St Monica’s College students promoting social cohesion

Tony, Chiara, Jadah, Grant and David. Picture: Joe Mastroianni.

Year 12 students at St Monica’s College are helping to promote social cohesion.

The school recently teamed up with Whittlesea and Wyndham councils, the Centre for Multicultural Youth, The Huddle at North Melbourne Football Club and LOTE Marketing to create animation campaigns examining discrimination, social justice and mental wellbeing.

Two groups of year 12 VCAL students were asked to script, design and direct two 30-second professional campaigns to be broadcast on social media. The students chose the themes of anxiety and social exclusion.

Principal Brian Hanley said the students had worked collaboratively on the campaigns for the past six months with the help of industry mentors.

“Tackling social issues is always important and our students work in this area is very well regarded,” he said.

“This project uses contemporary methods to make a strong statement. I applaud our staff and students for their work.”

Whittlesea mayor Ricky Kirkham said the project was an example of the importance of empowering young people.

“It’s fantastic to see students come up with such a powerful and creative response,” he said.