The FESPA Foundation aims to positively impact lives in sub-Saharan Africa by providing printed materials for early childhood development. However, it takes a global village to bring about change to under-privileged schools.
Caroline Bissell, FESPA Group Marketing Manager said, ‘The idea of a global village reflects the wider reach of FESPA and the Foundation. Our 37 member associations around the world help champion the Foundation, while our international trade shows and colleagues connect us with communities across the globe. Looking ahead, we want to build on this global network to support even more communities, including in South Africa and Brazil, and there is much more to come.’
You can make a real difference by supporting the valuable work of the FESPA Foundation that aims to use print for good. Participating in the initiative offers more than an opportunity to give back. It allows you and your team to:
– Help improve educational opportunities for children.
– Take part in meaningful team-building experiences.
– Support a project that delivers long-term community benefits.
Please send an email to foundation@fespa.com if you can participate.
FESPA Foundation Donations Items
It is important to emphasise that the rural schools that the FESPA Foundation supports requires finished items. They do not have facilities to cut, print or stitch.
Additional School Needs
Schools may also require support through broader donations and partnerships.
1. Classroom Furniture
– Learner desks.
– Learner chairs.
– Teacher desks.
– Whiteboards/ Chalk Boards.
– Storage cupboards.
– Bookshelves.
2. Stationery
– Exercise books.
– Pens.
– Pencils.
– Rulers.
– Erasers.
– Sharpeners.
– Colouring pencils.
– Crayons.
– Glue sticks.
– Scissors.
– A4 paper.
3. Health & Wellbeing
– First aid kits.
– Handwashing soap/ sanitisers.
– Cleaning materials.
– Toilet paper.
– Sanitary dignity packs.
4. Digital Learning
– Laptops.
– Tablets.
– Projectors.
– Wi-Fi equipment.
5. Sports & Recreation
– Soccer balls.
– Netballs.
– Skipping ropes.
– Playground equipment.
6. Nutrition & Infrastructure
– Food parcels.
– Kitchen equipment.
– Water tanks.
– Classroom paint.
– Roofing materials.
– Solar lighting.
List of Achievements in 2026 and 2025
2026
Ongoing Projects – It Takes A Village
Building of six new classrooms at Batau Primary School is an ongoing project.
Mandela Day 2026 – Madisei Primary School, Limpopo, 18 July 2025
As part of the 2026 Mandela Day campaign, Greensky partnered with the FESPA Foundation to support Madisei Primary School by designing, manufacturing, and installing a new permanent school sign. The project enhanced the school’s identity and visibility while contributing to ongoing improvements being delivered through the Foundation’s school adoption programme.
Messe Frankfurt Adopts Madisei Primary School, February 2026
Messe Frankfurt South Africa partnered with the FESPA Foundation to adopt Madisei Primary School as part of the Adopt-a-School initiative. Volunteers carried out refurbishment of the school library, including classroom improvements and school maintenance, while providing educational materials and infrastructure enhancements to create a better learning environment for learners and staff.
Durst Adopts Malekapane Primary School, Limpopo, January 2026
Durst became the first official corporate partner to join the FESPA Foundation’s ‘Adopt a School’ initiative by sponsoring Malekapane Primary School. The partnership supports long-term infrastructure improvements, educational resources, and essential facilities, helping create a safer and more sustainable learning environment while establishing an ongoing relationship between the company and the school. The building of a new school kitchen is an ongoing project.
Building of Ablutions at Evane Primary School, KwaZulu-Natal, January 2026
The project is intended to provide learners and staff with safe, hygienic sanitation facilities, replacing or upgrading the older toilet blocks, through construction of new ablution (toilet) facilities as part of the school’s continued development.
2025
FESPA Berlin Exhibition Donation, December 2025
Materials and products donated by exhibitors during FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin were repurposed and delivered to under-resourced schools in South Africa. Educational posters, printed learning materials, clothing, and other essential resources were redistributed through the Foundation’s ‘Print for Good’ initiative, reducing exhibition waste while directly benefiting learners.
Mandela Day 2025 – Batau Primary School, Limpopo, 18 July 2025
To mark Mandela Day, the FESPA Foundation partnered with Sign Wonder and Printing SA to improve Batau Primary School. Volunteers carried out maintenance and refurbishment work while donating printed educational resources and school improvements that created a safer and more inspiring learning environment for learners and teachers.
Evane Intermediate School Adoption, KwaZulu-Natal, February 2025
The FESPA Foundation launched its first school adoption project at Evane Intermediate School, revitalising the learning environment through classroom painting, facility improvements, and the installation of printed educational posters and learning materials. The project transformed the school into a more engaging space for approximately 90 learners while demonstrating how the print industry can support education through sustainable initiatives.
FESPA Foundation
fespafoundation.org
