Who We Serve
In the past 17 years, Youth Speak Out International has effectively educated more than 20,000 multi-cultural students in South Florida and Internationally. YSO INT has worked with children and youth ages 5 to 18 at 118 afterschool and community based programs. Programs serving low-income families and at-risk youth receive priority.
South Florida
In recent years, most of our programs have taken place in Palm Beach County, Florida.
South Florida
Since 2008 YSO INT has empowered more than 16,355 children and youth in South Florida to develop their media literacy skills, learn to manage their screen time, strengthen their communication skills, discover their life’s purpose and to improve their digital citizenship skills.
In Palm Beach County, Florida:
See and hear the children and youth of South Florida Speaking Out about age related issues:
Belize
Making the Community Aware™
Making the Community Aware was a three-month, direct-service, media literacy and film production project at Sacred Heart College and Galen University in San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize. Volunteers from Youth Speak Out International mentored ten college students from Galen University to implement a photography and film production program to fifteen local, underserved high school youth. Through group discussions, community problems and solutions were addressed.
Participants created a short, three-minute film (below) that was showcased at a community forum/film screening at Sacred Heart College. A lasting youth voice was established within San Ignacio, Belize.
Trust is a Two Way Street
Photo slideshow of our work in Belize:
Testimonials:
“Nuestra universidad nunca ha ofrecido un programa de tutoría de producción de medios tan completo. Nuestros estudiantes universitarios pudieron trabajar con estudiantes de secundaria locales discutiendo problemas comunitarios relacionados con la edad y luego haciendo un cortometraje discutiendo las soluciones a los problemas. Damos la bienvenida a su organización en el futuro para continuar con su trabajo increible.”
Galen University Provost, San Ignacio, Belize
“La alfabetización mediática es una herramienta importante para que nuestra comunidad la utilice. Nuestra futura generación debe saber cómo procesar los mensajes de los medios. Esperamos ver cómo nuestros estudiantes practican esta habilidad.”
Sacred Heart College Professor, San Ignacio, Belize
“Estamos orgullosos de nuestro cortometraje. Educará a la comunidad sobre la problemática social de San Ingncio..”
Media Literacy Student, San Ignacio, Belize
Costa Rica
Costa Rica Going Green
Costa Rica Going Green was a two -year social and emotional media literacy project at Escuela Pochotel, in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Volunteers from Youth Speak Out International worked with twenty eight elementary and middle school aged students. Participants learned how media messages influence their decision making skills and why it’s important to create positive media messages. Students produced public service announcements bringing awareness to the need to recycle within their community and country. To date, local restaurants, hotels and residents are utilizing recycling canisters. Costa Rica is Going Green!
Video Gallery
Testimonials:
“Le agradecemos a su organización por enseñar a nuestros estudiantes la producción de videos y la alfabetización mediática.
Los videos creados por nuestros estudiantes traerán esperanza al futuro de nuestros países.”
School Headmaster, Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
“Su programa de medios ha dado esperanza a nuestros niños locales. Los videos que crearon ayudarán a nuestra comunidad a reciclar y mantener limpias nuestras playas. Gracias por todo lo que haces.”
Hotel Owner, Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
“Aprender a usar cámaras de video y equipos de estudio me enseñó a ser productor. Quiero ser cineasta y compartir mis ideas con el mundo.”
Media Literacy Student, Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
Jamaica
Jamaica On The Rise
Jamaica on The Rise was a media literacy project that took place from 2008-2011. This project was carried out in two Parishes of Jamacia, St Thomas and (SouthSide) Kingston. All participating (40) students ranged in age from 9 to 22 years old. Despite their community differences both youth groups chose to create media projects discussing the fact that the people of Jamaica need to unit as one. The completed public service announcement and educational video “Jamaica on the Rise” have aired on public networks in Jamaica and the United States. The youth of Jamaica were given the opportunity to have a strong lasting voice.
Video Gallery
Testimonials:
“This 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, SouthSide, 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