Blog
Behind the Lens, For the Cause
Written by Paula Swerup
I have been sharing glimpses of the SPROWT Foundation fund-raising event, but today, I want to reflect on what it truly meant to be part of it. Not a strategist in Marketing Communications, but with a camera in hand, I stepped into a role I never expected – a photographer. What followed was an experience that felt both familiar and transformative.
I was invited by Rumina Fateally to contribute to the SPROWT Foundation, which has a mission I instantly connected with. Dedicated to sustainable development in Mozambique, the foundation prioritises education, gender equality, and innovation through responsible resource use and eco-friendly practices. This vision, deeply rooted in equity and inclusion, felt like home.
Being back in the “backstage”, reconnecting with people I have long collaborated with, like Vasco Rocha, and working behind the scenes reminded me of who I am. There is a special kind of energy in contributing to something bigger than oneself. This particular event was not just about fashion, art, and tradition, but about building a future. It brought ambassadors, diplomats, and changemakers together to support the Maluana Project and Training Centre, a space designed to empower vulnerable children and youth through practical workshops, education, and creativity.
As a mother, I felt the weight of this initiative in a profound way. It reinforced how simple yet impactful our contributions can be in shaping brighter futures for those who don’t share the same privileges as our own children. Capturing moments and emotions throughout the event was not just about photography, it was about storytelling, about honouring the efforts of everyone working towards change.
This experience reminded me that every skill, even the unexpected ones, can be a force for good when channelled into the right spaces. And I’m grateful to have played my part.
