Anser Javed
Pathfinders is an adventure therapy program for children in Lahore, Pakistan, run by Chopan Trust. Through team building games, circle games and wall climbing, it builds confidence, self-esteem and resilience in marginalized children who rarely get a chance to play, explore and test their strength. Here is how the program began, what happened during two days at DHA Sports Complex, and where we are going next.
Why adventure therapy for marginalized children?
Some children never get the chance to discover how strong they are. Children from marginalized communities often live with stress and fear, and they can struggle to feel confident among the wider community around them. Many have never had a day simply to play.
Chopan Trust created Pathfinders to change that. Pathfinders is an adventure therapy program built on three goals:
- Self-esteem: helping children see their own worth.
- Confidence: helping them try what they once thought impossible.
- Resilience: helping them face fear and keep going.
We believe that when children are given a chance, they can overcome their fear and grow strong.
What is adventure therapy?
Adventure therapy uses guided outdoor activities, games and challenges to help people build confidence, trust and resilience. It is a form of experiential education: children learn by doing, then talk about what they learned. A climbing wall, for example, teaches a child that fear can be faced one step at a time, and team building games teach listening, cooperation and trust.
Bernie Rupe brings experiential education to Lahore
Pathfinders was developed with Bernie Rupe, an expert adventure therapist from Chicago, USA. Bernie travelled to Lahore and stayed with us for a week. He began with two full days of training for teachers and the Chopan Trust team, showing us how games, challenges and reflection can help children grow.
The training gave everyone the same simple idea: when children play, trust and succeed together, they start to believe in themselves. By the end of those two days, the team was ready to welcome the children.
Two days of team building games and climbing at DHA Sports Complex, Lahore
Then came the children. Over two days at DHA Sports Complex, Phase 5, boys and girls from our partner schools took part in Pathfinders in separate groups, one day for the boys and one for the girls.
The sessions began with games: card games, circle games and team challenges that got everyone laughing, talking and working together. Then came the climbing wall.
The boys' day
Many of the boys had never been to a big ground or a sports complex, and they were afraid. Looking up at the wall, they wondered whether they could climb it at all. They set their goals, took a breath and began. To everyone's surprise, they climbed with excitement and confidence.
The girls' day
For many of the girls, this was the first time they had ever left their homes or neighborhoods just to play. They arrived smiling, excited and ready. Then they climbed the wall, and climbed it again, and again. They did not want to stop.
Those smiles, in a wide-open place many of them had never seen, are why we do this work.
In their own words
Alex, a student from EROS Grammar School, called it an unforgettable moment and thanked us for bringing the children to adventure therapy. Afshan, who sees many hurdles in her life, was thankful for the chance. Rabica was simply very happy playing the different games, and Mahil was grateful for the opportunity.
Thank you, Dawn Bread
We are grateful to Dawn Bread, who generously sponsored refreshments for both days, for all 60 participants, children and team together. Their kindness and support for a youth initiative made the days even better.
This is only the beginning
Pathfinders was a success, and it is only the start. Our dream is to reach marginalized youth across Pakistan. We look forward to walking beside these young people, and to growing Pathfinders for many years to come.
Let's join hands together. If you would like to support or partner with Pathfinders, please contact Chopan Trust at info@chopantrust.com / +92 346 2802646.
Frequently asked questions about Pathfinders
What is Pathfinders?
Pathfinders is Chopan Trust's adventure therapy program, built on three goals: self-esteem, confidence and resilience for children.
Who is Pathfinders for?
Marginalized children and youth in Pakistan. The first sessions were held in Lahore for boys and girls from two partner schools.
What activities do children do?
Card games, circle games, team building challenges and wall climbing, led by trained facilitators.
Who designed the program?
Adventure therapist Bernie Rupe from Chicago, USA, who also trained teachers and the Chopan Trust team.
Where did the first sessions take place?
At DHA Sports Complex, Phase 5, Lahore, Pakistan.
How can I support Pathfinders?
Contact Chopan Trust at info@chopantrust.com / +92 346 2802646 to partner, sponsor a session or volunteer.
About Chopan Trust
Chopan Trust is a Pakistan-based organization that works to give marginalized children and families a better start through education. We work with 75 schools, supply textbooks to more than 8,000 children, and train about 175 teachers each quarter in five of Pakistan's big cities. Pathfinders extends this work from the classroom to the playground.
