Ethiopian children told Sir Bob Geldof what the Africa Commission should do
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As one prominent initiative after another looks at how to alleviate Africa's poverty, we ask the next generation for their advice.
In the words of the British Prime Minister Tony Blair:
"There's one thing that I'm absolutely sure of is that if the young people of Africa are given the chance they will take the continent forward by themselves. They only need to be given a fair chance to succeed and they'll do it."
The British prime minister was chairing the Commission for Africa meeting in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
Like other commissions before it, the job of the 17-strong team is to come up with fresh ideas on how to lift the continent out of poverty.
The Addis meeting brought commissioners face to face with Africa's civil society.
Yet, half of Africa's population are children and youth.
What do they think the Commission should be doing?
Find out in Africa Live when two of the commissioners are quizzed by a group of Ethiopian children:
- Dr Anna Tibaijuka - from Tanzania, the under secretary general for UN Habitat, and
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Bob Geldof - an Irish musician who organised the international fundraising Live Aid concert 20 years ago to help Ethiopia during one of its worst famines, and is the man who encouraged Mr Blair to set up the Commission.
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African Children want to be grandfathers and not die as grandchildren. They want to fly planes, not kites. Simply put, African children want a life, just like any other child.
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You can listen to that discussion at 1630 GMT on Wednesday 13 October.
And then help us broaden the debate further at 1830 GMT.
Tony Blair says 2005 will be a year of decision for Africa and the international community.
So, children of Africa, give us a hand! Tell us:
What should the Commission for Africa be doing for the continent?
What are your hopes and dreams for Africa's future?
Parents, teachers and guardians, we'd like you to encourage your children, pupils and wards to send us their opinions by using the form on the right.
If you would like to take part in the discussion, include with your telephone number, which will not be published.
This debate has just been published. A selection of your comments will be posted below shortly.
I am one of those African children from a country where there is no park, museum, theatre or any other activities available for children and youths. There is only bars and night clubs. Education is like a dog-eat-dog struggle between students, teachers and government. Our politicians provide no law on alcohol, cigarette and drugs consumption. Because they well know those substances to be the poison that creates shrinkage and keeps the country away from their basic rights. What African children want are responsible governments that ensure their basic rights on education, culture, religious and traditional values as well as a safe and clean environment.
J.Talin.B, Ecuatorial Guinea
What African children need is for the Leaders to be really accountable to their people and for their rights to not just to be politicised.
Michael Akanji, Nigeria
African children need to be free of stereotypes instilled into their intellect from a young age. they need to be believe that they are a special people with a lot of potential.
Chantal, U. S. A / Cameroon
To what extent does Blair consider the effectiveness of first world country's poilicies in solving/alleviating the issues of developing countries?
Lebogang (19yrs old), Botswana
Oh how familiar, one of those meetings where they eat and drink and talk about Africa's problems. We know what Africa's problems are, the whole world knows what Africa's problems are! But do these talks ever amount to anything?
Mutsawashe, Zimbabwean/USA
I left because of harrassment and the curtailing of my personal freedoms. The police constantly harrassed me and everyone else. At one time, they made me get out of the car and sit in the middle of the road because I asked them why there were roadblocks. On that day, I had been stopped and searched three times within two miles. They emotionally tortured me, threatening me with bodily harm and calling me names. When I tried to get retribution through the same law, I was made fun of and ridiculed further. I left because my education gave me the choice to leave.
Juliet, Zimbabwe/USA
When we were younger they were always telling us, "don't forget that the Zaïre of tomorrow will be in your hand". That gave us hope, courage and determination to do well. Now we have to tell all children in Africa that they are the Africa of tomorrow. What african children want, I think, is clear goals and commitments.
Kakule Kalirwako, DRCongo
If only African leaders could translate resolutions into meaningful actions, not policies on paper!
Laetitia Basemera, Uganda
The children of Africa need to know what womanhood and manhood is before they go to initiation. This will prevent them from rape, forced sex and HIV.
Albina, Tanzaninan (Bangladesh)
I want to express respect for Bob Geldof however I want to say he is mixing with the wrong guys. Politicians like Blair wants to score political points from every avenue.
Adama Sanyang, Gambian in Glasgow
Young Africans want to escape AIDS but without education it shall not be possible.
Justice Mkhabela, South Africa.
We as Africa's youth need to believe in ourselves, love ourselves as we are, nourish our minds, strengthen our will, shed the old skins of self doubt and low self esteem, rid ourselves of an inferior state of mind.
Betsy Gekonge, Kenya
What makes this commission any different from the various commissions (under different names) of the past? I hope the uniqueness will be in its commitment and sincerity to the cause.
Terunesh Haimanot, Pasadena, US
What Zimbabwean children want is good food,a good place to sleep, love and protection from healthy, happy parents, good times playing with friends, lots of toys, participating in sports, school, walking about barefoot and eating berries. That is what they want.
Tambu, Harare, Zimbabwe
Ask nations in developed countries, what they wish for the future of their children and their country. Africa and its children needs nothing more or nothing less
Sisay Mulugeta, Ethiopian, Germany
If the politicians really love children, they will not get into conflicts as we see commonly in Africa. If the human race truly loves childern, there will not be empty stomachs in Africa.
Getahun Legesse, Ethiopia
We African children need better education and not education of learning how to kill ourselves with guns
J. Obeto Lombaye, Liberian in Norway
Most people would happily live in Africa on decent earnings rather than immigrate to the western world. Its important that Africa's leaders realise this and do everything within their power to give Africa's children hope and a real chance to improve our continent's lot.
Chinedu, London UK
Girls must be regarded as equals and educated. During our time in Africa this was a constant battle, girls were regarded as care givers and kitchen assistants and then married off, what a waste of minds and no doubt abilities.
John Murray, Canada
People learn from their surrounding enviroment. when our so called leaders are corrupted and killers and don't beliveve in democracy,how can we expect our African children to become good leaders?
Gutama Geleto, Oromia/USA
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Most people would happily live in Africa on decent earnings rather than emigrate to the western world
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African youth wants to be given the confidence that their dreams and hopes do not have to be met a sixteen hour plane ride away, but in the continent they call home.
Melissa Latigo, Uganda/USA
African children want education more than anything.
Bekele, Ethiopia
Start by helping provide funds to modernise African schools, with computers and science labs. Create jobs for youths by transferring technology and industrial bases here in Africa.
Linus Agu, Nigeria
Children of Africa needs a continent where international laws dealing with children are not only talked about but also implemented.
Fatmata Turay, Sierra Leone
If African children take the leadership position my fear is that the elderly leaders won't give them the chance .
Solomon Abate, Ethiopia
As African children we will like to see our leaders fight corruption first, which is one of the issues that affects us all in our various African countries.
Theophilus Amara, Sierra Leone
What African children need is the forgiveness of the debt their forefather incurred from foreign lands. It is already difficult to be born poor.
Daniel Mekasha, USA
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The youth require role models to shape their perception of the world
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There are lots of traditional knowledge and skills that are on the verge of extinction. These values blend with western type education will empower the children adequately for the challenges ahead of them.
Momo F. Turay, Scotland
It is high time African press organisations leaned towards creating heroes instead of persistently working to create villains. The youth require role models to shape their perception of the world!
Kobby, Ghana-USA
Africa's children DESERVE: food to eat, clean water to drink, teachers to inspire them, doctors to take care of them and someone to nurture them. What is so complex about that? And, I feel, that it is the world's responsibility to meet their basic needs.
Debbie K, USA
Food should be paramount to the African child then education
Hankie Uluko, Kenya
We are always told we are the future of the continent but our elders back home do not give us the opportunity to do anything.So how do they expect us to take over when they are not there?
Kablan, France
African children need freedom
Nindia Nyemah, Ivory Coast
As children, we need responsible parenthood.
Naziru and Balkisu Deen, Sierra Leoneans in USA
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Children might think they know what they want, but adults know what they need
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African children need role models. People who will inspire them to be fair, open-minded and forward thinkers, not followers, beggars, nor dependants of the Western world.
Modupe A., Washington DC/Rep of Benin
Children may think they know what they want, but adults know what they need. Politicians need to work to change trade and debt problems, corporations need to stop destroying and exploiting the continent's resources and labour, and people of faith need to put their concerns into action to help Africa get on its feet. Each person must do his/her part.
Pattye, USA
The children need education,love and attention from their families in order to feel cared for.
Mwesiga Edmond, Uganda
We African youth feel very much oppressed by the big politicians who never give us a chance to express our views.
Kamal, Sudan
In 30 to 50 years from now African problems will not change unless our leaders agree about how to govern their complicated nation-states. We do not have to ask any help from in a foreign country to solve most of our problems. We have to see ourselves is wrong to kill each other. Then, we will have a bright future in our children.
Safiel, Tanzania/CO-USA
I am one the African youth who emigrated to England four years ago The only hope Africa has is the next generation who will learn their parents mistakes. While I am here I have met so many African youths who are very optimistic about their continent's future.
Hamaid Mahamat Noraty, Republic of Chad/ England
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We African youth feel very much opressed by the big politicians who never give us a chance to express our views
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Africa as a continent does not need the West, she needs herself. Africa does not need hope and opportunity, she needs her leaders to stop stealing money and sending it to the West where it stays dormant and unproductive. Africa needs her leaders to be held accountable for their actions. If the above can be done, everyone will see a very big difference in Africa.
Chinenye Stafford, USA
The African children want to be in a good condition like the children from other parts of the world.
Ojo Olasunkanmi Henry, Nigeria
It is going to take at least two generations of African Children before the entire continent moves in the right direction. The current young children are brought-up in corruption, starvation and war. It is going to take over a century to fix all the problems that exist in our continent, but I have high hopes.
B Eyasu, Eritrea/USA
African leaders must speak the truth when it comes to development.There are lots of chances in Africa but our leaders have no confidence in us.
Kwabena Asante, Ghana- Kumasi
African children want to be treated simply as that, children. When that happens, they will have no reason to treat other children otherwise when they grow up.
Moses, Ugandan in Cairo
The fact that the youth have a stake in this nobel cause is a step in the right direction. I think the commission's first task is to formulate viable ways of stopping the massive brain drain. African countries should create competent and viable projects at home to retain their labour force and strive to ensure equality of opportunity for all.
steven lterewa Neepe, Marsabit /Kenyan
Does Prime Minister Tony Blair really want to solve African problems with as determined a commitment as solving Iraqi or Afghan problems? I would not hold my breath.
Gerrie Lijam, San Jose, Ca. USA
I think the commission should be more concerned about dealing with trouble-makers in Africa. Let them (trouble-makers) be brought to justice for their acts.
Debester Parker, Liberian living in the USA.
One of the most important things for the growth of the continent is education. And for African children to want to keep going to school, they need to see their elder brothers and sisters, who have gone to school before them, not wasted. It doesn't make them want to go to school and study hard seeing their older sisters and brothers get expelled from the University because they disagreed with government policies. It doesn't make them want to go to school seeing their older brothers and sisters unemployed after all those times in school.
M M Sibhat, Ethiopian in United States
Africa's Children need nothing but an environment devoid of wars and famine; with quality education, (both formal and informal), which is at a reasonable cost. Education should be career-oriented, not just mere theories which are not applicable to their environment.
Jonathan Teye, Ghana
Violation of children's rights should be stopped immediately on the African continent.
Kisuule Waguma, Uganda
The continent has turned into a place where majority of the youth do not believe in themselves and lack self confidence to succeed without going into armed robbery, social vices or spend huge amounts of money, to risk their life and be humiliated trying to get to Europe.No doubt many African youth have the zeal and qualities to succeed in Africa if given the chance.There should be a massive education and orientation of youths to believe that they can make it in the continent and governments.
Ibeabuchi Chinedu, Lagos/Nigeria
If you want to help Africa, get ride of the Empire of Vampires, start genuine development aid policy; stop hypocrisy and empower Africans themselves. Is the commission able to do that?
TZ, Uganda
I remember when a cedi or a naira could feed me for a whole day.Charity begins at home,the parents of the African children must stand up to the task at hand.
Yk, USA
What African kids want is to be able to enjoy the opportunities available for the kids in developed nations. What they need is caring leaders with good governance and a better educational system.This will serve as a good start to meeting their needs.
Mustapha Hydara, Seattle, U.S.A
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Education should be career-oriented, not just mere theories which are not applicable to their environment
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Africa does not need any commission to tell her what to do. African people are mature enough to take care of the own problems. If these developed countries really care about the continent of Africa and the up and coming young generations, they should forgive all the debts.
Victor Abiodun Abiona, Rockville, MD, USA
African children need peace, democratisation of institutions, and commitments form their owen politicians for democracy and respect of human rights. The most important question here is, are African politicians committed to these? My answer is NOT. Even if support flows from outside, it wouldn't solve this deep rooted vicious circle of poverty, since there are no checks and balances.
Zerfachew Y. Geday, Norway
I think this topic has been over emphasised! Do we continue talking about it,or should action be taken by the so called United nations? Tony Blair and all UN-Nations know what an average American or British Child needs and has, is what an African child would need, it's as simple that. Let them do what they have to do and stop seeking cheap popularity.
Bernadette Nwachukwu, Nigeria,Abuja
I would like to second what Vetja Haakuria from Namibia, It's a priority to change the "African Education Framework" to include respect for human life.How many Ruwandas' and Dafur crises must they be before we realise that we have a hate problem in Africa, The future generations must be taught tolerance of divergent views. We must also change the mind set of Africans, to allow the young to be more innovative in solving Africa's own problems.
Hopeful person, Malawi
The emphasis should, as a matter of priority and urgency, focus on human resource development through various comprehensive educational programmes aimed at professionalism NOT "labour production".The Commission for Africa, Prime Minister Tony Blair and Company, should work in coordination and cooperation with the African Union, but not to antagonise the regional or the African Union or behind closed doors play politics to pursue some ultra imperial agenda on the continent.
Pirwoth Franq, Uganda
The African child needs qualitative education,comprehensive health services,and a balanced diet.
King Yemmy Adu, Nigeria
Sustainable health care contributes to the overall quality of life and productivity.The lack of options beyond this point leaves African adolescents with little constructive use for their time, resulting all too often in idleness, despair, and dangerous pastimes such as drug use, alcohol abuse, and high-risk-sexual behaviour.
Mohamed I. Alishire, Somalia/USA
I was born in Burundi, central Africa now living in the UK. In Burundi I used to see children living on the street and when asked if they attended school, they would say that they cannot afford it. I ask that African Politicians take an example of how the UK manages in giving a chance to each individual from all social class.
Desire Katihabwa, Burundi/UKi
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The African child needs qualitative education,comprehensive health services,and a balanced diet
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African children need peace and free education
Prince Nonye, Nigeria
African children want peace in the continent, good standard of living and infrastructure, good education and good government.African children are sick and tired of wars, starvation, illiteracy and governments that care only about their pockets. We are tired of being second class citizens in our own country. I hope that this commission is not going to be another TALK SHOP.
Uche Egwuatu, Nigeria/UK
African children must be given encouragement and support.I think they can take Africa to a better place.
Simeon A. Asamoah, Ghana
African children like any other children from any other continent want a fair chance in life. That is a chance to live and survive, a chance for a good education foundation. Not that the children of other continents are better than those of Africa, but we are not giving them a fair chance.
J. Jefferson Chesson, Liberia
Hope for Africa now lies in the hands of the African children. These children want good role models. They need to be groomed in honesty and integrity, and in respect for their peers. They need to be told that they have the power to turn things round, and that that power lies in education and in believing in themselves, not following politicians with ill-intentions.
Dave, Sierra Leone
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They need to be told that they have the power to turn things round
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The truth is African children need help and this should be something to do with life skills development and not mere talk as perceived by many western countries. The can make a difference and eventually eradicate poverty.
Rev:Enock Njovu, Zambia
It pains me very much to see Africa in a state that she is today. I for one would love to walk tall and be proud of where I come from. what we need are leaders who are able to articulate Africa's aspirations at the same time moving the continent towards the realisation of those aspirations.
Linda Mashe, Canada
Credible Education. This is what the children of Africa are missing most. We may talk of peace, food, public health,etc, but without good education that is capable of transforming their lives knowledge and resources into viable products, they will not achieve significant change. Their needs will increase and services to them will keep on being over-stretched. We have a big unproductive population which pays no tax, and still need to be taken care off. It is this portion of the population that needs to be changed to have an effective contribution to our economies. We need to invest heavily in the adults of tomorrow, the children.
Bernard Z. M., New York, USA
Apart from outside forces that have led to the present problems, I also believe that these problems come from mainly two words among many "selfishness" and "pride", both in the individuals and governments. This is a lethal combination that leads to a downward spiral, which is why the situation gets worse and worse. There is still hope, the young ones can be taught to have a different attitude which will lead to a productive lifestyle and this is something that will take a long time. Once everyone has got the right attitude, then we will be able to stand on our own feet. We have to remember that the great nations of today were once humble and low, getting where they are now did not happen overnight.
Maxingo Maximambali, Tanzanian/UK
African Children want education and information to keep themselves healthy and as active citizens.
Denboba Segni, Ethiopia
The commission should just exert it's force on the need for education,primary health care,nutrition and peace deals, so that the children of Africa progress to grab the reassured future of the continent's well being.There is hope and it rests in the right practical education for African children.The well being of the young generation of the continent can only be attained through proachable economic measures and good governance.The commission can help us to be what all well wishers believe we can be!
Ngobei L. Shamata, Arusha,Tanzania
African children want to be kept away from conflict zones. African children urgently need a better heath care and educations which should enable them a bright future.African children want love and support from their parents; in turn it will bring hope, courage and success to them.There are many more,but I believe African next generation will be better than today generation if the international community continues demonstrating its seriousness & willingness of alleviating Africa's poverty.
Peter Tuach, USA
African children are asking for a fair opportunity to live on more than two dollars a day. We are asking the African governments and world leaders to help create infrastructures in each African country, just like we had in the days before political independence. Create and maintain infrastructures such as modern and adequate transportation, constant electricity supply, medical and health care facilities, educational privileges. Improve the employment growth by attracting foreign investors, encourage local entrepreneurs by providing small loans facilities. Develop the agricultural sector . These facilities were available and preserved during the colonial days, but were woefully and systematically neglected by the politicians who ascended to the political throne after independence.The onus to re-build the continent rest on all Africans
Moses S. Wilson, Liberia/USA
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African children want to be kept away from conflict zones
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African children want the exploitation of Africa by the western powers to stop. They also want injustice inflicted on the world by the rich nations to stop. Trade imbalance in the world which favours the minority whites in the world should stop. They also want to live like children in western countries. They also want a situation where 12 children must die in Africa for a child to have good life in the western world to stop. No child should die for another child to live in the world anymore. There should be an end to world injustice. Many more like these issues I mentioned should be taken care of.
Adigun Olosun, Nigerian, UK
I don't want to believe that Africa is poor.We lack talent to do things,we pick up poverty from the land and wear it on our neck,Tony blair nor anyone can remove that off our head only we Africans. Many Africans prefer going to bed with an empty stomach than half a loaf.
Majid Oziaminu, Jos Nigeria
African Children need ways to get rid of poverty, and have opportunities for education and freedom. Africans want a real transformation from looting government money and civil wars: be proactive with true democracy whereby every child can learn and go to college so that poverty should be eliminated.It's not good for this big continent to look for food aid from the western world. Just transform Africa into new a world with a new generation, that is what African kids want.
Thabor D. Ding, Sudanese/USA
I've always been proud of my Ethiopian heritage. But when I look at Ethiopia today and Africa in general, I feel disheartened. We Africans have a syndrome of self-hate. We seek out differences amongst ourselves rather than find common grounds. We put each other down, rather than building the morals of our brothers and sisters. We talk about differences in physical features, rather than similarities in our cultures. I can go on forever, but the point here is; Africans must learn to care and respect one another. This will be achieved by targeting the young generation via education and spiritual guidance. The Commissions endeavour to tackle Africa's poverty will be difficult but not impossible.
Makda Amare, U.S.
Past and current African leaders (Nelson Mandela excluded) have Mortgaged the future of African Children (except theirs) due to their corrupt ways and bad policies. Only the Almighty God in his infinite mercy can help Africa and her future.
Ganny O Ogunshakin, Silver Spring, Maryland
In fact ,Africa is a headache to the rest of the world,let stop blaming the west and forge ahead.Look at Asia,their secret of success is determination to succeed,
Freeman Tettey, Accra,Ghana
I would like to see Africa getting out of poverty.For Africa to get out of poverty, we start by bringing an end to all Africa's current wars, and find the way to prevent future conflicts and let children go to school so they can get ready for the challenges ahead.
Atem Mator, Sudanese/ USA
I think Africans need peace right now,because the continent has been traumatised for many years.So,African children don't think about the future but the present such as war,disease and poverty which has affected many countries.Many people are living in a disillusion world such as fearing of war,disease and poverty.I think, many civil wars in Africa have and are deteriorating the children's dreams but children are very smart indeed if they have chances for pursuing their future.
Michael Nuul Mayen, Manitoba, Canada
What african children need is hope for a better life and an opportunity to live without having the worries of death. I truly believe that the children of Africa have lost what has kept many generation of African children alive--that never ending hope to dream.
Usama D., U.S.A
As an African I believe that all african children should have their basic rights, like education, good shelter, access to proper medical facilities instead of been used as child soldiers and casualties of war. If African children can be united then the continent will move forward.
Wilhemina Clarkson-Nicol, Canada
African children want a better life which begins from good food for those without,a place to lay their head and good education. These kids I know are smart and have the potential of doing great things only if they have the opportunity and resources to reach their full potential.
Ify Denise, USA
African children want to walk tall and proud among the nations of the world and not always being seen as beggars or people to be pitied! For a start, design school curricula that emphasise respect for sanctity of human life, tolerance of divergent views, responsibility and generally democratic behaviour. Bind all African countries to such a curriculum and put monitoring mechanisms in place. Only then will Africa produce accountable leaders who won't see state resources as their own to buy favours with. Why should Equatorial Guinea children be emaciated while their country has oil wealth! Start preparing for the next generation with different values.
Vetja Haakuria, Namibia
I think it is a really good idea for our African leaders and the young African generation to take this chance to speak with British Prime minister Tony Blair. We Africans need to unite and take action to turn our continent around. I hope African in 30 to 50 years from now will change.
Duot Manyang De Duot, Southern Sudan/U.S.A
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African children want to walk tall and proud among the nations of the world and not always be seen as beggars or people to be pitied!
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Indeed Africa is a problem in the world. As African youth, we don't want this perception to remain perpetually. What we need is hope and the opportunity to achieve our dreams.
Kwabena, Ghana
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