Without fuss or fanfare, a relatively young non-profit organisation is literally working wonders among at-risk youths in east Port-of-Spain and other communities, building self-esteem, steering them away from a life of crime and leading them toward the positive path of youth empowerment, a release said.
The founder and chief nurturer, Nichola Harvey-Mitchell, says: "We Say YES (Youth Entrepreneurship for Self-Empowerment) was formed in 2012 to create a structured and viable programme for youths in at-risk communities in east Port-of-Spain as a direct response to counteract an increase in gun violence and gang warfare".
"In February 2012, I had a vision from God to create a comprehensive programme that would empower these youths to become successful adults, keep them away from a life of crime and help them not to be dependent on government hand-outs," explained Harvey-Mitchell, as she co-ordinated an outdoor sales operation at the Chaguaramas Boardwalk last Saturday.
Scores of youths, accompanied by parents, mentors and facilitators offered a variety of snacks, such as mango chow, ice cream and juices, as well as postcards and other items for sale to members of the public. The project served as an example of a simple business enterprise–a critical step to youth empowerment.
With a smile on her face, an effervescent Harvey-Mitchell supervised the eager youngsters as they embarked from buses, commandeered a vantage spot at the popular boardwalk and oversaw the setting up of the items for sale. The kids obediently followed the instructions of mentors and parents.
As Harvey-Mitchell pointed out, sponsorship is a key component in the success of such a wide-ranging and comprehensive programme. "We are extremely grateful to our corporate partners who have invested in this programme. Without their support, guidance and financial assistance, we would have barely gotten off the ground. In this respect, I want to single out RBC Royal Bank T&T for their wholehearted and long-term support."
RBC Royal Bank managing director, Darryl White, said that RBC was proud to partner with We Say YES organisation. "RBC prides itself with having one simple purpose–helping clients thrive and communities prosper. It's at the heart of all that we do. We believe in building prosperity by caring for the communities in which we live and work. We Say YES is performing small miracles in these communities and we feel privileged to play a part in this heart-warming outreach programme."
For 12-year-old Keyona Edwards, of John John, Laventille, the programme has opened her eyes to a range of possibilities. "I am in my second year now and it has been very inspiring. I am learning various skills that I would not have been able to do otherwise. I am learning to sing, play the steelpan and do drumming. I am really enjoying it," said Edwards, as she joined her colleagues in selling snacks to passers-by.
Since its inception in 2012, We Say YES has evolved from being a 12-month programme to a three-year programme with two years devoted to contact learning and one-year mentorship for youths between the ages of five and 16 years. Initially planned for the east Port-of-Spain communities such as Laventille and Beetham Gardens, the organisation has also reached out to youths in outlying areas such as St James, Belmont and San Juan.
Harvey-Mitchell explained that when she got the vision to help at-risk youths, she began the search for a comprehensive programme that would keep young people away from a life of crime, empower them to become successful through entrepreneurship and not to be dependent on government. She found the ideal concept in the MarketPlace for Kids programme, formulated in North Dakota, United States. The US-based organisation responded positively and gave permission for the programme to be customised to suit the Trinidad and Tobago culture and environment.
Collaborating with a group of dedicated mentors, experts in various disciplines and volunteers, the visionary young founder and her group made the We Say YES programme a reality.
The first-year curriculum focuses on basics of entrepreneurship and self-empowerment concepts and skills, while year two taps into the cultural and artistic talents and potential of the youths. Students on year three are engaged in project-based activities that focus on business and career options.
Harvey-Mitchell is assisted in the operations by co-directors Jerry Medford and Stacy Ann Lowe. The programme is guided by a cadre of advisers, experts and module facilitators, including Yvonne Lewis, Valerie Taylor, Jacqui Burgess, Arlene Caines, Judith Mark, Brendon Braithwaite, Marcus Dowdy and Dr Gwendolyn Williams.