Now, the 16-year-old Columba College pupil has the opportunity to do something about it after being selected as a Unicef New Zealand (United Nations Children's Fund) youth ambassador team member for 2013.
She was selected to join a 10-strong team of young New Zealanders who recently began their role after attending a workshop at Unicef New Zealand's offices in Wellington.
''I wanted to become a Unicef New Zealand youth ambassador as it gave me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of youth, both around the world and here in New Zealand,'' she said.
''I am so privileged to be involved with an amazing organisation that holds the same values as I do.''
Jamie said the training weekend enabled her to get to know the other youth ambassadors, learn more about the mission and values of Unicef New Zealand, and gain the skills needed to raise awareness in her community of current global issues.
''I found the weekend incredibly interesting as I realised that there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that Unicef does to help children in need, which was great to hear about.''
Unicef New Zealand advocacy manager Pip Bennett was ''amazed'' by the high calibre of youth who applied for youth ambassador roles.
''It's so important that our young people like Jamie share their views on issues that affect them and their peers in New Zealand and around the world.
''Often excluded from the political process, our young people are in need of a platform to be heard, and so we are excited about joining with more New Zealand youth this year to generate more quality discussions and bring about change.''
