The Riverina Youth Justice Centre in Wagga Wagga, Australia, is implementing a rap program designed to help young offenders express their emotions and redirect their life paths. Teon Lolesio, a former youth whose passion for rap music served as an emotional outlet, now known as Turquoise Prince, leads workshops aimed at inspiring creativity and inspiring change among the youths in custody. The program emphasizes the therapeutic potential of rap, offering these young individuals a means to channel their feelings into productive artistic expression.

In the face of the stigma associated with hip hop, particularly its ties to crime, Lolesio's approach focuses on the transformative power of music as a tool for personal development. His workshops have seen enthusiastic participation among the young people, allowing them to explore their identities and aspirations beyond the confines of their current circumstances. Lolesio believes that by revealing alternative paths through creativity, he can positively impact the lives of these youths, potentially steering them away from future delinquency.

In collaboration with center staff, such as assistant manager Ian Robertson, the program is designed to resonate with the young offenders, making it more relatable and effective. By fostering an environment where creativity can flourish, the initiative aims not only to provide a constructive outlet but also to instill hope and self-expression among the participants, ultimately contributing to lower rates of reoffending in the future.