THE NIALL Mellon Township Trust has received a significant boost with the passing of a directive by the US Senate that it be considered for funding. This could result in a major funding increase for the Irish charity.
The trust, which builds homes in South African townships, was specifically named in the appropriations Bill passed by the US Senate last week.
The Bill stated that USAID – the US agency for international development – should expand efforts to improve housing opportunities in urban settings, “especially in Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya. USAID should also consider the work of the Niall Mellon Township Trust”.
President Barack Obama’s father came from Kenya and Niall Mellon’s volunteers have built homes in Kibera, reported to be Africa’s largest slum.
Mr Mellon spoke to the Congressional Black Caucus about his work last year and Congressman Donald Payne visited projects with Mr Mellon. Two groups of chiefs- of-staff from the Congress have also worked on projects run by the charity.
Mr Mellon said the singling out of the trust in the Bill was “a very powerful endorsement of the charity’s work” and he was “deeply honoured” that the work was recognised at such a high political level.
He said be believed Mr Obama’s influence on aid policy was already becoming clear.
“I believe Obama is going to make a great difference, not just to America but to the rest of the world,” he said. The charity, which has built more than 11,000 homes in Africa, received €5 million from Irish Aid last year.
Mr Mellon said he would now be speaking to USAID and he hoped it would result in a larger donation than the Irish one.
