Young men in custody are getting the skills they need to get their lives back on track and stay out of the justice system.
The Minister for Corrections announced today that Labor will expand the Twinning Project to the new youth focussed Ripley Unit at Marngoneet Prison.
The Twinning Project brings Corrections Victoria, Melbourne City Football Club and the FIFA Foundation together.
The eight‑week program teaches life skills through football - building resilience, improving health and preparing young Victorians for work.
The program strengthens community safety by delivering rehabilitation and life skills to keep young men away from crime.
The program is delivered by coaching staff, mentors and various guest speakers who come from all walks of life.
The Ripley Unit houses 18 to 25‑year‑old men and supports them with targeted programs to break the cycle of offending.
Young men at Ripley can access family therapy, education, vocational training and the Twinning Project from day one - whether they are sentenced or on remand.
The Twinning Project is now running across four prisons, with 113 graduates at Marngoneet, the Metropolitan Remand Centre, Western Plains and the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre.
The Twinning Project began in the UK and now operates in more than 70 prisons across Europe, the US and Africa.
As stated by Minister for Corrections Enver Erdogan
"Programs like this help keep the community safe by giving young Victorians in custody the skills they need to turn their lives around - because violence is preventable, not inevitable."
As stated by Twinning Project Global Chief Executive Officer Hilton Freund MBE
"It's with great pleasure that we can continue our partnerships with Corrections Victoria, City in the Community and the FIFA Foundation to support people in prison through an engaging and meaningful program."
As stated by Head of Community at Melbourne City Football Club Sunil Menon
"We are proud to extend this work further with additional funding from the FIFA Foundation, partnering to support rehabilitation, connection and brighter futures through football."
As stated by Executive Chairman of the FIFA Foundation Mauricio Macri
"We are proud that our support is enabling the extension of the Twinning Project in Melbourne, helping participants build skills for life beyond custody and strengthening reintegration within communities."
