Search Institute

Victoria, Australia

Solving the Jigsaw is a prevention and early-intervention program that believes children have the right to be safe and to feel safe.

By changing a culture of violence into a culture of wellbeing, Jigsaw helps students in primary and secondary schools learn to deal with their problems, and how to talk about their lives, their feelings and what matters to them.

Jigsaw bridges the worlds of home and school; it strengthens students’ resilience and encourages them to make positive choices about their future.

A trained facilitator, with the help of the classroom teacher, conducts one-hour weekly sessions over a 20 or 40 week program, for whole classes or for those who are considered at risk. Facilitators ensure that every child is listened to – classmates offer their ideas and support, and along the way learn problem-solving skills and communication techniques.

As a result the kids gain confidence and certainty about what is important in relationships, such as communication, the ability to deal with conflict, and the importance of love and respect.

Kid’s Business – Documentary

The screening of Kids Business on ABC Australian national television in 2009 was the culmination of 5 years of work for the Solving the Jigsaw team.

In graphic and moving detail, the documentary shows the kids grappling with their feelings as they share their concerns about things that have happened at school and at home. The documentary was filmed in a Bendigo primary school and followed students in a grade five and six class taking part in our Solving the Jigsaw program.

Training

Jigsaw runs nationally accredited professional development days for teachers, facilitator training courses, and information sessions for parents.