Winners Emerge at Values-based Jigsaw Puzzle Contest for Primary Schools

Funmi Ogundare

Winners have emerged at the grand finale of the values-based Jigsaw Puzzle Club competition, organised for primary school pupils in Eti-Osa Local Government Education Authority (LGEA).
The event, hosted by Shape-A-Child, celebrated weeks of intensive problem-solving and character-building among young participants.
After nine weeks of competition, Team Courage emerged as the winner, receiving a cheque for ₦250,000. Team Justice and Team Honesty followed closely, securing the second and third positions with cash prizes of ₦100,000 and ₦75,000, respectively.
This year’s programme witnessed participation from 36 schools across four zones, with each school contributing students eager to embark on a journey of personal growth. Contestants worked through symbolic puzzles that reflected real-life choices and values.
Speaking to journalists, Shape-A-Child’s founder, Izehi Anuge, highlighted the competition’s focus on experiential learning, allowing children to develop essential skills like teamwork, collaboration, focus, and discipline.
According to Anuge, each week’s activities involved solving metaphorical puzzles designed to reinforce the importance of applying values to everyday decisions.
She also explained how the programme addresses critical societal challenges, including sexual abuse, drug abuse, and cultism. By partnering with Trees and Pillars, the competition uses jigsaw puzzles as a metaphor for thoughtful decision-making.
“In today’s world, children face both challenges and opportunities. By instilling ethical values, we equip them to navigate life’s complexities.
“Our goal is to show educational authorities that extracurricular activities like this competition can significantly enhance children’s behaviour and help them respond better to societal challenges,” Anuge said.
The Head Teacher of St. George’s Primary School, Mrs. Sherifat Adebayo, lauded the competition for fostering collaboration and critical thinking.
“It curbed excess playtime and helped the children focus on their goals,” she said.
She added that her school’s guidance and counselling unit was key in preparing the pupils, who eventually secured second place.