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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 [email protected]

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.

A 5-Day IT Training Journey Introduction In an age where technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the world, it is essential for individuals, regardless of their background, to gain proficiency in information technology. Recognizing the importance of empowering young Christians with IT skills and the opportunity to become freelancers, the Chopan Trust, in collaboration with Exceed, embarked on a remarkable journey. Over the course of five days, we provided an extensive training program that equipped these enthusiastic learners with the knowledge they need to excel in the digital realm. The 5-Day IT Training Program The 5-day IT training program was designed to be intensive and practical, focusing on the core aspects of social media and freelancing. Participants were guided through a structured curriculum that covered: Our Vision for Christian Communities in Pakistan The Chopan Trust’s mission extends beyond this 5-day IT training program. We envision a Pakistan where young Christians have equal access to opportunities in the digital world. Our commitment is to continue arranging similar training initiatives in Christian communities across the country. By doing so, we aim to: Conclusion The 5-day IT training program organized by the Chopan Trust, in collaboration and facilitated by Mr. Iftikha Anjum from Exceed, was a significant step towards empowering young Christians in Pakistan. It not only equipped them with practical IT skills but also instilled the belief that they can shape their own destiny in the digital world. As we look to the future, our vision remains steadfast – to continue conducting such training programs and bringing a positive change to Christian communities throughout Pakistan. We are committed to building a more inclusive and empowered nation for all.

Anser Javed’s father was a sanitary worker in Karachi; his mother was a sweeper. When his father then died in a work accident, the Pakistani Christian boy was sent to an orphanage as his mother was too poor to care for him. Nevertheless, with support and personal determination, he eventually became the Principal of a school which grew from 200 to 600 students in the eight years he led it. Now, he’s Director of an education charity, Starfish Asia. Here, he tells his story: It was early in the morning, 4am, when I got up, picked up a broom and a garbage collecting basket and headed out to sweep the roads. This was not my destination, I had recently passed my Matriculation exams and got the top marks in the orphanage where I lived after my father died when I was five. He worked in the sanitary department of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, and my mother swept the streets – they had moved from Gujranwala in the north to Karachi to find work. My dad died after a main sewage hole got blocked. His friend went down into the 10-foot-deep hole to try to un-block it, but drowned. As my father jumped down inside to rescue him, he inhaled toxic gas and water. When the blockage blew out, he injured his side on the iron stair-rungs. They operated on him: I remember him in a mask. He was in hospital for six weeks, then I remember him lying dead on the hospital bed. Within six months, my mum had arranged a marriage for my 16-year-old sister and realised she couldn’t look after me and my brother (who’s two years younger than me) and still do her sweeping job. She had it in in her heart that only education could change life for us, and worked out the best way to achieve that for us boys. So she sent me to live in a Salvation Army Boys’ hostel. I lived there for 10 years, attending a school of 300-400. When I passed all my exams at 16, I got the highest mark (72%) and made history as the top student. It had one of the lowest fees among private schools in Pakistan. Sadly, my brother started having epileptic fits, so he couldn’t go to school. A local MP promised me a college scholarship, so my mum took out a loan – on interest – so I could go to college, thinking the scholarship would cover it later. It cost 2,975 rupees (around US$30) for a whole year, including two uniforms, two pairs of shoes and books. My mum took out 3,000 rupees as a loan. But somehow the scholarship never materialised. So when I was 17, I too became a road sweeper to help support my mum – while I was still studying. Early in the morning, I would go and sweep three roads (both sides) and one back street. I would collect the garbage, carry the container on my head, and walk 500 yards to dump it. Around that time, my mum started getting a fever: she had contracted hepatitis. During the day, I tried to find jobs with Pepsi, loading and unloading bottle crates to help pay off the loan. When it was finally cleared, I asked my mum if I could enrol for a three-month course in a Computer Institute to learn the Dos and Wordstar programmes. I worked 9am to 10pm for 1,000 rupees a day (less than $10 today) with only one cup of tea as my ‘break’. It was good to be at the Institute, but they took advantage of my compassion and kindness. For instance, when they didn’t have money to paint the classrooms, we did it! I taught classes for the owner’s friends, who asked: “Who will teach us if you leave?” Eventually, the person who’d been in charge of the hostel where I’d lived as a boy became the Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army. I’d typed lots of letters for him. The manager of a bookshop in their compound needed a salesman for their bookshop in Empress Market (in central Karachi), but I thought: “What will I do in a bookshop?” The first day, I was given a duster to clean, and asked to stock-take thousands of books! From January 1998, I worked there four-and-a-half years and eventually resigned as Assistant Manager. A few months after starting at the bookshop, I finally stopped sweeping. All the heavy packing and unpacking of books was enough for me. I met my wife over the phone at the bookshop. She worked in telemarketing and one day she called from a mineral-water company. “I’m not the manager”, I told her. “Please fax me a brochure”. Which she did. The second day after lunch, she called back: “Sir, if you don’t want to buy, I don’t want you to lie to me”. I replied, “Madam, I’m a Christian, I don’t lie”. She said she was a Christian too, and that bonded us – we married in 2001 and now she’s my backbone! In August 2001, we became respectively Principal and teacher of the Holy Shepherd School in north Karachi. When I started training to be a Principal, we needed to import teachers from other areas to staff the school. In 2003, our donors told us that they didn’t have any more money. Starfish Asia’s funding saved it from closing. And all the time I was studying: it took me 10 years to complete four years’ education. In 2012, I was asked to join Starfish Pakistan as its first Pakistani National Director. Ninety per cent of the staff in our school in Karachi came from my own school. The school’s Principal now was my disciple – he only graduated after he came to us to finish his studies. Then he did his Bachelor of Education with one of the scholarships I started to help boys like me who couldn’t afford education. We bought land adjacent to

In a world where education holds the power to shape the future, it’s vital that those who dedicate their lives to teaching are not only academically equipped but also spiritually uplifted. Recently, a remarkable event took place, bringing together a team of Christian ministers from Indonesia in collaboration with the Chopan Trust, to organize a one-day Christian Teacher’s retreat. This retreat had a noble vision – to inspire Christian educators to be not just teachers but role models, spiritual parents, and mentors, and to pray for the breaking of poverty and spiritual darkness in their lives. More than 200 Christian teachers gathered to be part of this enlightening journey. The Collaborative Effort The Christian Teacher’s retreat was a result of the collaborative efforts of dedicated individuals who believe in the transformative power of education and spirituality. A team of Christian ministers from Indonesia, in partnership with the Chopan Trust, designed and facilitated a retreat that aimed to provide spiritual guidance and inspiration to Christian teachers. The Vision: Teachers as Role Models and Spiritual Mentors The heart of this retreat was to instill a deep sense of purpose in the hearts of Christian teachers. It encouraged them to view their role as more than just imparting knowledge. The vision was to inspire them to: The Gathering of Over 200 Christian Teachers More than 200 Christian teachers from various backgrounds and educational institutions gathered for this event. Their presence was a testament to the importance they placed on their dual roles as educators and spiritual guides. The retreat served as a powerful platform for them to connect, share experiences, and find inspiration in their shared faith. The Day’s Highlights The Christian Teacher’s retreat was filled with moments of reflection, inspiration, and prayer. Some of the highlights of the day included: The one-day Christian Teacher’s retreat, organized by a team of Christian ministers from Indonesia in collaboration with the Chopan Trust, was an extraordinary event that brought Christian educators together to renew their commitment to their vital roles as teachers and spiritual mentors. It reinforced the idea that teaching is not just a profession but a divine calling. As these teachers return to their classrooms, they do so with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to shine as beacons of light, love, and faith for their students, praying to break the bonds of poverty and spiritual darkness that may affect them. This retreat serves as a reminder that education can be a powerful force for positive change, both academically and spiritually.

Now from his words- “In the wake of a deeply unfortunate incident that shook Jaranwala, I embarked on a mission of compassion and solidarity which was marked by profound grief. I ventured into the heart of the Jaranwala division, accompanied by a few friends, where reports had emerged of 16 churches being destroyed by a misguided extremist mob, triggered by baseless rumors of a young Christian boy burning the Quran. My primary objective was to bring a ray of hope to the affected communities. Armed with 25 food parcels and 600 packets of noodles for the children, I set out on this emotional journey.I was blessed with the opportunity to engage with the children through games and activities. Their smiles, though tentative, carried the promise of hope. A pastor and another kind soul approached me, thanking me for bringing joy to these frightened children.” Thank you to Anser Javeed! Amidst darkness, his unity, compassion, and dedication inspire us all. Live Laughter. Choose Compassion. Practice Peace.