has always been close to his heart.Over the years, Noel has listened to his colleagues share their inspiring experiences of taking part in the Mellon Educate Building Blitz in South Africa, where they helped improve education and support local communities. This year, he is thrilled to be joining the effort himself. Noel is truly looking forward to contributing in any way he can and hopes to make even a small positive impact on the lives of others.
LARISSA LIMA
Site Administrator
Originally from Brazil, Larissa Lima moved to Ireland about a year and a half ago. After joining the Elliott Group team, she learned about the Mellon Educate programme in South Africa and immediately felt compelled to get involved. Helping others has always been a core value in her family, and the chance to contribute hands-on while connecting with the local community feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As a civil engineer, Larissa believes that the knowledge we acquire should be used for the greater good. By supporting the construction of schools and infrastructure, she hopes to help provide the community with the higher standards of care and education they truly deserve.
LOUISA LYONS
Plant & Procurement Manager
Louisa joined the Procurement Department at Elliott Group in February 2020. Over the past few years, she has heard many powerful and life-changing stories about the Mellon Educate charity and its annual Building Blitz, and knew it was something she wanted to be part of. This year marks her first time volunteering.
Louisa was especially inspired by her daughter, who took part in a similar mission during her Transition Year in secondary school. Seeing the lasting, positive impact it had on her daughter and how much it opened their eyes to what is often taken for granted has stayed with her. Louisa is now looking forward to contributing herself, helping to improve the lives of children, their families, and the wider community.
MEGAN STAUNTONQuantity Surveyor
Megan is from County Mayo in Ireland, and she has been working with Elliott Group as a Quantity Surveyor in London since 2019. This will be Megan’s third year volunteering. “I am extremely excited to be involved in the 2025 building blitz. I love helping people and I can’t wait for a week of hard work on the site to help build the school for these local children. Every child deserves an education, and I am delighted to be helping to try and achieve this. The week is also a reminder of how lucky we are and how easily we take things for granted, an opportunity to give back to those less fortunate than us.”
ADRIAN O’MEARA
Senior Site Manager
Originally from County Tipperary, Adrian O’Meara has been employed with Elliott Group since August 2024. He was inspired to volunteer for the Building Blitz after hearing positive stories from colleagues who had previously taken part. Adrian sees this as a valuable opportunity to give back in a meaningful and lasting way, with benefits that will be felt by many for years to come. He also looks forward to the unforgettable experience of working as part of a team and building strong connections along the way.
We would ask that you support our effort by giving any donation you can towards Mellon Educate.
Please click on the Just Giving link to support. All funds raised go directly to Mellon Educate.
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