Tag: Smart Classrooms

Films

Rab Di Awaaz Screening Inspires Inclusion at Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High

Tanisha Cardozo

As part of the pre-events for the highly anticipated International Purple Fest, Goa 2025, Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School, Porvorim, had the honour of hosting the screening of Rab Di Awaaz, a powerful and emotive film series that beautifully captures the lives and challenges of persons with disabilities.

Organized by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, and the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the event was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, the United Nations, and the Rotary Club of Bardez Coastal. This inspiring initiative aimed to foster awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the need for inclusion and equal opportunities in all spheres of life.

The program featured esteemed guests including Mr. Ojaswwee Sharma, National Award–Winning Film Director; Mr. Bhasker Pandey, Film Editor; Mr. Shridhar Gupta, Editor; and Dr. Rimpi Arora, Advisor on Policy and Inclusion. Mr. Sharma addressed the students and faculty, offering a compelling talk on the creative process behind Rab Di Awaaz and the importance of inclusive storytelling in reshaping societal perspectives.

What made the screening unique was its delivery format—telecasted in every classroom using Smart TV panels, a pioneering step that sets Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High apart as the first school in Goa to integrate Smart Class facilities in all classrooms. This technology-enabled approach ensured that every student, from primary to high school, could engage with the film in an immersive and accessible manner.

The event left a lasting impression on students, instilling a sense of empathy and awareness about the challenges and strengths of persons with disabilities. It was not just a film screening, but a step toward building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate generation.

Through initiatives like these, Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School continues to be a beacon of progressive, values-driven education that goes beyond academics to shape socially responsible individuals.

EduConnect

PACT Foundation Inaugurates Smart Classrooms at Don Bosco Youth Welfare Centre Under Happy School Project

allycaralgoa

Verla-Parra, Goa – June 2025: In a heartening step towards making education more inclusive, engaging, and future-ready, the PACT Foundation, under the leadership of Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, has inaugurated newly refurbished smart classrooms at the Don Bosco Youth Welfare Centre in Verla-Parra, Goa. The initiative is part of the Foundation’s broader Happy School Project, aimed at transforming traditional learning environments into vibrant, child-centric spaces.

The launch event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and members of the local community. The classrooms, now equipped with state-of-the-art smart boards, freshly painted walls, ergonomic furniture, and improved lighting, mark a significant transformation in the way education is delivered at the centre.

“Education is not just about books; it’s about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and equipping children with tools that help them thrive in a digital world. Through the Happy School Project, we aim to create such nurturing spaces across the country,” said Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Founder of PACT Foundation.

Creating Classrooms That Inspire

The upgraded classrooms are more than just visually appealing. They are designed to promote interactive and digital learning, enabling students to better connect with lessons through visual aids, multimedia content, and hands-on digital activities. The smart boards allow teachers to deliver lessons more effectively and tailor content to varied learning needs.

These changes reflect a growing recognition that well-designed educational spaces can significantly enhance student engagement, creativity, and academic performance—especially in underserved communities.

About the Happy School Project

The Happy School Project is a flagship initiative of the PACT Foundation, aimed at bringing joy and dignity into education by improving school infrastructure, introducing technology-enabled learning, and supporting the emotional well-being of students. The project focuses on government and not-for-profit institutions where the impact is most needed.

With each successful transformation, the project reinforces its core mission: to make learning a happy, empowering experience for every child.

EduConnect

Happy School Project Launched at St Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona

allycaralgoa

9th June 2025:
St Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona, proudly launched its newly upgraded smart classrooms under the Happy School Project, with the heartfelt support of one of its most distinguished alumni, Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Founder and President of PACT Foundation. This collaboration marks a meaningful moment of return and contribution, as the school that once nurtured Dr Fernandes’ early dreams now benefits from his global journey and commitment to education.


As part of the upgrade, three smart classrooms were inaugurated—each equipped with state-of-the-art smart boards, new benches, and fresh painting and renovation work. The transformation reflects PACT Foundation’s commitment to providing vibrant, modern, and dignified learning environments for students in Goa.
The event was graced by the presence of Father Jerard Sahayaraj, Manager of the School; Madam Angelica Fernandes, Principal; and Mr Amarnath Panjikar, Senior Teacher; along with the entire faculty, staff, and student body. One of the highlights of the celebration was a soul-stirring musical performance specially composed by Mr Ivan D’Cruz, Physics Lab Assistant, and presented by a group of students.
Dr Fernandes addressed the gathering with an emotional and inspiring speech, reflecting on his personal journey from a curious village schoolboy to a global education leader.
“Standing here at St Thomas Higher Secondary School—my school—is not just a return to a campus, but a return to the roots that shaped me,” he shared. He also added “To the students here today, I want to say: never forget where you come from—but never let it limit where you are going. I was one of you. Dream, Inspire and Aspire.”
The upgrades at St Thomas are part of PACT Foundation’s broader Happy School Project, launched in 2023. Since its inception, the initiative has impacted 17 schools across Goa, focusing on digital learning tools, classroom revitalisation and sanitation upgrades.
Father Jerard Sahayaraj, Manager of the School, shared his happiness at seeing the transformation, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the upgrades. He spoke about the deeper meaning of giving, noting, “When we give with love, we receive even greater blessings in return. Today’s gift to the school is not just smart boards and new benches—it is the spirit of hope, pride, and possibility that fills every classroom.”
With deep roots planted in Aldona, the Happy School Project now aims to give wings to hundreds of children, nurturing hope and potential where it all began. PACT (People for Action, Change and Transformation) Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to empowering communities through access to quality education and social support. Through its flagship initiatives like the Happy School Project, PACT works to uplift underserved schools and foster environments where children can thrive.