Who We Are
Professional Journalism for a Better Informed Tomorrow.
Who We Are
Building The Next Generation Of News Makers.
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 AYML is not just about learning the basics of journalism; it’s about actively participating and using their voice. Throughout this program, participants will delve into print, audio, visual, and digital journalism, focusing on their storytelling abilities 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.
This groundbreaking initiative is powered by UNESCO and led by Melissa Stamper, a respected investigative journalist in Aruba. With over ten years of experience reporting on social justice, public accountability, and underrepresented voices, Melissa brings real-world knowledge, local insight, and strong values of journalistic integrity to the program.
She is also the co-founder of Red Arubiano di Prensa Profesional (RAPP), Aruba’s newest association for journalists focused on raising journalism standards and building a more collaborative, ethical, and sustainable media environment. Melissa’s leadership ensures that AYML is not only about teaching media, but it’s also about shaping a new generation of critical thinkers, storytellers, and truth-seekers who understand the power of their voice.
Our Approach
AYML Gives Youth A Platform To Strengthen Their Voice.
At the Aruba Youth Media Lab, we believe that young people deserve to be heard, and equipped to lead the conversation. Our approach is grounded in real-world learning, creative exploration, and critical thinking. We offer youth a space to report on the world around them while developing the skills to navigate it with clarity, responsibility, and purpose. From classrooms to newsrooms, we guide our participants to shape media, question narratives, and produce stories that reflect the realities they care about.
01.
— Our Mission
To empower young people in Aruba to become skilled, ethical, and engaged storytellers. Through hands-on training in journalism, media literacy, and digital production, we help youth build the confidence and tools they need to inform, inspire, and impact their communities.
02.
— Our Vision
We envision an island where young voices are not only heard, but trusted and valued in shaping public dialogue. By building a youth-led media platform, we aim to nurture a new generation of critical thinkers, active citizens, and future media professionals who contribute to a more inclusive, informed, and democratic society.
03.
— Our Story
The Aruba Youth Media Lab was born from a clear gap: while young people have much to say, they rarely have a seat at the table. Inspired by this, journalist Melissa Stamper, in collaboration with UNESCO, created AYML to give youth the platform, mentorship, and skills they need to tell their stories their way. What started as an idea has grown into a national initiative that gives young minds the mic—backed by professional guidance and community support.
Partners
