Aruba Youth Media Lab

Shaping young voices to tell the stories that matter.

About Aruba Youth Media Lab

The Aruba Youth Media Lab (AYML) is a hands-on media and journalism program for youth ages 11 to 16, created to amplify youth voices and spark meaningful conversation across the island.

The Aruba Youth Media Lab is not just about learning the basics of journalism; it’s about actively participating and using one’s voice. Throughout this program, participants will explore print, audio, visual, and digital journalism, focusing on developing their storytelling skills to cater specifically to their peers. During the program, participants will learn from media experts and journalists how to create news bytes and reels, culminating in five news broadcasts that they will have written, produced, and recorded.

AYML is an initiative by UNESCO and led by professional investigative journalist Melissa Stamper. Melissa is the co-founder of the association for journalists ‘Red Arubiano di Prensa Profesional’ (RAPP).

What We Do

01.

^{— Build Media Skills}

We teach the basics of journalism, storytelling, videography, and digital production. Youth learn how to write scripts, conduct interviews, capture footage, edit videos, and produce news content, step by step.

02.

^{— Give Youth a Platform}

AYML gives young people the chance to speak up on real issues. We focus on topics that matter to them, from mental health and climate change to school life and social pressure.

03.

^{— Youth-Led Newsroom}

Participants are the reporters, producers, and editors. They collaborate in teams to plan, research, and deliver five complete news broadcasts during the program.

04.

^{— Connect With Experts}

Participants are mentored by working journalists and content creators.
They get real-world tips and insights while visiting local newsrooms and visiting media organizations.

05.

^{— Build Critical Thinking}

AYML boosts youth confidence in speaking, analyzing, and questioning the world around them. We focus on media literacy, fact-checking, and responsible reporting.

06.

^{— Tell Stories That Matter}

Our goal is to amplify youth voices and make space for their stories.
Participants inform a real audience while representing the diverse voices of Aruba’s next generation.

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AYML PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Aruba Youth Media Lab is a 16-session program where young minds learn to report, create, and lead through the power of media.

August 21, 2025

Kick-Off

Introduction, Journalism & Media Production Overview (Week 1-2)

August 21, 2025

September 1, 2025

Basic Of Journalism

Ethics, Storytelling & Interviewing (Week 3-4)

September 1, 2025

September 15, 2025

Print Journalism

Writing News for Print, Field Trip to a News Outlet (Week 5-6)

September 15, 2025

September 29, 2025

Radio Journalism

Introduction to Radio Journalism & Field Trip to Radio Station (Week 7-8)

September 29, 2025

October 13, 2025

TV Journalism

TV Journalism Basics & Field Trip to TeleAruba (Week 9-10)

October 13, 2025

October 27, 2025

Digital Journalism

Photography, Storyboarding, Videography & Storyboarding Application (Weeek 11-12)

October 27, 2025

November 10, 2025

Design & Social Media

Logo Design, Social Media Presence, Creating News Bytes & Reels (Week 13-14)

November 10, 2025

November 24, 2025

Final Project

Final Project Development (Week 15)