Written by Mercy Owolabi
Have you ever started creating something beautiful, only to watch your carefully laid plans become a reality before your eyes? It’s a familiar reality woven into our everyday lives.
Setbacks and unexpected turns often teach us lessons that smooth paths never could. These challenges stretch our minds, force us to adapt, and help us discover hidden strengths we didn’t know we had.
At Prikkle Academy, our philosophy has been, that:
- Every mistake holds a hidden lesson, waiting to be uncovered.
- Every obstacle carries the seed of new ideas and bold creativity.
- Every individual, no matter how young, has the power to transform setbacks into sparks of innovation.
It was on this foundation that we gathered on Thursday, June 26, 2025, for our weekly creativity session.
Eleven participants came together, eager to bring a butterfly wall décor to life using cardboards, an idea meant to celebrate beauty, transformation, and freedom.
As the scissors cut and glue spread, the excitement in the room was almost tangible.
Yet, as the butterfly began to take shape, it became clear that something wasn’t quite right. The wings didn’t align, the design looked awkward, at least to the creators, and disappointment started creeping in.
In that moment, one participant’s voice rose above the uncertainty: “What if we turn this into a circle instead? We could make it green and give it a new life.”
That single suggestion shifted the entire atmosphere. Faces lit up, eyes sparkled, and laughter replaced frustration.
With renewed energy, everyone came up with more suggestions. The once-failed butterfly slowly transformed into a bold, green circle, a symbol of unity, resilience, and the power of second chances.
By the end of the session, what started as a mistake had turned into a collective masterpiece. It reminded us that creativity isn’t about following perfect lines but about embracing unexpected turns and discovering new possibilities together.
When Ideas Turn Into Connection
Two days later, on Saturday, June 28, our participants gathered again, this time with 10 curious minds, including a new participant who was warmly welcomed into the Prikkle family.
One of our participants stepped up to introduce him, painting a vivid picture of who we are, what we believe in, and why we gather every week.
Building on this, our centre manager, Mercy Owolabi, shared more deeply about our vision: to nurture a community where each person’s voice matters, where learning is woven with belonging, and where character guides every action. They revisited our code of conduct and the impact we strive to create beyond our four walls.
The heart of the day centred on a personal development session focused on reading. Each participant dived into their chosen materials, exploring new worlds and ideas.
Later, during our reflection circle, one could feel the room come alive. Participants shared insights that sparked laughter, nods of agreement, and thoughtful silences.
Some discovered lessons they could apply immediately, others found encouragement for their dreams, and a few realized they had stories within them waiting to be told. Through these shared reflections, the group grew closer, weaving ideas and experiences that felt both personal and communal.
A Collective Awakening
These two sessions reminded us of a truth we hold dear at Prikkle Academy: transformation often begins in the unexpected.
A failed butterfly becomes a beautiful circle. A new member’s introduction becomes a moment to reconnect with our shared purpose. A single story read sparks ten new questions about the world.
As we continue this journey together, we are reminded to celebrate the detours, listen to each other deeply, and remain endlessly curious about what we can create together, not just as individuals, but as a community.
So, we ask you too: What beauty might emerge if you welcomed every mistake as a doorway to something new
Prikkle Academy…inspiring community builders.
