Team Goemkarponn
Moira: St Xavier’s High School, Moira, in collaboration with the PACT Foundation, has inaugurated a dedicated Academic Resource Room aimed at strengthening inclusive learning and holistic student development.
The new facility was opened in the presence of Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Purificação Fernandes, PACT Foundation Founder Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Headmistress Noreen Dias and School Manager Fr Alexander Pereira.
The ceremony included prayers, the blessing of the facility, the unveiling of a marble plaque and ribbon cutting. Students presented a prayer dance and monologue to mark the occasion.
Bishop Fernandes, in his address, used the acronym SFX—Space, Fostering and ‘Xtra’—to highlight the purpose of the new room. He said the space was created to inspire curiosity, nurture learning and support every child’s growth. “This room will empower excellence in many forms and encourage both teachers and students to go the extra mile,” he said, while acknowledging Dr Ashwin Fernandes’ support in establishing similar facilities across Goa.
Dr Fernandes said the Resource Room will serve as a safe and accessible learning environment, particularly for students requiring additional academic or developmental support, including specially-abled children. He noted that the initiative forms part of the PACT Foundation’s Happy School Project, which focuses on strengthening rural educational infrastructure.
“PACT Foundation has been working to develop rural schools in Goa since 2023. We are delighted to support St Xavier’s High School through this initiative and look forward to building more such facilities,” he added.
Headmistress Noreen Dias expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s continued support, citing the upgraded pre-primary playground, smart classroom, and now the Resource Room as significant contributions. She said the room’s ground-floor location and smart technology would particularly benefit children with special needs.
Fr Alexander Pereira described Dr Fernandes as “a blessing for the school,” acknowledging PACT Foundation’s multiple projects that have enhanced facilities for students in Moira and neighbouring areas.
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