Fr. Linferd Savio Fernandes, a priest of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, has successfully completed his doctoral thesis at the School of Education, St Mary’s University, London, towards the award of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
His thesis, titled “Belonging in Schools: An Ecosophical Study of Educators, Teacher Education and Policy in Secondary Schools in Goa,” explores the perception and significance of belonging within the educational context of Goa. The study examines the perspectives of educators and school management, alongside teacher education and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, seeking to understand how schools can become communities in which students experience meaningful belonging. The research brings the educational context of Goa into conversation with wider discussions on relationships, teacher formation and educational policy. It also reflects Fr. Fernandes’ continuing engagement with education and the formation of teachers in Goa. The completion of the thesis marks an important milestone in his academic journey and contributes to the growing conversation on creating more relational and humane educational communities.
