Senior citizens in Chipata District of Eastern Province have called on stakeholders to proactively educate the youth on the country’s past struggles to preserve generational knowledge. Joe Phiri, a senior citizen, says the celebration of Independence Day has mostly been left to…

Senior citizens in Chipata District of Eastern Province have called on stakeholders to proactively educate the youth on the country’s past struggles to preserve generational knowledge.

Joe Phiri, a senior citizen, says the celebration of Independence Day has mostly been left to learners in schools, while out-of-school youths completely shun the activities.

Mr Phiri said parents support children with all necessities as requested by schools during Independence celebrations, but youths who are not in school have no platform to learn from and participate in

“My fear is what will become of the youths who will be parents to some children, and do not have information on our past struggles, how Zambia has grown from the time of war to now, now that we have peace and can live freely,” Mr Phiri wondered.

He said the future still demands involvement of the youth as they are the future parents and leaders who need to understand the country’s liberation history.

Meanwhile, preparations for this year’s Independence Day commemoration in Chipata District have heightened, with various committees holding final meetings.

Chipata District Administrative Officer, Kapambwe Sikazwe, says the district is ready to host this year’s celebrations on 24th October at David Kaunda Stadium.

Mr Sikazwe said this year’s Independence Day will be commemorated under the theme “Zambia@62: Our Journey, Our Growth, Our Future.”

Interpreting the theme, Mr Sikazwe said it reflects on Zambia’s painful journey to independence, the economic and social growth the country has recorded over 62 years, and the shared responsibility to secure a prosperous future for all Zambians.

“Our Journey reminds us of the sacrifice of our freedom fighters from the Cha Cha Cha days, Our Growth celebrates 62 years of peace, education and infrastructure development, and Our Future calls on every Zambian including the youth to guard this peace and work hard,” Mr Sikazwe said.

He said a number of activities have been lined up to mark the day, including a church service on 19th October, cleaning of public places and the heroes acre on 22nd October.

Mr Sikazwe disclosed that the main celebration on 24th October will start with a march past by security wings, schools, colleges, farmers, cooperatives, and various government departments.

He said other activities will include traditional dances from Ngoni, Chewa, Nsenga and Tumbuka cultural groups, poems and songs by school children, awarding of long-serving civil servants, and entertainment by the Zambia Army and Zambia Police brass bands.

The DAO further urged members of the public to turn out in large numbers and participate in the celebrations, adding that independence is for all Zambians regardless of age, political affiliation or social status.

He said gates at David Kaunda Stadium will be open by 07:00 hours and called on residents to be dressed in national colours.