Zambian Independence Day

Yesterday, October 24, was the 43^rd anniversary of Zambian independence.  It is a national holiday.  The students at the Okada school had been planning for the celebration for several weeks.  It was held under the trees near the Great North Road.  Since the area around the school does not have many trees, this was an excellent place.  The ceremonies and program lasted from about 9am until 2pm with a half hour break for lunch.

The program began with the singing of the National Anthem.  Introductions were made of all the visitors and people from different places.  Included in the day's activities were dances, mime to music, poetry recitation, drinking competition (2 students would each have a coke filled bottle of lemonade to drink down), and modeling.  Golden, one of the boys, must have just opened his swallowing passages and he just poured it down.  I couldn't believe how fast he did it.

 They were able to use a CD player and speakers.  There were several dances where the audience was invited to come and dance.  When the children were dancing, people from the audience (parents and members of the community) would come and put money in their pockets.  Much of the dancing was traditional.

It was a nice event for the community to attend and be part of.  Made me feel a part of the community too.