The momentum for the celebratory 50^th Anniversary AU Summit is picking up.  In addition to the political and social activities, Africans of various ages are also gearing up for the jubilee occasion. NEPAD met up two young Ethiopians 10 year old Solyana Yohannes and Kidus Yohannes, aged 13, in the corridors of the AU Commission.

I’m in Grade 4 at the Yeneta Academy in Addis Ababa. When I grow up, I would like to be a philosopher or to work for a humanitarian organisation 

Q: and what is your hope for Africa?

My hope is to see Africa as a leading economy in the world. Africa cannot be poor anymore. We must take care of women and children. They are affected by HIV, domestic violence, drought and it women are forced to feed their children without support.

Q: Which famous African Leader do you look up to?

Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana. He spoke about African Unity and prosperity and encouraged Africans to aim for united development. In school we are often reminded about Ghana’s role in the formation of the African Union.

Q: If you could send one message to African Leaders, what would it be?

End conflict, we can’t lose hope. Peace is the first step for us.