Shaping young voices to tell the stories that matter.

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).