Pathfinder

Project Duration: March 2023 – August 2023

Project Leads: Flynn Devine and Elissa Makris

Team Members: Abimbola Oladipo, Dua Dahar, Andreas Lo, Mridu Gupta, Samira Gomes, Sarah Alkhedheiri, Salomey Osafo-Ampadu

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced and often unpredictable world, young people face unique challenges when trying to carve out their own path. The Pathfinder project is designed to guide individuals aged 16-24 through the complexities of personal and career development, helping them explore their values, define their goals, and map a clear path toward their aspirations. Through a self-paced learning journey, Pathfinder offers participants the tools they need to take control of their future.

Project Overview

Objectives

Pathfinder's mission is to support youth in navigating their personal and career direction by offering a structured framework for self-exploration and actionable goal-setting. In an age where societal pressures and an overload of information can make decision-making overwhelming, Pathfinder provides clarity and a structured approach.

The Pathfinder DEEP Framework focuses on four core areas:

1. Discover: Help young people explore their personal values, desires, and passions.
2. Empower: Provide tools like systems thinking and self-coaching to empower them with essential skills.
3. Explore: Assist them in identifying opportunities and career paths aligned with their personal goals.
4. Plan: Help participants map actionable steps to achieve their goals and vision.

Key Objectives:

• Support self-discovery: Guide young people in uncovering their personal values and understanding what drives them.
• Framework for goal-setting: Help participants identify both personal and career-related goals.
• Empower through skills: Teach essential tools such as systems thinking and self-coaching.
• Actionable path: Enable participants to develop a clear roadmap towards their aspirations.

Strategies and Approach

Pathfinder offers a self-paced learning journey, designed to be both flexible and comprehensive. The project incorporates multiple frameworks and exercises that guide participants through the process of self-discovery, goal-setting, and personal empowerment.

The DEEP Learning Journey

1. Discover: Exercises that encourage participants to reflect on their personal values, interests, and long-term aspirations.
2. Empower: Introduction to systems thinking and self-coaching tools like the GROW model, equipping participants to tackle challenges independently.
3. Explore: Guidance on exploring different career paths and identifying the opportunities available.
4. Plan: A structured approach to mapping out a clear action plan with tangible steps toward achieving career and personal goals.

The first iteration of the Pathfinder journey was beta-tested with a small group of young people, aged 16-24, to gather feedback and refine the content.

Implementation Phases

The project unfolded in three key phases:

1. Toolkit Research

We conducted extensive research into existing social impact learning toolkits and frameworks, focusing on tools like Ikigai, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and systems thinking. Based on this research, we curated content and selected a suitable platform for content dissemination.

2. Build and Testing

The content was designed as a blueprint and developed into a detailed, visually engaging resource. Team members and stakeholders were involved in testing the content to ensure it met the needs of the target audience.

3. Toolkit Dissemination

We developed a dissemination strategy aimed at sharing the toolkit with a wider audience, leveraging social media, partner organizations, and youth networks. Partners like the Systems Thinking Network and Bright Network helped guide content development, ensuring it aligned with best practices.

Resources & Tools

The Pathfinder project utilized a range of tools to create and disseminate the content:

• Notion: Used for building and sharing the learning content, providing a user-friendly and accessible platform for participants.
• Ikigai Framework: A tool used to help participants find purpose by reflecting on what they love, what the world needs, and what they are good at.
• GROW Coaching Model: A widely recognized framework for setting goals and developing plans.
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Incorporated to help participants understand their personal motivations and needs.

Impact and Outcomes

While the Pathfinder toolkit is still in its early stages of dissemination, the first version is now live on our Notion platform. The next phase involves collecting user feedback and improving the toolkit based on real-world usage.

Beneficiaries:

• Young People (16-24): Particularly those struggling to find direction in their career or personal life, or who wish to make a positive impact in the world.
• NGOs and Charities: Organizations working with youth can use the Pathfinder toolkit as a resource for their educational and career development initiatives.

Early Partnerships and Success Stories

We collaborated with the Systems Thinking Network and Bright Network to create accessible, youth-focused content. In early discussions, we also connected with Path Finder, an online learning platform that expressed interest in hosting the toolkit. While we decided to develop our own platform for the project, future collaborations with other learning platforms remain a possibility.

Although we do not yet have user case examples from widespread deployment, early feedback from beta testing has been positive, and we anticipate future success stories as the toolkit is shared with more participants.

Conclusion

Pathfinder is a vital resource for young people seeking to navigate the complexities of career and personal development in an increasingly volatile world. By providing tools for self-exploration, empowerment, and goal-setting, Pathfinder equips the next generation of change-makers with the skills and confidence to pursue their aspirations.

As we continue to refine and disseminate the toolkit, our goal remains the same: to empower young people to take control of their journey and make a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.

Get Involved: Interested in learning more about Pathfinder or contributing to the project? Contact us at londonshapersiii@gmail.com to join us on this journey of empowerment and personal discovery. Together, we can help young people take the next step toward their future.