Australian screen stories serve as both a ‘mirror’ and a ‘window’ for our young people: they reflect children’s own experiences of the world and share the diverse perspectives of others in their communities.

Harmony Day is celebrated annually on 21 March, coinciding with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The ongoing theme for this global day is ‘everyone belongs’. Harmony Day promotes inclusiveness, cultural respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. 

Educators have long understood the value of locally produced screen content and its usefulness in building students’ intercultural understanding. It is not always practical to provide students with face-to-face opportunities to interact with other cultures, but quality children’s television programs can provide a crucial opportunity to learn about cultures other than their own. This builds their cultural competence, and ultimately encourages understanding and acceptance of others in the real world.

Episodes from the following children’s series (and related free support materials) are perfect for exploring diverse cultural perspectives this Harmony Day. 

Little J and Big Cuz

Little J and Big Cuz are busy with the ups and downs of playground and classroom. There’s always something surprising going on whether it’s at school, in the backyard... or beyond. 

Hardball

When Mikey moves from New Zealand to Western Sydney, he finds himself in the thick of the ultra-competitive, schoolyard game of handball. Hardballis a fresh, fish-out-of-water comedy.

Woven Threads

Woven Threads presents varied and moving stories of refugees. The colourful and intricate tapestry of Woven Threads reminds us that regardless of creed or colour, we all belong to the same human family.

Mustangs FC

Mustangs FC is a goal kicking comedy drama about girls who are abandoning the sidelines and starting their local football club’s first all female team. 

MY:24

In MY:24, twenty-six young people from around Australia tell their story about the day that changed their lives forever. 

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