UPDATE: In a powerful call to action, former gang members Mar and Moses Riek are urging youth to break free from the cycle of crime and violence. Their transformation from life on the streets to community leaders is inspiring change, and they are sharing their story to guide others.
Just released from prison last year, Moses Riek emphasizes the urgency of mentorship and community support. “I see my testimony as a blueprint and a pathway out of the streets and trouble,” he states, revealing the depth of his commitment to helping youth navigate their own lives.
The Riek brothers fled the civil war in Sudan and arrived in Australia in 2005, seeking a better life. However, they faced the harsh realities of growing up in a single-parent household in Pakenham. While both excelled in sports, the allure of street life quickly overshadowed their athletic ambitions.
At just 13, Mar formed a gang, drawn into a world of crime that included petty theft and drug dealing. He recalls, “The same year I joined the gang is the same year I left. I realize it wasn’t truly me.” His brother Moses faced a similar fate, with a promising basketball career cut short by injury. After drifting into crime and serving a four-and-a-half year prison sentence for a home invasion in 2020, he found a new purpose through rehabilitation programs.
Their near brushes with death and the loss of friends prompted a radical change in perspective. “The streets is dead,” Mar declared, highlighting the futility of their past choices. Both brothers now champion community development, financial literacy, and moral responsibility to prevent youth from walking the same path they did.
Today, Mar leads music programs at Next Generation Unite and co-founded 1038 The Collective, a record label aimed at uplifting young creatives in Pakenham. His efforts focus on empowering the next generation to prioritize their futures. Meanwhile, Moses works with the South Sudanese Expert Working Group within the Department of Justice, mentoring youth involved in the justice system and forging connections with government programs.
“I’m learning to be a professional, navigating corporate spaces,” Moses stated, reinforcing the importance of resilience. “Don’t give up on your dreams. The streets may have taken some paths from me, but they didn’t take my purpose.”
With their advocacy, the Riek brothers aim to shatter the generational cycle of gang involvement. Their message is clear: alternatives to crime exist, and change is possible. “I hope it empowers others to pick themselves and their futures first,” Mar said, calling on young people to believe in themselves and seek support.
The Riek brothers’ story is a testament to redemption and the power of mentorship. As they continue to impact their community, they challenge the notion that the streets are the only option, proving that with determination and support, a brighter future is within reach.
As they navigate their new roles, both brothers remain committed to leaving a lasting legacy. Their journey serves as an urgent reminder that change starts with hope and the willingness to reach out for help.
