FESPA Foundation brings hope to Evane Intermediate School in South Africa
The FESPA Foundation has completed its first transformation project using print to deliver an enhanced school experience for children at Evane Intermediate School in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
The project is the first of many to be carried out by the Foundation, which is a newly established sister organisation of FESPA, as it calls on exhibitors and the FESPA community to donate and support its “Print For Good” initiative.
From concept to realisation
The origins of The FESPA Foundation began with a simple yet important observation by Neil Felton, CEO, FESPA, at the organisation’s global print exhibitions: countless printed items were being discarded after each event. As a result, and determined to turn this ‘waste’ into something meaningful, Felton sought a way to use these prints to make a positive impact. He collaborated with Steve Thobela, former head of Printing SA, and various other stakeholders in Africa, including Dyelan Copeland, Director, Practical Publishing, who all shared his vision of using print to support education and communities in underdeveloped regions.
First project: Evane Intermediate School
Thobela and Copeland co-ordinated the Foundation’s first project: the transformation of Evane Intermediate School in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Prior to being connected to the Foundation, the school faced challenges due to having limited resources, including cracked floors, deteriorating walls and insufficient sanitation.
Over a period of three weeks, The FESPA Foundation’s team members and local volunteers worked together to renovate the school. This enabled the students to return to a colourful and refreshed environment that truly fosters learning and growth.
As part of the school’s transformation, Midcomp supplied printed wallpaper, educational posters, and floor graphics for the classrooms and Chemosol donated screen printing equipment, which was used in a demonstration for the students. The FESPA Foundation’s team painted the walls, installed the prints, carried out essential repairs and donated items to the students, including school shoes, bags, books, T-shirts and stationery. The school reopened with a vibrant celebration, uniting the community and inspiring hope for the future. (Watch here)
Neil Felton, CEO, FESPA, comments: “The FESPA Foundation was born from a simple yet powerful belief: that the power of print can change lives. Through the FESPA Foundation, we’re making education more accessible and enjoyable for students who need it most – all while minimising waste from our events. Together, with the support of our exhibitors and the FESPA community, we’re creating a more sustainable, educational and inclusive future for all.”
Steve Thobela, Africa Coordinator, FESPA Foundation, adds: “Personally, I believe this is such a worthy cause. Education is the best empowerment that can be afforded to a person, especially to those who don’t have much.”
Dyelan Copeland, Director, Practical Publishing, says: “The FESPA Foundation is very important to us. It’s an opportunity to put to use all the printed collateral produced – at FESPA expos, which is normally thrown away, and donate to schools in need of printed items, thereby enhancing students’ education.”
Through the “Print for Good” initiative, exhibitors at FESPA events are encouraged to donate printed materials from their exhibition stands – be it fabrics, posters, textiles and clothing, or other printed products. These items are collected by the Foundation and transported by its logistics partner to schools in need. The Foundation also welcomes other donated items that facilitate education, such as reading glasses, notebooks, pens, art kits and school supplies. In addition, the Foundation will use cash donations from FESPA events to fund mosquito nets, clean-water drinking straws and other resources to support underprivileged communities.
Going forward, The FESPA Foundation is excited to take on new projects, following the success of its partnership with the Evane Intermediate School – truly demonstrating “Print For Good”.
To learn more about The FESPA Foundation and how you can support, visit here.