Meet Darren Andrews, 15, Jamaica
By Suzanne Freeman

	Darren (right) and Children's Express reporter Gavin Mather

Darren has a message to governments around the world: Allocate a larger portion of your budgets to children.

"We need more TV commercials about children's issues," he said. "Children watch TV and listen and learn from TV."

Also, more money for education will mean that kids will be more informed about the issues important to them.

The worst problems in Jamaica, his own country, are the lack of HIV/AIDS education, and poverty.

"Not all kids can go to school because of poverty," he says.

Darren want to become a pediatrician, or children's doctor. After his experience at the forum and at the special session, he may also be interested in becoming an ambassador or working with the UN.

His greatest hope for the outcome of the session is that adults will agree that "children do have a voice, that we do have a say."

When asked about problem teens in his country, Darren had ready advice for them.

"We cannot govern your lives," he said. "You make your own choices. It's never to late to turn over a new page. There is help. Get guidance. Do not take drugs. Drugs create a life that is not productive."

Darren said he learned a lot from the other delegates.

"I learned life is very valuable," he said. "They [the delegates] do not take it for granted."

The young man in the blue suit and paisley tie calls himself an outgoing person. He has done a lot of public speaking on children's issues and served in the children's parliament in Jamaica.

"I am interested in making the world a better place," he said.

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Photo: Suzanne Freeman