IRISH MIRACLE IN AFRICA

But in all these do-good programs launched by the international community to move Africa to the present century, rather than being in the time-warp of the 19th century, nobody ever thinks of where or how these millions receiving aids are supposed to live a decent life, a decent life with roof over their heads.

Africa has always been on the minds of a lot of people throughout the world for better or for worse.  It is a discussion of the international organizations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the G8 countries, and the new ‘super’ powers, China, Russia, and India.  The old colonial countries are not left behind in finding ways of helping Africa, to eradicate diseases, prevent escalation of wars, eradicate poverty and feed the starving millions in the continent.  Every year, more funds are pledged and more funds are expended, and the problems continue to mount with less and less being solved as if you were pouring water on the back of a duckling. 

The Bergmans with Maquinness, l-r: Eddie, Paddy, Stanley and Marion

Paddy Maguinness speaking

But in all these do-good programs launched by the international community to move Africa to the present century, rather than being in the time-warp of the 19th century, nobody ever thinks of where or how these millions receiving aids are supposed to live a decent life, a decent life with roof over their heads.  That has been the situation until the year 2002, when an Irishman decided he must do something to combat the squalor and insanitary conditions under which hundreds of millions of Africans still live until today.  Mind you, what’s so satisfying is that the Irish are one of a few European countries that have never had any territorial ambitions in Africa, but rather have brought us education through their missionary societies.

Paddy Maguinness, Chika Onyeani and Mr. & Mrs. Ivan Vosloo, Consul at the South African Consulate, New York

Ms. Victoria Horsford with Mrs. Loretta Onyeani

So, it isn’t surprising that an irishman, Mr. Niall Mellon, should be the person to be finding a unique way of addressing one of the greatest problems facing millions of Africans, that’s a decent living condition in an environment that breeds and in fact, increases the chances of more and more individuals receiving aids but being unable to survive because of the disease-ridden environments under which they live. 

Mr. Ted H. Jacobsen with Mr. Stanley Bergman

The Onyeanis arriving and shaking hands

Onyeani, Eddie, and Marion with unidentified guest

Mrs. Loretta Onyeani, Dr. Marion Bergman and Chief Ted H. Jacobsen

Some time in June this year, I had been briefly introduced to the great and exciting philanthropic work that Mr. Niall Mellon had been doing through his The Niall Mellon Townships Initiative.  So, when I got an invitation on behalf of Mr. Stanley and Dr. Marion Bergman to an dinner-reception and their guest of honor the President and CEO of The Niall Mellon Township Foundation, I was not only flabbergasted but ecstatic about meeting a representative of the individual who had set out to find a way of creating homes for millions of indigent Africans.

Maguinness discussing intently

A cross-section of the guests

Another view

In outlining the purpose of the reception, the invitation read, “Millions of Africans, including more than 10 million South Africans, still live in “shacks”—an alarming statistic that affects health conditions, crime rates, inequality in quality of life and education in the country post-apartheid.  Marion and I have recently become aware of an amazing Irish-led initiative that is making a tangible difference in providing housing in poverty stricken Africa .  We would like to invite you, along with other interested individuals from the media and related areas, to join us on Wednesday, August 6th, at 7:30 p.m. for dinner and a discussion about raising U.S. awareness and volunteerism for poverty eradication and urban housing in disadvantaged African communities.

Another view

Our special guest will be Paddy Maguinness, CEO of the Niall Mellon Township Initiative, which in just six years has become the largest non-governmental provider of low-cost houses in South Africa .  The Initiative was established in Dublin in 2002 by Irish property developer and philanthropist, Niall Mellon.  In just the first year, Mr. Mellon mobilized 153 Irish volunteers to travel to South Africa to build 25 houses in less than a week.  This year, the Initiative plans to build 7,000 homes—250 of which will be built by 2,000 volunteers in a week-long Building Blitz in South Africa in November, and the remainder built throughout the year by township residents trained in the construction trade by the organization.  Additional information on Mr. Maguinness and the Niall Mellon Township Initiative is attached.

Paddy Maguinness in discussion with Bergman

Mr. Maguinness’ brief New York visit is to raise awareness of the Niall Mellon Township Initiative’s impressive and measurable efforts to eradicate poverty in South Africa —a first step to recruiting U.S. volunteers to join in future Building Blitzes.” That in a nutshell, tells the incredible story and vision of Niall Mellon’s foundation.  And that’s the story that the CEO of The Niall Mellon Townships Initiative, Mr. Paddy Maguinness, expanded on during the dinner for him.  Amazing, 7,000 homes, those are decent brick homes, with electricity, running potable water, and other amenities.  And more amazing is the fact that the volunteers are mostly Irish construction workers, who have to cough up $8,000.00 (eight thousand dollars) to qualify to become a volunteer.

Another view

The question is how many of us Africans in the Diaspora would ever think of this kind of selfless service to our own brothers and sisters.  But here’s a 41-year-old man, Niall Mellon, who decided to do something about the wretched plights of our people, and has garnered the support of thousands of not-so-rich individuals, to join his course.  This year, according to the CEO Maguinness, they have already raised about $50 million.  Mr. Mellon is an entrepreneur who made his money in real estate in Ireland, but he is not looking to make money in Africa, but he saw a problem that he believed he could help in solving without remuneration but just the love of doing something to the poor masses and he is doing just that.  Mr. Maguinness would like to see as many Americans, blacks, whites, yellow, brown, join this great initiative of the Niall Mellon Townships Initiative.  You can learn more about the organization by calling 212-453-5813 or going to their website at: http://www.nmtownshipsinitiative.org.

Vin Fraioli with another guest

The Bergmans were a great host at their posse apartment opposite the United Nations, where more than 40 people gathered for a sit-down dinner to welcome Mr. Maguinnesss.

More guests

One of the their sons, Eddie Bergman, is the driving force behind, and as well as the Executive Director of the Africa Travel Association, that is aggressively promoting increased tourism to Africa.

Another view of the guests

Apart from the African Sun Times, other media participants included journalists from New York’s leading dailies and business and finance news, alongside Irish, African American newspapers and magazines. Members of the Irish and South African diplomatic community also attended.

To comment on this article, please click here.