Overview
At the We Say Y.E.S. (Youth Entrepreneurship for Self-Empowerment) Organization, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed – regardless of their background. Since 2013, we’ve been helping at-risk, disadvantaged youth unlock their potential through creative, hands-on programs that equip them with real-world skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and personal confidence.
Vision
To nurture empowered, entrepreneurial youth, who are confident, competent, caring, creative achievers, contributors and leaders.
Mission
To provide opportunities for youth to develop entrepreneurial attitudes, skills and competencies that will assist them in making positive choices and taking positive actions for self-empowerment, life-long success and community well-being; through non-traditional and creative programmes delivered by committed Community Groups, Corporate Partnership and other Social Tithing Partners.
Our Story
A vision born from the heart of the community
We Say Y.E.S. was born from the heart of East Port of Spain, Trinidad where stories of youth hardship, community violence, and generational struggle were becoming far too common.
In 2012, WSY’s Founder and Chief Nurturing Officer, Nichola Harvey-Mitchell, found herself deeply moved by the cycles of gang warfare and despair in her own community of Ovid Alley, Laventille. Rather than walk away, she asked God a different question: “What if we could transform this pain into purpose?”
With the support of trusted educators, social advocates, and thought leaders—like Dr. Gwendoline Williams, Dr. Claudia Harvey, Dr. Ralph Henry, and Yvonne Lewis—a pilot initiative took shape in 2013. That one-year pilot delivered twelve (12) life-changing modules in entrepreneurship and self-empowerment. It was designed using a locally customized version of the USA-based Marketplace for Kids curriculum, enhanced to reflect the lived experiences of Trinidad and Tobago’s youth.
What began as an experiment quickly evolved into a movement.
By 2016, the initiative was officially rebranded as the We Say Y.E.S. Organization, and formerly registered as a non-profit NGO. The program expanded from a one-year format into a structured six-year model that blends early entrepreneurship, creative and innovative expression, sports, technology, civic engagement, and career preparation.
From our roots in East Port of Spain, we’ve since branched out to communities across Trinidad—including Arima, La Horquetta, Maloney, St Augustine, Beetham Gardens, Morvant, Chaguanas, Cocorite, Harpe Place, and even Tobago—reaching children between the ages of 5 to 17 with relevant, hands-on, and holistic learning.
But more than programs, We Say Y.E.S. offers belonging. It offers visibility. It offers voice.
Our participants are not just students—they are future entrepreneurs, public servants, professionals, creators, advocates, and leaders. Many return as volunteers. Many are now running businesses, pursuing further education, university degrees, employed or leading in their communities. We call them “Achievers”—because that’s who they are.
Guided by a passionate team of staff, mentors, and volunteers, and sustained through the generosity of corporate partners, donors, and social tithing supporters, We Say Y.E.S. continues to invest in youth, empower families, and uplift communities.
We began with a spark. We’ve grown into a movement. And we’re just getting started!
Goals
- Instill the values of Entrepreneurship in the youth participants
- Assist in the development of key life skills that are associated with being successful
- Increase the awareness of multiple businesses and career opportunities
- Promote and cultivate youth entrepreneurship through entrepreneurship education and business and career opportunities
- Increase the motivation levels as it pertains to education and further education
- Reduce the attraction and involvement in crime and other negative activities
- Develop from among this group, Achievers, Contributors and Leaders in the community