Muslim youth centre runs Friday night programs to steer boys away from gangs
United Muslims of Australia runs weekly Friday night programs for ages 9 to 15 to guide young people away from crime.
Hundreds of boys and girls aged nine to 15 attend Friday night programs at the United Muslims of Australia headquarters in western Sydney. The centre offers prayer, gaming, futsal and guidance to young Muslims at risk.
The programs come as, in the past 18 months, police have charged hundreds of teenage boys over involvement in Sydney's gang conflicts. Some teens as young as 14 have been recruited to carry out targeted attacks.
Two boys, aged 14 and 16, were recently charged over the shooting death of 23-year-old university student Marco Tapia. UMA founder Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman said: "We want our children to be proud Muslims without compromising their faith.
I want them to be proud Australians that contribute back to their community." NSW Premier Chris Minns announced this month that children charged with gang-linked offences would be tried as adults in higher courts.
- Hundreds charged in past 18 months
- Time frame
- 9 to 15 years old
- Program ages
- Padstow, western Sydney
- Location
Why it mattersCommunity programs like this aim to provide youth with belonging and purpose, which authorities see as key to breaking the cycle of gang recruitment.
AustraliaWestern Sydney families have access to free Friday evening programs designed to keep teenagers engaged and away from crime networks.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 d ago
