Vox Iuventus Impactus

***Content warning:  The following content may contain sensitive material. The statements presented in this episode is not meant to reflect the reality of all young people’s relationship dynamics, but rather provide general information on the topic of Healthy Relationships amongst youth from the knowledge and experience of our guest speakers. The following content is not meant to scare our viewers/listeners, but rather bring awareness to the importance of fostering healthy relationships amongst young people. 

The finale of Season 1 of Vox Iuventus, our second Live Discussion 'Healthy Relationships', in collaboration with Fundacion Respeta Mi is here!  

In our second Live Discussion, we spoke to Jeanmiree van der Werf, Micheline Mathurin, Gabriella Carisal, Ema Koolman, and a special anonymous guest on the topic of “Healthy Relationships".  

In our second Live Discussion, we discussed various themes related to factors that can influence or deteriorate the health of a relationship such as consent, pornography, grooming, normalized toxic behaviors in relationships, forms of sexual abuse, and cultural influences.  

This is the last episode of Season 1 of Vox Iuventus, join us next year as we welcome a new year and a new season of Vox Iuventus!

***Content warning:  This live discussion may contain sensitive material. The statements presented in this live discussion are not meant to reflect the reality of all young people’s mental health circumstances, but rather provide general information on the topic of mental health amongst the youth in the Caribbean from the perspective of the guest speakers' knowledge and experience. This live discussion is not meant to scare our viewers/listeners, but rather bring awareness to the importance of mental health amongst the Caribbean youth.    

Our first Live Discussion 'Into The Mind with Caribbean Youth', in commemoration of our newest series "MIND Your Health" and in collaboration with From The Islands is here!

In our first Live Discussion, we spoke to Julissa Koeiman, Tamira Koeiman, and Dorene Joseph on the topic of “Into The Mind with Caribbean Youth".

In our first Live Discussion, we discussed various themes related to the mental health of the Caribbean youth such as the hardships of adjusting to studying abroad, the normalization of mental health-related challenges amongst the youth,  the challenges of developing your identity while encountering generational trauma, the stigma of mental health in our Caribbean communities, and the lack of information on mental health in the Caribbean's education system.

***Content warning:  This episode may contain sensitive material. The statements presented in this episode are not meant to reflect the reality of all young people’s mental health circumstances, but rather provide general information on the topic of mental health amongst youth from the knowledge and experience of a Child & Youth Psychologist. This episode is not meant to scare our viewers/listeners, but rather bring awareness to the importance of mental health among the youth.  

Part II of Episode 16 from our newest series "MIND Your Health" is here!   

In part II of Episode 16, we continue to speak to Raymicheline Raymond, a Policinic Child & Youth Psychologist, System Therapist, and Infant Mental Health Specialist at Fundacion Salud Mental Aruba RESPALDO, on the topic of “Into The Mind with a Child & Youth Psychologist".    

In part II of Episode 16, we discussed various themes related to the frontal lobes of young people, the challenges of developing your identity after experiencing trauma, how parents can sustain their children in the process of their development, the resilience of our youth, and tips to help young people maintain stable mental health.

***Content warning:  This episode may contain sensitive material. The statements presented in this episode are not meant to reflect the reality of all young people’s mental health circumstances, but rather provide general information on the topic of mental health amongst youth from the knowledge and experience of a Child & Youth Psychologist. This episode is not meant to scare our viewers/listeners, but rather bring awareness to the importance of mental health among the youth.  

Part I of Episode 16 from our newest series "MIND Your Health" is here!  

In Episode 16, we speak to Raymicheline Raymond, a Policinic Child & Youth Psychologist, System Therapist, and Infant Mental Health Specialist at Fundacion Salud Mental Aruba RESPALDO, on the topic of “Into The Mind with a Child & Youth Psychologist".  

In this episode, we discussed various themes related to mental health such as what mental health means to her profession, what are the common mental health-related challenges that she has encountered in her profession, what ways can mental health-related challenges affect the daily lives of young people and what signs to look for when considering asking for professional help.

***Content warning: 

During the episode, the guests discussed various themes related to mental health-related challenges, including self-imagery. The statements of the individuals in the episode are not meant to reflect the reality of all young people’s mental health circumstance, but rather provide a general perspective from their point of view of the topic and to bring awareness to the topic.

This episode is not meant to scare our viewers/listeners, but rather bring awareness to the importance of mental health among the youth. 

Part II of our first episode in the new series 'MIND Your Health' is here! 

In part II of episode 15, we speak to Amanda Britten & Djurwin Brito (aka Dj Gab) on the topic of 'Into The Mind with YOUth'.  We discussed various themes related to mental health such as what mental health means to them as a young person, the importance of prioritizing mental health, what mental health-related challenges they have encountered, and what do they think about the way our community treats mental health among the youth.

Our first episode in the new series 'MIND Your Health' is here!

In episode 15, we speak to Amanda Britten & Djurwin Brito (aka Dj Gab) on the topic of 'Into The Mind with YOUth'. 

We discussed various themes related to mental health such as what mental health means to them as a young person, the importance of prioritizing mental health, what mental health-related challenges they have encountered, and what do they think about the way our community treats mental health among the youth.  

Stay tuned for part II of episode 15 'MIND Your Health: Into The Mind with YOUth'.

Our last episode in the 'Reality Check: Are You Ready To Spread Your Wings?' is here!

In episode 14, we speak to Isabelle De Cuba & Nevin Henriquez, two students who are living and studying abroad on the topic of "Being Dushi, Whenever & Wherever". In this episode, we discussed various themes related to cultural identities such as growing whilst maintaining your cultural roots, impacting others with your cultural identity, the right to study in the Netherlands/Europe, and resources of help for students in need of support/guidance. 

Isabelle De Cuba & Nevin Henriquez are completing their studies in the Netherlands.

Episode 13 "Arriving & Thriving" from our new series: 'Reality Check: Are You Ready To Spread Your Wings?' is here!

In Episode 13, we speak to Carizja Rampart & Richelene de Lange, two students who are living and studying abroad on the themes of "Permitting The Unknown" and "Fun Obstacles", which explores what you should expect to experience when starting your student trajectory in a new place!

Richelene is currently studying in the U.S. and Carizja is studying in the Netherlands. They both shared their perspectives on being independent as a student for the first time, dealing with homesickness, creating a space in which you feel at home, and dealing with school preparations.

Our next episode in the 'Reality Check: Are You Ready to Spread Your Wings?' is here!  

 In part two of episode 12,  we continue the conversation with Arielle and Joshue about '𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙚𝙖𝙧' - in this particular part of episode 12, we discussed the fear that comes with adapting to new changes when living in a foreign country!  

Arielle and Joshue are both studying in North America (in the US and Canada, respectively!) and share their perspectives on how they changed their fear of new experiences (the fear of settling in, getting to know people, stepping out of your comfort zone) into new opportunities.

Our next episode in the 'Reality Check: Are You Ready to Spread Your Wings?' is here! 

In part one of episode 12,  we speak to Arielle and Joshue about '𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙚𝙖𝙧' - embracing all the new challenges one confronts when living in a foreign country!

Arielle and Joshue are both studying in North America (in the US and Canada, respectively!) and share their perspectives on how they changed their fear of new experiences (the fear of settling in, getting to know people, stepping out of your comfort zone) into new opportunities.

Part 2 of Episode 11 "Welcoming The New" from our new series titled: 'Reality Check: Are You Ready To Spread Your Wings?' is here!

In part 2 of the first episode in the series, we continue to talk to Amadee and Lisiana, two young ladies who are living and studying abroad, on the 'outside newness' that comes with welcoming new experiences. We also explored themes such as myths of living in the Netherlands, comfort zones, fixed expectations and how to manage your finances as a student. 

New month, new series! With this episode we start a new series titled 'Reality Check: Are You Ready To Spread Your Wings?'

The first episode in the series is 'Welcoming The New'. We spoke with Amadee and Lisiana, two young ladies who are living and studying abroad, on the 'personal newness' that comes with living and studying abroad. We also explored themes such as individual independence, mentality, discipline, moral support, and how to maintain a drive to pursue your goals. 

Episode 1: Welcoming The New is divided in 2 parts. Part 2 will premiere on Wednesday, 15 July 2020. 

In episode 10 of Vox Iuventus Impactus, we speak to Lay Hing de Kort, founder and chief purpose officer of Cornerstone Economics, on the current economic and financial circumstances of Aruba as consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As an island whose main economic pillar is tourism, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a socio-economic crisis that has impacted approximately 30,000 people. During this episode, we chat with Lay Hing about what's happening and what Aruba can do to restart more sustainable economic pillars. 

This episode of Vox Iuventus was recorded in the language of Papiamento. 

In the third part of our 'Hoben na Palabra' (Youth Talking) series, we spoke to Leonardo Figaroa, an 19-year-old recent high school graduate on how he spent his time at home during Shelter in Place orders during the COVID-19 lockdown in Aruba.   

This episode of Vox Iuventus was recorded in the language of Papiamento.

In today's episode we spoke to two Colegio EPI students Gislaine and Marie-Jaindrah, both in their final year and members of their unit's student council. Following preventive measures implemented by the government to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Aruba, all schools in Aruba were closed starting March 16. A couple of weeks later, schools began adopting distance learning strategies to ensure students can continue getting an education during the pandemic. By May, Aruba was preparing to ease lockdown measures and Colegio EPI announced that exams and resits would follow soon. This led to many students expressing themselves on social media, not agreeing with the sudden news.

We approached Gislaine and Marie-Jaindrah to share their experiences as students of Colegio EPI's Unit Economia (Economics) and explain what happened during this whole ordeal. Finally, Gislaine and Marie-Jaindrah give in-coming EPI students advice on how to adapt to the new normal at school as well.  

This episode of Vox Iuventus was done in the Papiamento language.

On this episode of Vox Iuventus, we introduce a new segment: youth in the field.   The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread procedures to help prevent the spread of the virus. In Aruba, shelter-in-place orders were introduced in late March while frontline workers continued to work to ensure people's safety. The Youth In The Field segment puts a spotlight on youngsters who are out contributing in the community, and in this case during the COVID-19 crisis.   In this episode, we spoke to Liandro Loopstok (21), a student and dedicated volunteer who is helping Fundacion pa Nos Comunidad (local foodbank) during the COVID-19 crisis.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, stay-at-home measures means that we are  adapting to a new normal when it comes to how we live and lead our  lives.

In Aruba, where our GDP is 80% dependent on tourism, a complete lock down of our aerial space to control the spread of the virus has meant that our tourism is at a complete standstill. This has led to a socioeconomic crisis not seen since the closure of the Lago Refinery in the late 80s. This crisis is reaching unprecedented results for our country.

For our young people, who have been practicing distance learning since mid-March, it can be overwhelming to witness the changes happening so quickly in their lives: learning in a completely new environment, some face challenges trying to follow distance learning, some have tenuous home situations, others see their parents struggling to make ends meet after they've been sent home with a 'no work, no pay' note from their employers. This can all lead to stressors that they may not know how to deal with.

With this episode of Vox Iuventus, we speak to Clementia Eugene, a Clinical Social Worker, PhD Candidate and lecturer at the University of Aruba's Social Work and Development program, on what is mindfulness, the importance of it, and how we can practice mindfulness in our day-to-day lives.

For young people, practicing mindfulness can help in the cultivation of a  more stronger, confident individual: better self-esteem, provide  positive coping mechanisms when it comes to stress, exam anxiety, better  interpersonal relationships.

This episode 6 of Vox Iuventus is recorded in English.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, preventive measures are in place to quell the spread of the virus. In Aruba, with 5 cases as of 20 March 2020, schools are closed until the end of the month, the airport's been shut down until the end of the month, and a curfew has been put in place starting 21 March.

In this episode, we focus on informing and educating young people about coronavirus, offering facts and tips to deal with social distancing in a healthy way.

This episode of Vox Iventus is in the language of Papiamento.

During the previous episode of Vox Iuventus, the topic of student councils came up as having an important role in schools. With this episode, we invited Juan Kelly and Ronan van Putten, members of their schools' respective student councils (the University of Aruba and Educacion Profesional Intermedio (EPI)) to talk about the role of their student councils, their experience, and how student councils help shape personal and professional development in young people. 

Vox Iuventus Impactus (in short Vox Iuventus or VII) is a montly podcast where the aim is to educate, inform, and move young people into action. 

Education was the second requested topic on our first ever poll. With such a broad topic, we decided to focus on how the education system prepares us for life after school. Are we being prepared to tackle the world with 21st century skills?

Our guests for this episode are Nathan, Ema, and Leonardo, who shared their experiences and thoughts on how our education system has shaped them personally and professionally. 

This episode is in the language of Papiamento.

Today's episode was recorded during the SDG Youth Fest organized by Oranjestad Global Shapers and UNESCO Aruba. We spoke with Francielle Lacle, representing Global Shapers' Oranjestad Hub and Giovanna, a member of the Youth Parliament who was helping during the Youth Fest. The purpose of the SDG Youth Fest was to raise awareness on SDGs among youth on 3 areas: Climate and Environment, Education and Employment, and Equity and Inclusion.  

This episode is in the language of Papiamento.

In commemoration of International Volunteer Day on December 5th,  our second episode of Vox Iuventus is dedicated to the topic of volunteering. Our guests  are Nathan and Xaui, two young people with 'a heart for volunteering'.

Join us as Nathan and Xaui share their experiences and talk about what can be done to promote volunteering.

This episode is provided in the language of Papiamento. 

On our first episode of Vox Iuventus we spoke with 15-year-old Giovanna and 17-year-old Jasmin about climate change; what it is, why it is important to start talking about it, and how we can take action.

Vox Iuventus Impactus is a podcast for the youth by the youth that aims to promote dialogue on youth-related topics to inform, educate, and move young people into action.
Vox Iuventus is a podcast by Heart-Centered Leadership Foundation, led by our youth coordinator, 20-year-old Ashna Thijsen.


This first episode is in the languages of Papiamento and English.

Vox Iuventus is a podcast for the youth by the youth. An initiative of Heart-Centered Leadership Foundation, the podcast offers young people a platform to discuss youth-related topics relevant to their experiences on Aruba and the world.

This trailer announces the launch of the podcast and invites young people to listen to future episodes.

Vox Iuventus is a Papiamento-language podcast.