In a world where relationships play a pivotal role in the life of every individual, teaching students how to navigate them safely and constructively becomes vital. Thanks to the generous funding and unwavering support of Safer Streets 4, the innovative idea of the “three brave monkeys” has been brought to life. Crafted meticulously by the talented Pietro from Falmouth University, this resource promises a better, more understanding future for our young learners.
Traditionally, the three wise monkeys from Japan stand as a symbol for the age-old principle: “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”. But Pietro Ferrari, with his visionary thinking, has managed to reframe this adage for the modern age, transforming it into a tool for building healthy relationships. Through this modified concept, students are taught to ‘See’—observe behaviours and situations as they unfold; ‘Hear’—understand intentions and the tone behind words; and ‘Speak’—voice out feelings, set boundaries, and engage in open communication.
The journey of shaping this transformative idea was steered under the expert guidance of Lucy Cokes, with indispensable contributions from student Theo Gaimster. Furthermore, collaborative inputs from reputed institutions and charities like Barnardo’s, Safer Futures, Safer Cornwall, and Safer Streets enriched the project, making it even more comprehensive and effective.
These designs, after careful deliberation, have been committed to print, amplifying their reach and impact. In a significant recognition of the concept, Lucy Cokes showcased “The Three Brave Monkeys” at the event ‘Ending domestic abuse, sexual violence, and violence against women and girls in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’. Alongside this, the “Do Not Ignore the Signs” concept, an original creation by Theo, also saw the light of day, receiving the backing of Safer Streets 4.
But how is this concept introduced to the students? Through an engaging fortune teller tool! This tool presents various scenarios, encouraging students to employ the three monkeys as a response mechanism. By engaging with these scenarios, they prepare themselves to face both positive and negative situations in real life. To complement this, Barnardo’s is diligently curating lesson plans, set to reach the students of Cornwall soon, as well as developing an online web page with a bank of resources that primary schools can utilise for free. Furthermore, this tool will be also used in one-to-one sessions for children and young people as part of the RECONNECT programme, delivered by Barnardo’s as a part of Safer Futures in Cornwall.
The “Three Brave Monkeys” concept is not just a tool but part of a movement. A movement to pave the way for a generation that understands the essence of relationships, respects boundaries, and is well-equipped to tackle challenges head-on.
If you would like to know more about this tool or be sent the resources, please email [email protected]
If you would like support with a project or initiative for your service you can contact:
Lucy Cokes
Instagram: @begoodfalmouth
To contact Pietro and see their work:
Pietro Ferrari
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pietro-vittorio-ferrari-091009295/
To contact Theo and see their work:
Theo Gaimster
Theo Nicholas Art
https://theonicholas.art
Instagram: @theonicolas.art