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In the bustling classrooms of low-income schools, a unique challenge emerges. Many passionate individuals find themselves in teaching roles without formal qualifications or training. While their dedication is commendable, the lack of proper training can hinder their effectiveness negatively impacting the students’ education. However, with the right support and guidance, we aim to transform these unqualified teachers into exceptional educators, significantly benefiting their students. At the core of every successful student is a great teacher. Research consistently shows that teacher quality is one of the most critical factors in student achievement. Effective educators inspire, motivate, and guide their students to reach their full potential. They create a learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore their curiosity. For students in low-income schools, who often face additional challenges outside the classroom, having a competent and caring teacher can be life-changing. Effective teachers possess the following qualities: Through our training which involves, training sessions, practical workshops, mentorship programs, and regular troubleshooting we aim to mold our teachers into effective educators capable of delivering quality education. Investing in the development of unqualified teachers in low-income schools is not just about improving their teaching skills; it’s about creating a brighter future for their students. By providing the necessary training and support, we can unlock the greatness within these educators, transforming them into effective classroom leaders. The ripple effect of this transformation will be felt by countless students, empowering them to achieve their dreams and contribute positively to society. We are committed to nurturing the potential of every teacher, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the quality education they deserve. In doing so, we are writing a story of success, resilience, and hope for the future. Dua Javed dua.javed@chopantrust.com

At the center of every memorable lesson lies a story waiting to be told. Imagine a classroom where the students’ eyes sparkle with curiosity, where every word spoken by the teacher paints vivid images in young minds, and where learning feels like an enchanting journey rather than a mundane chore. Students eagerly anticipate the next chapter, the next twist in the tale, and in doing so, they develop a lifelong love for learning. This is the magic of storytelling in education. Imagine a lesson on the water cycle. One approach is to list the stages: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. But now, imagine introducing the water cycle through the eyes of a single water droplet named Dewey. Dewey embarks on a thrilling adventure from the ocean to the sky, and back to the earth. Through Dewey’s journey, students not only learn the scientific process but also develop empathy and curiosity. They imagine themselves as Dewey, feeling the warmth of the sun and the chill of the clouds. This emotional engagement makes the lesson come alive. The impact of storytelling in education extends far beyond the classroom. Students who learn through stories develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence. They carry these skills with them into the world, becoming not just knowledgeable individuals, but also compassionate and imaginative thinkers. In our efforts to improve the quality of education for our students, we are training our teachers to wield the power of stories. As they become master storytellers, they weave wisdom into every lesson, elevating the educational experience for the students. Through stories, we are empowering our teachers to make their lessons more engaging and therefore more impactful. Dua Javed dua.javed@chopantrust.com

In the heart of Pakistan, a powerful movement is taking root. It’s not a movement defined by grand gestures or outward displays, but by a quiet revolution happening deep within the hearts and minds of families. This transformative journey began at Mercy School, where a seemingly ordinary Parents Awareness Session sparked a fire of healing and hope. Pastor Imtiaz’s words at the event’s conclusion resonate deeply: “For years, we’ve held prayer meetings, conventions, and healing crusades to address physical ailments. But today, I stand here filled with immense joy. Sir Anser and Ma’am Kashi have brought a different kind of healing – a psychological and educational one – directly to parents. The tears I see in some eyes are a testament to the profound impact of this session.” These tears aren’t tears of sorrow, but tears of release, of epiphany, of a newfound understanding. Chopan Trust, through the dedication of Anser and Kashi, is breaking new ground. They’re recognizing that true healing extends far beyond the physical realm. It encompasses the emotional and mental well-being of families, the very foundation upon which a child’s future is built. The impact of this session transcends the walls of Mercy School. It’s a ripple effect, spreading outward into countless homes, transforming the way parents interact with their children. By empowering parents with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of parenthood, Chopan Trust is fostering a generation of healthier, happier children. This is just the beginning. Chopan Trust’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the emotional and educational well-being of Pakistani families is a beacon of hope. Let Pastor Imtiaz’s words be a call to action: there’s a critical need for more initiatives like this. By supporting Chopan Trust, you become part of the solution, helping to build a brighter future, one empowered parent, and one thriving child at a time.

Parents are the most important key to a child’s success. Their involvement, support, and encouragement can significantly shape the future of their children. However, many parents do not realize their immense importance and responsibility. There is a prevailing mindset that prioritizes immediate financial relief over long-term investment in education. Some parents prefer for their boys to start working and their girls to get married as soon as possible to reduce their financial burden. This short-sighted approach deprives children of the necessary support and opportunities to excel academically and professionally. Children from such backgrounds often fail to grasp the importance of education, leading to poor performance in school and, ultimately, high dropout rates. Without a solid educational foundation, these children are left with limited career options, often ending up in manual, low-paying jobs. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty within the community, hindering overall development and progress. Dua Javed dua.javed@chopantrust.com

Having set out to train teachers at community-based schools, God has only added to this mission of ensuring quality education for Christian children in Pakistan. A sister, realizing that training teachers without the institution having access to books and stationery might prove to be ineffective, decided to fund us. Through her help, we were able to provide free-of-cost books to multiple schools. With one school, we experienced God’s intervention very explicitly. Before we partnered with them, they had announced that they could not afford to offer their students free books for this tenure. The parents would have to buy the books themselves. Following this announcement, many mothers visited the principal with tears in their eyes, pleading with him to make the books free because they could never afford to buy books for their children given their financial standing. Without books, their children would not be able to attend school and would have to drop out. The very next day, without knowing of this situation, our CEO, Anser Javed, visited the school offering to become partners with Chopan in this new initiative Seeds of Promise. Chopan promised to provide textbooks, notebooks, and stationery to this school for the 2024-2025 tenure, ensuring that the children’s education is not compromised due to the lack of resources. We have heard so many testimonies of how this initiative has helped so many and it has greatly encouraged us. During a Parents’ Awareness Session, we noticed a sister continuously had tears in her eyes. When called upon, she told us that her husband had been sick in bed for a long time. The financial crisis at home had caused her to lose hope that she could support her children’s education. She thanked Chopan for filling the gap, allowing her children to attend school with dignity having textbooks, notebooks, and stationary in a beautiful school. Dua Javed dua.javed@chopantrust.com

The Heart of the Matter: Empowering Children Through Effective Educators The cornerstone of our training was, and always will be, the well-being of children. By equipping orphanage leaders and teachers with the skills and motivation they need, we create a ripple effect that empowers future generations. Integrating scriptural references from the Bible further enriched the training, offering a source of comfort and guidance for participants. The Chopan Trust Difference: A Legacy of Education and Hope This training program is a testament to Chopan Trust’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a brighter future for children. By investing in the educators who shape young minds, we cultivate a world where every child has the opportunity to soar, just like the eagle in my opening story. Want to see more photos: Day 1: https://photos.app.goo.gl/seQKcRSfnQi3Y3Cb6 Day 2: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ihh4PcLAvMqricMQ7

During a visit to a Christian community school in Lahore, Pakistan, I observed a Social Studies lesson and was asked by the proud principal to engage with the students. Despite my initial reluctance, I interacted with the class and asked what they had learned in their recent lesson on “Means of Transportation.” When I prompted them to look at the relevant pages in their English-language books, I realized I was speaking to them in Urdu. When I asked for volunteers to answer a question, no one raised their hand, so the teacher called on a student named Zeeshan, likely a high-achieving student or class prefect. Before asking my question, I lightened the mood with a joke about my appearance, which got Zeeshan and the whole class laughing. Then, I asked Zeeshan to explain in simple Urdu or Punjabi what sea transportation means, to which he initially answered “Airplane”. UNICEF emphasizes that “every child has the fundamental right to quality education – one that helps them acquire basic literacy and numeracy, enjoy learning without fear, and feel valued and included, irrespective of where they come from.” It further asserts that “access to education of poor quality is tantamount to no education at all.” In South Asia, only one in three Grade 4 children can read basic texts, highlighting the critical issue of educational quality. Research reveals that approximately 500 million children receive schooling in languages they don’t speak at home, leading to higher dropout rates, especially in rural areas. Reports also suggest that children in developing countries like Pakistan perform better when taught in their native language.Zeeshan’s story exemplifies the struggles faced by thousands of children in low/no- fee schools, where basic skills like reading, writing, critical thinking, and life skills remain undeveloped even in Grade 6. Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned Bengali poet, philosopher, and Nobel Laureate, penned a poem in 1890 that tells the story of a King who tasked his court to teach a parrot to sing verses. Despite elaborate efforts — such as creating a golden cage, amassing piles of books, and hiring scholars — the actual teaching of the parrot was neglected. Years later, when the King checked on the parrot’s progress, he found it dead. Upon poking the parrot’s stomach, papers spilled out. This story highlights the irony of the situation, where despite grand preparations and lavish investments, the essence of the task—the parrot’s learning—was neglected. At present, more than 250 million school-aged children globally lack fundamental academic skills. This deficiency in literacy levels leads to increased school dropouts, and exam failures, impeding their progression to secondary education. Ultimately, it places millions of children at a severe disadvantage for a lifetime. According to the UN reports 22.5 million children are out of school but the latest survey claims the number has now reached to 26 million in Pakistan. Though the Prime Minister of Pakistan stated two days ago that it’s a CRIME that these children are not in school, no solid plan of action is being considered. Reasons for children being out of school children: 1. Inadequate Funding2. Underpaid Teachers3. Limited Teacher Training and Resources4. Overcrowded Classrooms and Multi Grade Teaching5. Lack of Infrastructure and Learning Materials6. Socio-Economic Factors and Low Parental Involvement The above stated are the most important reasons for out-of-school children and hindrances in the provision of good and quality education, which will lead them to enhance their reading, writing, numeracy, critical thinking, and life skills. However, we strongly believe that the even in presence of all these limitations, a trained and skilled teacher can bring quality educational outcomes. Whereas, even if you remove all these obstacles, an untrained teacher would still fail to achieve the desired results. An untrained teacher, would need to grow in the following skills: – Pedagogy expertise– Curriculum design and implementation – Understanding of child psychology– Classroom management skills– Facilitation of critical thinking and problem-solving– Effective teaching skills– Differentiated instruction strategies As the previous director of Starfish Pakistan, I had the chance to conduct a survey which revealed that, in one year, there were 650 community-based schools not being supported by any organization in Lahore and Karachi alone. This means that together, there are thousands of untrained teachers currently teaching in Pakistani community-based schools which includes those schools receiving support. I am convinced that by 2024, this number must have approached or exceeded 1000+, yet there seems to have been little to no progress in improving the teachers’ qualifications and training with focus on providing quality education catering to holistic development. Training should be tailored to the specific needs of teachers and schools, regularly conducted on-site, providing support to underqualified and untrained teachers. School principals should also be trained to become qualified leaders who can support their teachers’ professional development. Based on the research of Kashi Javed, Director of Education at Chopan Trust (www.chopantrust.com), we have designed 3Es Discipleship: Empowering Early Educators. This initiative is founded on a holistic and sustainable approach to professional development, distinguishing it from conventional training programmes. 3Es Discipleship is a targeted training program designed to meet the specific needs of under-qualified teachers who otherwise cannot access professional development opportunities. This initiative aims to provide on-site and ongoing support, focusing on the development of teachers and school principals as master trainers. Join us in catering to the crucial need for effective teacher training, ensuring quality education for all. Anser JavedExecutive DirectorChopan Trust

Introduction: Anser Javed is a man of many talents and passions. He has served as an educational evangelist for 20 years, working to provide education to marginalized Christian children in Pakistan. He has also served as the country head of a charity called Starfish Pakistan, where he managed 54 schools and a home for orphans and children with special needs. But now, Anser is embarking on a new journey. He is on the road, searching for a piece of land to construct a farm. His goal is to create a self-sustainable family business with a social enterprise in mind. Why a farm? Anser explained that he and his family have established a trust called Chopan Trust, and they want to support that trust through the farm. They plan to donate a portion of the farm’s income to Chopan Trust, which will use the funds to support community development projects. What kind of farm? Anser is still exploring the possibilities, but he is considering raising chickens, goats, and/or crops. He is also interested in using sustainable farming practices. Challenges and opportunities Starting a farm is no easy task, but Anser is excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. He is confident that he and his family can create a successful farm that will benefit not only their family, but also the community. Conclusion: Anser Javed’s journey from educational evangelist to farmer is an inspiration to us all. It is a reminder that we are all capable of change and that it is never too late to start a new chapter in our lives. We wish Anser and his family all the best in their new endeavor. Additional thoughts: Anser’s story is also a reminder of the importance of social enterprise. Social enterprises are businesses that operate with the primary goal of creating social or environmental impact. They can be a powerful tool for addressing social and environmental challenges, and they can also provide a sustainable source of income for communities. We encourage our readers to learn more about social enterprise and to consider supporting social enterprises in their own communities.

On a sunny October day, Kashi Javed and I had the privilege of facilitating a teacher training session at Holy Shepherd School, a school we both hold dear to our hearts. I was the Country Head of Starfish Pakistan, a Christian charity organization that provides educational support to underprivileged children in Pakistan. I am currently the CEO of Chopan Trust, a non-profit organization that works to empower communities through education and technology. Our training session was focused on two important topics:Implementing Action Research in the Classroom: Strategies for Improving Student Learning and OutcomesGoal Setting and Strategy Implementation for Effective Teaching Action research is a cyclical process of inquiry that empowers teachers to identify, investigate, and address challenges in their classrooms. By engaging in action research, teachers can systematically collect data, reflect on their findings, and implement evidence-based changes to improve student learning. Goal setting and strategy implementation are essential for effective teaching. By clearly defining our goals and developing thoughtful strategies, we can create a roadmap for success. Our training session was filled with learning, laughter, and fun. We believe that it is important to create a positive and supportive learning environment where teachers feel comfortable sharing their ideas and challenges. We also believe in incorporating games and activities that promote teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of community. One of the highlights of the session was a game called “Marshmallow Challenge.” This team-building activity challenges participants to build the tallest structure possible using only spaghetti, tape, string, and a marshmallow. The game requires creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential for effective teaching. Another memorable activity was a sharing circle where teachers had the opportunity to reflect on their own teaching practices and share their goals for the upcoming school year. The supportive and collaborative atmosphere of the circle encouraged teachers to open up and learn from each other. By the end of the day, the teachers of Holy Shepherd School had gained valuable insights, strategies, and inspiration. We were humbled by their dedication and commitment to their students. We are confident that the training session will equip them with the tools they need to create even more engaging and effective learning experiences for their students. Holy Shepherd School holds a special place in our hearts. We are grateful to the school’s leadership for inviting us back to share our knowledge and experiences with their talented faculty. We are also grateful to Starfish Pakistan for its ongoing support of Holy Shepherd School and its commitment to education. Together, we are committed to empowering educators and creating a world where all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

In the heart of Hyderabad, Sindh, a young man named Akash found himself caught in the clutches of a devastating tragedy. An unexpected encounter with a high-voltage electric wire left him with life-threatening burns that covered a staggering 80% of his body. As with many in his situation, Akash’s family, struggling with their own financial constraints, sought help from a nearby government hospital. Unfortunately, the reputation of government-run facilities, while staffed with experienced doctors and nurses, often falls short due to overcrowding and limited resources. In the case of burn victims like Akash, the specialized care and attention needed are often beyond the reach of economically disadvantaged patients. However, in the midst of this challenging journey, an unsung hero emerged in the form of Sundas, a compassionate staff nurse married to Akash’s elder brother. She shouldered the responsibility of changing Akash’s dressings every day, trying her best to provide him with some relief. Yet, it became painfully evident that his condition was deteriorating. Akash was in constant pain, running a fever, and it seemed that he was slowly slipping away. Sundas, who had previously worked in a burn ward at Aga Khan Hospital, recognized the severity of his condition and knew that time was of the essence. Their desperate search for a lifeline led them to a doctor who recommended transferring Akash to a private hospital in Karachi, where more advanced and specialized care could be provided. However, their financial situation was dire, and they lacked the means to make this journey. They had already spent all their savings on Akash’s medications and dressings. It was during this critical moment that a glimmer of hope emerged. Anser Javed, the Executive Director of Chopan Trust, learned of Akash’s plight through a trusted source. Realizing the urgency of the situation, he promptly provided initial financial support to facilitate Akash’s transfer to Karachi, where they could consult with doctors and receive quotes for the necessary treatment. The medical professionals in Karachi expressed grave concern about the condition of Akash’s burn wounds. The situation was dire, but there was still a fighting chance. Thanks to the timely intervention by friends and well-wishers, the expensive treatment, broken down into four phases, could begin. Over several months, the first three phases were completed, and Akash began showing signs of a remarkable recovery. Today, Akash is no longer confined to a bed of pain and despair. He is walking, talking, eating well, and, most importantly, he is growing. His last phase of treatment, involving hand and penile reconstruction, is on the horizon. The hope is that, with continued support and divine providence, he will overcome the final leg of this challenging journey. In the face of adversity and pain, Akash’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and compassion. Chopan Trust and its network of compassionate supporters have played a pivotal role in rewriting the chapters of Akash’s life. As we follow his journey of transformation, we are reminded that together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.