Testimonials

Youth Speak Out International regularly invites feedback from children, teens, parents, afterschool program directors, and members of the community. This feedback has been consistently positive throughout the years. Below are comments submitted by program participants, grouped by program.

 

Today’s Digital Citizens™

“Learning how to become a digital citizen has prepared my students for the 21st Century. I have seen first hand how my children work together as they learn the social and emotion skills of collaboration and communication.” Summer Camp Director, Riviera Bch, Florida, USA

“Your program taught me how to be safe while connecting with my friends online and how to post positive messages on my social media accounts.” Middle School Student, (14 years old) West Palm Bch, Florida, USA

“I learned how important it’s to treat others with respect and to get along with kids from other cultures. “ Elementary School Student, (10 years old) Riviera Bch, Florida, USA

Life’s Purpose™

“Life’s Purpose™ Youth Empowerment Program has changed the mind set of today’s generation.”
Major Mamine Saintil, Detention Center Superintendent II, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Palm Beach Regional Juvenile Detention Center, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

“Thank you for helping my son make a change in his life. He now talks about having goals and wanting to finish High School.”
Parent of Youth, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Palm Beach Regional Juvenile Detention Center,West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

“I’ve worked at DJJ for more than 15 years and Life’s Purpose™ Youth Empowerment Program is one of the most effective life skills programs I have encountered.”
Captain Welton Sanders, Assistant Detention Center Superintendent, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Palm Beach Regional Juvenile Detention Center,West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

“I created my purpose, mission and life goals. I now have to live by these codes. I will be successful in life.”
Life’s Purpose™ Student, 17 years old, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Palm Beach Regional Juvenile Detention Center,West Palm Beach, Florida, USA  

“Our students finally have a program that gives them a way to create purpose and guidance in their lives.”
Detention Center Officer, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Palm Beach Regional Juvenile Detention Center,West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

“My passionate belief in the potential of our youth and the power of the youth voice was reaffirmed during the implementation of Life’s Purpose™ Youth Empowerment Program at the Palm Beach Regional Juvenile Detention Center.”
Arlene L. Connelly, President/CEO ISEE Group, Board Chairman, Youth Speak Out International, Jupiter, Florida, USA 

“During family visitation, youth are communicating with their parents how Life’s Purpose™ Youth Empowerment Program is inspiring them to make positive changes in their lives.”
Captain Welton Sanders, Assistant Detention Center Superintendent,  Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Palm Beach Regional Juvenile Detention Center, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

Unplug to Connect™

“Youth Speak Out International’s Digital Addiction Intervention program taught our youth, parents and staff members how to limit the time they spend using mobile technology. Our students produced short videos that gave solutions to the growing problem of the over use of on-screen technology.”
Community Based Organization, Executive Director, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

“Our whole family signed your Family Media Agreement. We put it up on our refrigerator so we can see it every day. It helps us to limit our use of on-screen technology and to put our phones away at the dinner table.”
Middle School Student, (13 years old), Lake Worth, Florida, USA

“Youth Speak Out International’s program facilitators were well trained in giving our students and families affective strategies to self-regulate the time they spend communicating screen technologies. They made it fun to communicate face-to-face.”
After School Program Staff Member, Riviera Bch., Florida, USA

“Your program helped my mom and dad put down their cell phones and spend more time with me. It makes me happy to get outside without technology and play with my family at the park.” Elementary School Student, (11 years old), West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

Today’s Technology & Communication™

“Today’s Technology and Communication program has helped me to put down my technology 1and spend quality time with my friends.”
Elementary School Student, (12 years old), Boyton Beach, Florida, USA

“When my friends are on their technology when we are hanging out I ask them to put it down and be present.”
High School Student, (16 years old), West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

“Your program has helped my family to regulate the time we spend on our technology. Thank you for caring.”
Parent, Delray Bch, Florida, USA

“I have been bullied this year in school. Now I know how to protect myself. I learned a lot about bullying. Thank you. ”
Elementary School Student, (10 years old), West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

“I’m very proud of my daughter for completing your program. She now understands the media and how to react to it.”
Local Parent, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

“Your program helped me understand my community. I’m very proud of the film we created.”
Media Literacy Student, San Ignacio, Belize

“We looked at all aspects of our country and how we can make it better. Our film, “Jamaica on the Rise” will make a difference in the world.”
Media Literacy Student, South Side, Jamaica

“Your program is helping our inner city students understand how to make their community a better place. Thank you.”
Community Member, Riviera Beach, Florida, USA

“Your program has changed the lives of my students. They loved working with the video cameras and expressing themselves on film. We would love you to work with our children again. Your program changes lives.”
Palm Beach County School Teacher, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

“This media literacy project has been an eye opening experience for my students. I found the Study Circles to be useful to engage everyone in my class. We welcome your program in our school anytime.”
High School Teacher, Boynton Beach, Florida, USA

“We use the posters created by our students in the community. Kids react well to anything created by other kids. Thank you for making a difference in our students.”
Middle School Teacher, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

“Your media literacy program fits into our mission to support The School District of Palm Beach County by helping students to understand the media and develop critical thinking skills. The most amazing part of your program is that the students themselves create their own media projects, allowing them to explore and interpret the world around them as they see it.”
Station Manager, The Education Television Network, Florida, USA

“YSO TV is an incredible program for my children. This program is building my daughters self-esteem and allows her to try new technology which is broadening her horizons.”
Elementary School Parent, Riviera Beach, Florida, USA

“Your community forum was amazing. I enjoyed seeing the students get up in front of the room and share what they learned. You are creating a better future for our children. Thank you. P.S. It would be an honor to have you work with my children again.”
Local Parent, Riviera Beach, Florida, USA

“I liked being the camera man on YSO TV. Now I can frame my shots and storyboard like a grown up.”
Elementary School Student, Lake Worth, Florida, USA

“YSO TV inspired me to get in front of a video camera and to tell my story. This program made me feel better about myself. ”
Elementary School Student, Riviera Beach, Florida, USA

“I learned how to work on a team and feel secure with myself in front of a video camera. Being the anchor woman was the Bomb.”
Middle School Student, Riviera Beach, Florida, USA

“Now I know how to stop bullying. This class helped me to feel good about who I’m. I would like to make another video for YSO TV.”
Elementary School Student, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

“Your media literacy project has been a positive influence on the children of Southside, Jamaica. I’m proud of the outcome. I hope this experience will assist in their future endeavors. I endorse Youth Speak Out International’s work. A  job well done!”
Production Manager, Kingston, Jamaica

“It made me proud to see myself on film. The people in the community said the film was very insightful.”
Media Literacy Student, South Side, Jamaica

“We looked at all aspects of our country and how we can make it better. Our film, “Jamaica on the Rise” will make a difference in the world.”
Media Literacy Student, South Side, Jamaica

 

Collaborations

“The Edna Runner Tutorial Center collaborates with this institution of learning to ensure our youth have the opportunity to experience the world of media and understand its direct impact. This organization is a testament to the understanding of and sensitivity to the complexity of today’s challenges within youth culture. Their organization is well versed in the area of cultural competency, media Literacy and life skills.”
Executive Director, Jupiter, Florida, USA

“Youth Speak Out International has done an amazing job with our students. Your lead facilitator, William Desravines has an infectious positive personality and has truly made the Today’s Technology and Communication experience for our students meaningful! He delivered a much needed message and did it in an effective and engaging manner. Our students will be presenting their PSA’s to their families, and I know it will be particularly meaningful for all concerned. Thank you for sharing your talent with our school!”
Afterschool Site Coordinator, Delray Beach, Florida, USA

“Your media literacy program fits into our mission to support The School District of Palm Beach County by helping students  to understand the media and develop critical thinking skills. The most amazing part of your program is that the students themselves create their own media projects, allowing them to explore and interpret the world around them as they see it.”
Station Manager, The Education Television Network, Florida, USA