MMAD and Supermassive Games Launch ’Futures‘ Radio Program for youth justice Centres
Sydney,Australia – A new initiative combining creative media skills training wiht radio broadcasting is showing promising results in youth rehabilitation,with early data indicating meaningful engagement from young people in custody. ‘Futures,’ a collaboration between the MMAD Sony Foundation Children’s Fund and Supermassive Games, launched a pilot program at Cobham Youth justice Center and is now poised for national expansion.
The program equips young detainees with skills in audio production,storytelling,and radio presentation,culminating in the operation of a dedicated radio station within the facility. Beyond skill-building, ‘Futures’ aims to foster self-esteem and provide a platform for discussing mental health and other important issues. According to program leaders, the initiative is already demonstrating a positive impact on participants.
“Through ’Futures’, the transformation has been powerful,” said a representative, recounting a psychologist’s observation of a young person who “struggled with reading, writing, and speaking” but has made “huge progress through being part of the ‘Futures’ crew.” One participant even reached the top 20 of the MMAD Sony Star program shortly after his release and initial engagement with the program.
Youth Justice Minister Jihad Dib hailed ‘Futures’ as a “remarkable initiative” that empowers young people to “find their voice and make real and lasting transformation in their lives,” adding that such programs are crucial to reducing reoffending rates.
Supermassive Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer Jon austin explained the program’s success stems from applying core principles of engagement. “People are more likely to pay attention when the message takes the shape of the things they love and plays in the spaces they respect,” he said. Initial reports show detainees are listening to an average of 14 hours of ‘Futures’ programming per week, exceeding the initial goal of one hour.
Following a triumphant 12-month pilot, plans are underway to roll out ‘Futures’ to other youth detention centres nationwide, with a long-term vision of the program being run by former detainees who have completed the training.
