Youth Day in Zambia

What is Youth Day?

Youth Day in Zambia is significant since it honors an important event in the nation’s history. Many young people perished while revolting in 1962 when Zambia went through political upheaval to obtain independence. 

Zambians respectfully observe Youth Day to honor the sacrifice made by earlier generations and to encourage the younger ones today. 

Youth Day - A Quick Overview

• Date: March 12 
• Category: Appreciation 
• Where It’s Marked? Zambia
• Why It’s Marked? The day honors the country's Youth and highlights how important they are to the continued health of the country.

History of Youth Day

Now you may ask why the people of Zambia marked March 12 to celebrate Youth Day, whereas many countries of the world celebrate the Youth Day set by the United Nations on August 12.

The answer is that Zambia has witnessed Youth's power on their soil and has a significant history since March 12, 1962. Continue reading to know more about the Youth Day of Zambia. 

1. A brief history behind the uprising:

While Zambia struggled to obtain independence from its colonial authorities, it had two separate groups and political leaders. They are UNIP: led by Kenneth Kaunda, and ZANC, led by Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula.

However, both leaders have distinct principles and could never agree in meetings. The oppressors knew about their weak points and set a trap to kill the leaders of each group. After that, the plan was to blame both groups and create an internal clash in the country.

2. The plan was to eliminate the leaders:

Due to the ongoing argument between the groups, the colonial government stated that the Zambians still needed their help as it would take more time to form a government and rule the country by themselves. 

Their heinous plan was to kill KK and frame Nkumbula for his death. Fortunately, God was with them, and their plan was leaked as one of the Zambian cleaners heard about it. He did a good deed and alerted all the young people he knew. 

The following day, young adults followed the leadership of Alexander Bwalya Chikwanda and marched from Ndola, and reached Kitwe to save the leader KK. According to the original plan, the then government did the unthinkable. 

They attacked the Chimwemwe house where KK was supposed to stay and bombarded it with bullets and petrol bombs. But the Youth saved the leader, and a protest was held to expose the guilty government. 

3. Protest of the Youth

The Youth of Zambia at that time was protesting and ready to sacrifice their lives to obtain independence. On March 12, 1962, after the shameful defeat of the colonial masters, they became desperate and tried to stop the youth protest in the Chimwemwe rally. 

To stop the Para Military from reaching the rally, groups of young citizens gathered and tried to make barricades with dust bins, rocks, and stones. They only had stones in their hand but were determined to save their leader and the protest. 

Unfortunately, thousands of youths died that day as they couldn't stand in front of the bullets and guns with only stones, even though they kept protesting and dying for the country. You can assume that only because of the Youth could the protest against the oppression be held that day, and Zambia received acknowledgment as an independent country.

After freedom came, the UNIP committee declared March 12 as Youth Day to remember and tell the stories of the brave Youth of their country.

How to Celebrate Youth Day?

Zambia celebrates its Youth Day by commemorating the sacrifice of the Youth. Every year, the story of sacrificing life inspires the young generation of Zambia to fight against poverty and violence. It is a day for the Youth to remember to get educated and obtain economic freedom.  

Here are some events of Youth Day:

1. Attend the Youth Events

Not only the Government of Zambia but also the local organizations that work with young adults arrange events on Youth Day. The events include activities to inspire and motivate young citizens to be physically and mentally active. 

You can attend such events and participate in cultural programs, sports, quizzes, and parades. 

2. Innovate Something New

If you belong to the 40% of young citizens of Zambia, the government has special funds for you to create something new. The funds encourage people to initiate their start-ups. On this Youth Day, start your own business rather than wait for an employment opportunity. 

3. Be the Leader

Since almost half of the population of Zambia is young, they consider these people to be future leaders. By attending the conferences and speeches of the present leaders of Zambia, you will be able to know how you should build yourself to be a leader yourself. 

Countries that Observe Youth Day

Although Zambia celebrates Youth Day on March 12, the United Nations declared August 12 to celebrate as Global Youth Day. The member nations of the UN celebrate this day accordingly. On January 12, India marks Swami Vivekananda's birthday as Youth Day. However, countries with a significant history of honoring the spirit of the Youth observe their own National Youth Day. China has a glorious history of rebellious and revolutionary young fighters. To commemorate their sacrifice during the Qing Dynasty, they celebrate June 16 as Youth Day. 

Interesting Facts about Youth Day

If you are a youth of today's world, it is crucial to know where you stand. Here are some interesting facts for you. These will help you to realize and even make plans to help the youngsters of your area to thrive. 

• There will be a public holiday on March 13, as Youth Day in Zambia is a public holiday. 
• The unemployment rate in Zambia was 13.03% in 2021.
• Even after all these years, Zambia still suffers from unemployment because of the global recession, financial crisis, and increasing interest. 
• From the age of 15 to 24, the citizens are recognized as Youth 
• In our world, 77% of Youth are now informally employed. 
• The Soweto uprising was an inspiration for Youth day, where police killed a student named Hector Pieterson in South Africa.
• The developing countries lag because 2/3rd of their young generation is not contributing economically.
• Every year, 20% of young adults have a mental illness. 

Unique Youth Day Celebration Ideas

Regardless of where you live, you can celebrate Youth Day on any designated date, March 12 or August. Here are some unique ideas for you to observe youth day.

1. Visit memorials that signify Youth

To honor the sacrifice of the Zambian Youth in 1962, a statue named "Chi M'posa Mabwe," or the Stone Thrower. Find out if your country has any glorious history similar to Zambia. And whether there is any statue or memorial for that, visit the area so you can know about the Youth of your country.

2. Read books for inspiration

Is there any better way to fill your heart with the motivation of teen spirit than books? Not. Therefore, on this Youth Day, you can start reading any of these books for inspiration: 

• The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho
• Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel By Ralf Potts
• Mastery by Robert Greene
• “Just as You Are: A Teen’s Guide to Self-Acceptance and lasting Self-Esteem.”
• “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens”-  Sean Covey

3. Watch motivational movies

Not a big fan of books? Maybe movies will work for you more. Here is a good list of movies to watch on Youth Day. You can also arrange a movie night to watch these movies with your teenage siblings or children.

• Good Will Hunting, 
• Dead Poets Society,
• The Man Who Knew Infinity
• The Blind Side
• Lady Bird
• Into The Wild
• Whiplash
• To Kill a Mockingbird

Youth Day Quotes 

Want to share some of your favorite quotes for Youth Day? Check out the list below:

“Youth smiles without any reason. It is one of its chiefest charms.”- Thomas Gray

“The beauty of collaboration between older and younger generations is that we combine strength with wisdom - a surefire way to accomplish more for the glory of God.”- Brett Harris

“Age considers; youth ventures.”- Rabindranath Tagore

“Dear young people, do not be afraid to make decisive life choices. Have faith; the Lord will not abandon you!” - Pope Francis

“The youth need to be enabled to become job generators from job seekers.”- APJ Abdul Kalam

“The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create.”- Barack Obama

“When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.”- Dalai Lama

FAQ

1. What is the purpose of World Youth Day?

The purpose of celebrating World Youth Day is to honor the courage of today’s youth show to bring significant changes to solve the current political and environmental crises across the world. 

2. What is the theme of World Youth Day?

The theme of World Youth Day is to maintain “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages.”

3. Who founded Global Youth Day?

Pope John Paul II founded Global Youth Day in 1984. 

4. What is Youth Day also known as?

Soweto Day is another term to address Youth Day in South Africa.