'Social cohesion' is a popular term, but in the most basic sense it means 'coming together' and at Avalon Airport Oval recently, it was literally playing-out for all to see. 

Playing football was a mix of young boys and girls, Muslims and non-Muslims, some wearing headscarfs and others uncovered.

Normally the students would have been at school but on this occasion, they gathered to celebrate the launch of The Huddle's ‘AniMATES’ program.

‘AniMATES’, is a youth led social marketing campaign that promotes social cohesion by addressing race and religious-based discrimination and hate. Participants work to create an engaging animated video aimed at conveying a strong message to the wider population.

In its second year, ‘AniMATES’ has expanded to Wyndham and Whittlesea, drawing students from Islamic schools like al Taqwa College and El Saraat College, as well as St Monica’s College and the Wyndham Community and Education Centre.

The program has three phases, the first being the capacity building phase, based on leadership training and creating group cohesion. The second is campaign development which allows the group to explore issues that are important to them. The final phase is the production of the video where students develop their concepts further by creating scripts and story boards, revising their animations and adding colour, music, and voiceovers.

While the end product is always something to behold, the program is more about the journey than the destination. 

It is hoped AniMATES’ will assist in building resilience and a sense of community among young people and help prevent hate speech and anti-social attitudes and behaviours. The program also empowers young people at risk of disengagement to use social marketing and media to create positive and constructive messages that will strengthen relationships between Muslim and non-Muslim young people. 

Watch the videos from last year here.