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Meet Edis, 12, of Indonesia
By Suzanne Freeman
Edis is this 12-year-old delegate's nickname. He did not wish to give his full name to the press and would not say why. It could be that he has spent the last four years driving a garbage truck for a living. Since he is not yet 17, he drives the truck without a license.
Since April, however, Edis has gone to school. An anonymous patron sponsors him in his education. As a young filmmaker, Edis realizes an education is important, but he misses the independence of working.
"When I worked I had my own money," he said through an interpreter.
Now, if I need money, I have to ask someone. I am not happy to depend on others."
He was chosen as a delegate at a child protection forum in Jakarta, Indonesia. He has made seven films about the problems of street children in Indonesia. He has one brother who was killed in a demonstration, and two younger sisters. His films have been distributed around the world. This is his first trip to the U.S.
"I am excited to be here," he said. "I wished to experience this place."
Go back to UN Children's Forum
Photo: Suzanne Freeman
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