Written by Emmanuel Owolabi
Have you ever wondered what career to pursue, what course to study, or who you are meant to become in the future?
At Prikkle Academy, we believe that:
- Every person, no matter how disadvantaged, carries an asset within.
- Every community, no matter how underserved, has something to offer.
- Every challenge, no matter how daunting, comes with an invitation to act.
Based on the above, a purpose discovery session was held on June 17, 2025, which was led by Jamiu Balogun, a passionate community builder and Makerspace Lead at Prikkle Academy.
The session gathered a group of teenage girls preparing for their final secondary school examinations. These students recently wrote their JAMB exams, yet many felt uncertain and frustrated about what lay ahead.
The session began not with lectures, but with a simple question: “Why did you choose the course you filled in your JAMB form?”
Most of the girls admitted they chose their courses based on what others around them did, not from a place of self-awareness or passion. That moment shifted the energy in the room. It was clear they hadn’t yet discovered their unique paths.
Finding Your Gifts And Uniqueness
Jamiu introduced the participants to what Prikkle Academy stands for: a safe, innovative space where individuals are guided to use their gifts and talents to solve real-world problems. He explained the concept using our unique approach: ABCD (Asset-Based Community Development) and Design Thinking.
He walked them through the three types of gifts that each person carries:
- Gift of the Head – what you know, teach, or are willing to learn (e.g., science, coding, music)
- Gift of the Hand – what you can create or do with your hands (e.g., drawing, sports, cooking).
- Gift of the Heart – what you care deeply about and the problems you feel called to solve (e.g., teenage pregnancy, child abuse, corruption).
The girls had time to reflect and write out the gifts they believed they had under these three categories. Afterwards, they formed small peer groups to discuss and exchange insights. It was inspiring to see how quickly the room came alive with discovery and connection.
Some found they shared common gifts, while others uncovered unique abilities they had overlooked. One particularly insightful moment came from a twin in the group. Although they are siblings raised in the same home, they discovered completely different strengths and passions. Obviously, this became an eye-opening lesson on individuality and uniqueness.
Leveraging Your Connections To Find Your Gifts And Uniqueness
To deepen the experience, Jamiu gave them an assignment: to go home and identify 20 additional gifts in each category, making a total of 60 gifts. This exercise shouldn’t be done in isolation. They were encouraged to consult family, friends, and neighbours—people who had observed them in different contexts—to help identify traits and talents they may have never noticed.
What initially felt like a joke quickly became a powerful exploration. Surprisingly, by the next day, many students had returned, excited to share how their parents and friends affirmed abilities they never gave serious thought to—like empathy, organising, storytelling, drawing, or helping others learn. Some began to connect these talents with possible future careers and callings.
As the session drew to a close, Jamiu left them with a question that silenced the room:
“How would the world be if everyone were like you?”
That single question sparked deep reflection. For many, it was the first time they saw themselves as a unique individual. Specifically, an individual capable of shaping the world in their unique way.
This workshop wasn’t just about choosing a course or finding a career path. It was about rediscovering identity, recognizing internal assets, and reclaiming hope in the face of uncertainty. Through curiosity, conversation, and community, these girls started the journey of self-discovery, a journey that continues in how they live, lead, and love.
So, we ask you too: How would the world be if everyone were like you?
Prikkle Academy…inspiring community builders.
