Pernem, Goa – 10 June 2025: PACT Foundation marked a major milestone with the inauguration of its most ambitious Happy School Project to date at St. Joseph High School, Pernem—its first initiative in the Pernem Taluka. This transformative project included the launch of a vibrant new children’s playground and the commissioning of four smart classrooms, offering a renewed sense of joy and learning to hundreds of students.
The new playground, now the heart of the school, features child-friendly facilities including slides, a merry-go-round, hoppers, and swings—bringing smiles and excitement to young learners who long awaited such a space. It is the first such children’s playground of its kind in the taluka, designed to promote holistic development, social engagement, and outdoor play.
In addition, four newly renovated smart classrooms were inaugurated, fully equipped with interactive smart boards and refurbished interiors, turning traditional learning spaces into modern, dynamic classrooms.
St. Joseph High School, under the Archdiocese of Goa, has long served the community in Pernem and was in need of renewed support. Recognising this need, PACT Foundation took the opportunity to bring transformative infrastructure to the school, making it a beacon of development for the taluka.
Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Founder and President of PACT Foundation, received a grand welcome from the school community with a lively student-led band procession. Speaking at the ceremony, he reflected on his own journey as a young student in Goa and inspired the children to dream beyond borders. “Let these smart boards be your window to the world, and let this playground nurture your body and spirit. Education is the key to conquering the world, even if you start right here in Pernem,” he said.
Headmaster Mr Silvester D’Souza expressed deep gratitude to PACT Foundation for the timely and much-needed support. The school manager and Parish Priest, Rev Fr Jerry D’Costa, also spoke passionately about his joy at seeing such development during his first posting in Pernem. He was joined at the event by several distinguished attendees, including Mr. Gopal Prabhu Officer of Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa; Mr. Salvador Mascarenhas, Chairperson of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA); and the school’s former manager, Rev Fr. Avinash Mascarenhas. These guests added to the significance of the occasion, reflecting the community-wide support for the initiative.
Students also expressed their happiness with the upgrades, noting how the freshly painted walls, new infrastructure, and vibrant spaces have created a sense of pride and motivation in their school.
Amelia Ferrao, Co-founder of PACT Foundation, shared the journey of implementing the project—from planning to execution—and thanked the local school leadership and community for their collaboration.
With this project, PACT Foundation continues its mission to build joyful, inclusive, and future-ready learning spaces across Goa. The Happy School Project, launched in 2023, has now impacted 17 schools across the state.
