New facility to support inclusive learning and holistic development
St Xavier’s High School, Moira, in collaboration with the PACT Foundation, has taken a significant step towards strengthening inclusive and quality education with the inauguration of a dedicated Academic Resource Room on the school campus.
The facility, supported by the PACT Foundation, was inaugurated in the esteemed presence of Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Purificacao Fernandes, Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Founder, PACT Foundation, Headmistress Noreen Dias and Manager Fr Alexander Pereira.
The ceremony began with a solemn welcome and entrance for Bishop Fernandes, followed by prayers and the blessing of the new facility. The Academic Resource Room was then formally opened with the unveiling of a marble plaque and ribbon cutting. The programme also featured a prayer dance and a thoughtful monologue presented by the students, setting a reflective and dignified tone for the occasion.
In his address, Bishop Fernandes delivered an inspiring message, drawing on the example of St Francis Xavier through the acronym SFX – Space, Fostering and ‘Xtra’. He emphasised that the new space has been created to nurture learning, inspire curiosity and support the growth of every student in the institution.
“This space was born from a vision to nurture learning, to inspire curiosity and to support every student’s growth in our esteemed institution. This room is created as a supportive environment where every student can receive the guidance, tools and encouragement they need. Their learning will not be a struggle. It aims at fostering excellence not by comparing students but by helping each other. Discovering their potential – whether it is remedial learning, creative projects or skill development – this space will definitely empower excellence in many forms. This room will invite us to go the extra mile, to stretch ourselves, to innovate and grow beyond our comfort zones. It calls teachers and students to a spirit of dedication and lifelong learning,” he said.
He also acknowledged that Dr Ashwin Fernandes has been instrumental in providing similar facilities and support in many schools across Goa.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Fernandes highlighted the school’s growth and the importance of investing in educational infrastructure that supports all learners.
“PACT Foundation is delighted to support this latest initiative at St Xavier’s High School, Moira. This Resource Room is a safe haven for those students who require additional support for learning and development. It is also a space for specially-abled children who require to come in, and the space is located on the ground floor,” he said, noting the room’s accessibility.
He further explained that the initiative falls under the Happy School Project of the PACT Foundation.
“PACT Foundation has been working towards development of rural schools in Goa since 2023 and this project just adds to the work we have been doing to support learning development and the quality of education in Goa. We are delighted to be supported here by Manager Fr Alexander Pereira and Headmistress Noreen Dias as we build great facilities for our village schools. We look forward to supporting many more schools in this private initiative through PACT Foundation,” Dr Fernandes added.
He also referred to the school’s vision and mission, which focus on providing a space where children feel respected and loved, and outlined the Foundation’s broader work.
“We work across the landscape of schools in Goa, especially in the rural areas, as we believe that quality education is the right of every child. The work of the PACT Foundation in the past two and a half years has been to develop the education ecosystem for those under-resourced schools. We want to provide an inclusive space. We want to provide education with technology. The Academic Resource Room is also for those students who want to use it for additional studies and we have a great smart board there,” he said.
In her remarks, Headmistress Noreen Dias expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr Fernandes and the PACT Foundation for their sustained support to the school through three major projects – the renovated pre-primary playground, the smart classroom and now the Academic Resource Room.
“I thank God for making my dreams come true. I dreamt about building a resource room for my children who really deserve it. We have children with special needs. I am thankful to Dr Ashwin Fernandes for giving this facility to our children. They will be using the latest technology with a smart board and white board and furniture, and this environment will surely make them work harder. And as it is on the ground floor I am very happy, and one of our students who is specially abled will be able to benefit very much as he was finding it difficult to walk up the steps to the resource room,” she said.
Fr Alexander Pereira, Manager and Parish Priest of Mary Immaculate Conception Church, Moira, described Dr Fernandes as a blessing for the school.
“There are many projects he has offered us. For the pre-kindergarten students we have a beautiful park set up by PACT Foundation. And now we have smart classes with boards,” he said, expressing hope that the collaboration will continue to enhance facilities for the children of Moira and the surrounding areas.
