By Davia Morrison, Panos Youth Journalist

Kingston, May 19, 2007 (Panos) - Jenna Bush, the 25 year old daughter of United States of America President George Bush, spent two weeks in Jamaica recently on a fact finding mission exploring issues concerning Jamaican children.

Bush, who arrived in the island on April 28 and left on May 8, met with a number of organisations which focus on child rights and HIV including Panos Caribbean’s Youth Journalist group in Kingston.

“ I had the opportunity to meet some great Jamaicans who are advocating on issues relating to HIV, fighting stigma and discrimination against persons who are infected, and those who are fighting against violence in their communities,” said Bush, in an exclusive interview with "Our Own Voice", a project of the youth journalist group of Panos Caribbean.

'Our Own Voice' features children and young people who advocate for children rights through the media. They write and produce their own programmes for radio and newspaper.

Bush, who works with UNICEF’s Education Policy Department in Panama, Latin America, visited several projects that UNICEF funds in Jamaica. Some of these included Children First in Spanish Town, St Catherine, Rural Family Support (RUFAMSO) project in Clarendon, and the Eastern Peace Centre on Windward Road in Kingston. Bush was accompanied by a team from ABC news network.

During the visits she interviewed a number of children – information which she will use in her own efforts to fight HIV-related discrimination and stigma. Bush, a teacher by profession, has become passionately involved with various causes including children and HIV.

“My mother (Laura Bush) took me to Africa to show me the programmes that they have there for people who are living with HIV. My family plays a big role my life especially my father, George W. Bush”, she said.

Her mother, Laura Bush, also helped to encourage her to become a teacher, she said. Mrs Bush was herself a teacher and a librarian.

“That is where I got my passion to teach from – we both love being around children,” said Bush.

A particularly outstanding part of her visit to Jamaica has been riding the ‘Bashy’ bus. The Bashy Bus initiative is a mobile HIV-testing clinic and counselling service for young Jamaicans.

“Travelling on the Bashy Bus to Bog Walk High School, was a wonderful experience,” said Bush.

Despite reports of high crime in Jamaica, Bush said she felt very safe in Jamaica.

“While being in the inner city I felt very safe especially in Spanish Town where I went to the Children’s First Programme. This is a UNICEF supported programme where children who have dropped out of school are now given the opportunity to go back to school to finish their education, In the midst of the hatred and the violence this centre make them feel at home and it gives them a second chance,” explained Bush.

She noted that she was very impressed with some of the programmes she saw during her visit. (End/18/05/07)