Page 8 - PWM2025_MAY EBOOK

PROFILE

“FESPA Foundation focuses on

promoting sustainability”: CEO

I Felton, CEO of FESPA, outlines the impactful initiatives and
n an exclusive interview with PrintWeek MENA, Neil

ambitious objectives of The FESPA Foundation, highlight-
ing its commitment to driving positive change in the indus-
try.
1. Question: What exciting ongoing and upcoming projects is The FESPA
Foundation currently spearheading?
Answer: The primary activity of The FESPA Foundation is to provide
print materials and resources to educational establishments in underpriv-
ileged 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 learn-
ing 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 ing environments; and empowering underserved communities by using the
at selected educational facilities in southern Africa. As part of this, we’re power of print to support schools, local communities and initiatives that drive
requesting support from exhibitors to produce printed applications –
including educational posters, maps, student clothing etc. – as well as call- positive change globally. We are working closely with our partners to collate
ing on visitors at the show to donate money and items, such as reading and distribute products required by local communities. With partners includ-
glasses, notebooks, pens, school supplies etc. The printed materials and ing global manufacturers, logistics and the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, we
donations collected at FESPA Global Print Expo will then be transported feel that we have the collaboration to make our mission into a reality.
to South Africa, free-of-charge, by FESPA’s global logistics partner DSV.
At the educational facilities, in addition to distributing the donated items, 4. Question: Who are the key partners driving the Foundation’s success?
the FESPA Foundation will also carry out necessary renovations and
repairs to enhance the students’ learning experience. Answer: We currently have 15 partner companies who will be actively
The FESPA Foundation also intends to replicate this activity – diverting printing material on their stands at FESPA Global Print Expo. We are also
printed materials from FESPA events in the Middle East, Mexico and working with the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, a trusted organisation with
Brazil – to communities in need in their respective regions, as well as deep roots in humanitarian work across sub-Saharan Africa. This collabora-
funding outreach initiatives in Asia.
tion ensures efficient and impactful distribution of donated goods. In addi-
2. Question: How can companies actively participate in The FESPA tion, DSV, our logistics partner, is providing its services free-of-charge to
Foundation’s impactful initiatives, inspired by the powerful slogan package and transport physical donations to Africa.
“Print For Good”?
We also have support from Steve Thobela, a local speciality and an experi-
Answer: Companies can become an official partner of The FESPA enced Foundation and Charity expert.
Foundation, to produce and provide printed materials on their stands, at
FESPA Global Print Expo 2025. We currently have 22 partners doing this. 5. Question: Which geographical regions does The FESPA Foundation pri-

3. Question: Could you elaborate on The FESPA Foundation’s mission marily target in its efforts to make a difference?
and the effective strategies it employs to reach its goals? Answer: Initially, we have and are working on projects in Africa. However,
Answer: The FESPA Foundation is dedicated to transforming the spe- the FESPA Foundation also plans to support schools and communities in
cialty print and visual communications industry through sustainable prac- other geographies. Our regional teams are currently working to identify suit-
tices, community support and educational outreach. It focuses on:
promoting sustainability in the print industry by encouraging practices able partner organisations in other geographies beyond sub-Saharan Africa.
that reduce waste and environmental impact while creating long-term As mentioned previously, the Foundation also intends to replicate the in-kind
value for communities; inspiring and educating by providing knowledge, donations at FESPA Global Print Expo, as well as its events in the Middle East,
resources, and materials to schools, fostering education and better learn- Mexico and Brazil in their respective regions.
08 PrintWeek MENA May 2025 www.printweekmena.com