In an exclusive interview with PrintWeek MENA, Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA, outlines the impactful initiatives and ambitious objectives of The FESPA Foundation, highlighting its commitment to driving positive change in the industry.
The primary activity of The FESPA Foundation is to provide print materials and resources to educational establishments in underprivileged areas around the world.
Our first project was revitalising Evane Intermediate School, which serves 90 children in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. As part of the project, which was led by FESPA Foundation Associate Steve Thobela, we: repainted and decorated the classrooms; upgraded decrepit toilet blocks; and delivered printed educational posters, resources and materials to provide a more functional and inspiring learning environment for the students. The FESPA Foundation also provided new school shoes, bags, colouring books and other items for the students to support their learning.
Our next initiative is to collect printed materials and in-kind (including monetary) donations at FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 (6-9 May, Messe Berlin, Germany), which will then be distributed to community projects at selected educational facilities in southern Africa. As part of this, we’re requesting support from exhibitors to produce printed applications – including educational posters, maps, student clothing etc. – as well as calling on visitors at the show to donate money and items, such as reading glasses, notebooks, pens, school supplies etc. The printed materials and donations collected at FESPA Global Print Expo will then be transported to South Africa, free-of-charge, by FESPA’s global logistics partner DSV. At the educational facilities, in addition to distributing the donated items, the FESPA Foundation will also carry out necessary renovations and repairs to enhance the students’ learning experience.
The FESPA Foundation also intends to replicate this activity – diverting printed materials from FESPA events in the Middle East, Mexico and Brazil – to communities in need in their respective regions, as well as funding outreach initiatives in Asia.
2. How can companies actively participate in The FESPA Foundation's impactful initiatives, inspired by the powerful slogan "Print For Good"?
Companies can become an official partner of The FESPA Foundation, to produce and provide printed materials on their stands, at FESPA Global Print Expo 2025. We currently have 22 partners doing this.
3. Could you elaborate on The FESPA Foundation's mission and the effective strategies it employs to reach its goals?
The FESPA Foundation is dedicated to transforming the specialty print and visual communications industry through sustainable practices, community support and educational outreach. It focuses on: promoting sustainability in the print industry by encouraging practices that reduce waste and environmental impact while creating long-term value for communities; inspiring and educating by providing knowledge, resources, and materials to schools, fostering education and better learning environments; and empowering underserved communities by using the power of print to support schools, local communities and initiatives that drive positive change globally.
We are working closely with our partners to collate and distribute products required by local communities. With partners including global manufacturers, logistics and the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, we feel that we have the collaboration to make our mission into a reality.
4. Who are the key partners driving the Foundation's success?
We currently have 15 partner companies who will be actively printing material on their stands at FESPA Global Print Expo.
We are also working with the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, a trusted organisation with deep roots in humanitarian work across sub-Saharan Africa. This collaboration ensures efficient and impactful distribution of donated goods.
In addition, DSV, our logistics partner, is providing its services free-of-charge to package and transport physical donations to Africa.We also have support from Steve Thobela, a local speciality and an experienced Foundation and Charity expert.
5. Which geographical regions does The FESPA Foundation primarily target in its efforts to make a difference?
Initially, we have and are working on projects in Africa. However, the FESPA Foundation also plans to support schools and communities in other geographies. Our regional teams are currently working to identify suitable partner organisations in other geographies beyond sub-Saharan Africa.
As mentioned previously, the Foundation also intends to replicate the in-kind donations at FESPA Global Print Expo, as well as its events in the Middle East, Mexico and Brazil in their respective regions.
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