Creating brighter futures

Organisation
Rap 4 Change

There is no such thing as 9 to 5 in the life of Tino (MC Free) Isaia.

She makes herself available to at-risk youth day and night, all while being a dedicated parent to her own children.

MC Free is the Operations Manager of Rap 4 Change, a charity youth organisation that uses music, sports and creative arts programs as a medium to engage and redirect disadvantaged youth to make positive decisions in all aspects of life.

MC Free is also the Vice President of Mt Druitt Lions Baseball Club that actively engages around 200 participants, keeping our youth off the streets.

She reaches out runs to vulnerable young people through schools, behavioural centres, community centres, correctional centres and TAFE.

Last year alone, 15 young people who were lost and facing an uncertain future resumed their schooling or started an apprenticeship after attending Rap 4 Changes Leadership Program that MC Free facilitated. “I have always had a passion for helping our youth find a platform to express themselves,” she says.

MC Free also provides one-on-one mentoring to young offenders in correctional centres creating pathways to education or employment opportunities for a brighter future once released. Having experienced a difficult childhood, she connects easily with young people.

Justice staff report young people are more settled, positive and committed to changing their future as a result of her mentoring.

“I encourage them to reach their full potential by identifying their blocks to life, understanding and being accountable of their own behaviours, sharing their stories and testimonies through music and smashing their barriers,” MC Free says.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Rap 4 Change will facilitate a 10 week Express Yourself Workshop, where young people from all walks of life can express themselves through creative arts and music. Sharing their stories with our community will assist in healing, building confidence, building literacy, vocabulary and social skills and empower and encourage our young people to have a voice in society.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here