Panaji: People for Action, Change, and Transformation (PACT) Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting inclusive education by empowering children, youth, and women through equitable access to quality education, unveiled its ‘Happy School’ projects in the state. The project extended its transformative touch to Dr Ambedkar English High School in Cunchelim, Mapusa, and Government Primary School, Duler, Mapusa, where model ‘happy classrooms’ were developed to upgrade the school’s infrastructure.
The projects were inaugurated on 15 August 2023, first at an event at the Government Primary School in the presence of Kiran Choukekar, ADEI Department of Education, Mapusa, and officials from PACT Foundation. The effort encompassed the provision of classroom benches, desks, library cupboards, and the creation of a vibrant, multiple-student wash area. These enhancements were made possible under the motivation of Government of Goa’s Vidhya Sahaya scheme, which encourages private sector involvement in improving schools in Goa.
The event at Dr Ambedkar English High School involved the inauguration of the school’s sanitation facilities which received a significant overhaul, with the introduction of clean, hygienic, and safe-to-use toilets for both girls and boys, and the creation of rejuvenated classrooms for the 5th and 7th standards.
Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Founder of PACT Foundation, underscored the project’s significance, stating, “Although my work is based abroad, I have roots in Goa. I wanted to work towards empowering young minds, improve educational infrastructure, and ensure that every child in Goa can receive a quality education. We are enabling students to seek assistance and support, thereby ensuring that no child must miss school due to constraints or burdens. We have established this foundation with a clear mission: to bring positive change to Goa’s educational ecosystem. We are committed to enhancing the quality of education and creating positive change in Goa, India.”
“We firmly believe that education holds the key to a brighter future for our younger generation. The ‘Happy School’ Project reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing and empowering students, regardless of their background or circumstances. These projects signify a significant step toward enhancing the educational landscape in Goa, with a primary focus on schools serving marginalised communities.”
Dr Ashwin Fernandes also stated, “The ‘Happy School’ Project’s overarching goal is to create vibrant and fully equipped classrooms, fostering an environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and active learning. Equally important is the project’s emphasis on providing clean and hygienic sanitation facilities, ensuring a safe and healthy environment conducive to learning.”