The Reality
Despite Goa's reputation as prosperous, thousands of students still learn in crumbling classrooms. Talented young people from marginalised families hit a wall after Class 12 because higher education feels financially out of reach.
ABOUT PACT FOUNDATION
We believe talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn't.
PACT Foundation is a people-first NGO and think tank based in Goa, working to build a fairer future through education and youth empowerment. We combine hands-on programs with evidence-led thinking to strengthen schools, fund deserving students, and create pathways to opportunity that didn't exist before.
Our Response
We strengthen the foundations: better school infrastructure, full scholarships, mentoring, exposure to opportunities, and advocacy for systemic change. We work where the need is highest.
The Change
When you strengthen schools and back young people through the toughest transition years, you don't just change one life-you change families, futures, and communities.
WHAT DRIVES US
Mission and vision
Our Mission
To expand access to quality education and unlock upward mobility for Goan youth through stronger school environments, scholarships, mentoring, and leadership development.
Our Vision
A Goa where every child learns in a safe, modern environment, and every deserving young person can access higher education and meaningful careers-regardless of background.
OUR APPROACH
Three Principles Guide Everything We Do
People-first, outcomes-focused
We design programs around what students and schools actually need-not what looks good on paper.
Access plus support
Scholarships alone aren't enough. Mentoring, guidance, and emotional support matter just as much.
Evidence and advocacy
Using on-ground learnings to push for better conversations and decisions about education quality.
WHO WE SERVE
Making Education Accessible for Everyone
School Students
Who deserve better learning environments and modern classrooms.
Aspiring Scholars
First-generation and marginalised learners aiming for higher education.
Future Leaders
Young people with potential who need exposure, mentoring, and guidance.
Communities
Families and villages in Goa that want education to translate into real opportunity.
OUR VALUES
What We Stand For
Dignity
Every child deserves respect, not charity.
Equity
Support goes where barriers are highest.
Integrity
Transparent intent, responsible execution.
Excellence
High standards in learning environments and outcomes.
Community
Change lasts when it is rooted locally.
Youth-led optimism
We back young people to lead, not just participate.
OUR STORY
Building a Movement for Change
PACT Foundation was created to give back to Goa in a way that is structured, measurable, and deeply human. It began with a simple belief: if you strengthen schools and back young people through the toughest transition years, you don't just change one life-you change families, futures, and communities.
We started by renovating classrooms. Then we added scholarships. Then mentoring. Then global exposure through partnerships like QS ImpACT. Each program builds on the last, because we've learned that real change requires multiple touch points-not one-off interventions.
Today, PACT works across Goa, partnering with government schools, universities, and changemakers who share our belief that education is the most powerful tool for equity and progress.
This is just the beginning.
LEADERSHIP
Meet Our Leadership Team
Dr. Ashwin Fernandes
Founder & President
Dr. Ashwin Fernandes works at the intersection of higher education strategy and social impact. He is Chair of India, and Vice President, Strategic and International Engagement at QS Quacquarelli Symonds (UK), where he partners with governments and universities on improving performance, reputation, and global engagement.
As Founder and President of PACT Foundation, he leads initiatives like the Happy School Project and Goa Super 100 scholarships, focused on expanding educational access and youth opportunity in Goa.
He is the author of India's Knowledge Supremacy: The New Dawn, launched by the Hon'ble Union Minister of Education, and contributes to national and international conversations on higher education, rankings, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Amelia Ferrao
Co-founder
Amelia Ferrao is the Co-founder of PACT Foundation. She is a daughter of Sirsaim village and an alumnus of St Clara's High School in Assonora. She did her university studies at St Xaviers College, Mapusa and went on to develop a career in the oil and gas sector, while working for international companies across Singapore and Dubai.
In the last year, she has worked towards beautifying several schools in Goa under the PACT Foundation's "Happy School Project". She has been encouraging schools to keep their premise, toilets and classrooms clean and hygienic, and building smart classrooms across schools in Goa.
OUR PEOPLE
Meet the Team
Dr Sanjeet Singh
Chief Strategic Advisor
Darryl Fernandes
Project Executive
Iram Shaikh
Education Counsellor
Transparency & Impact
Annual Report
Read about our work, impact, and financials in our 2024-2025 Annual Report. Our next report covering 2025-2026 will be launched in August.
Download Annual Report 2024-2025Be Part of the Change
Whether you're a student, educator, partner, or supporter-there's a place for you in this work. Together, we can create a world where education knows no boundaries and where youth thrive.