Zambia Independence Day Celebrated at Cyprus International University [CIU]

It was a colourful affair as Zambian students in Cyprus International University [CIU] celebrated their 50th Independence Anniversary.  The event took place at the Student Development and Counselling Center with a prayer and a rendition of the Zambian National Anthem.

On 24 October 1964, Zambia became independent of the United Kingdom and then-prime minister Kenneth Kaunda became the inaugural president. The present President of Zambia is Michael Sata, who has been in office since 23 September 2011.

Secretary General of CIU, Assoc. Dr. Ahmet Adalier, while giving the opening speech, reiterated CIU's resolve to maintain a conducive environment for International students for effective study. He also pointed out that such Independence Celebrations helps the students in CIU enrich their knowledge on different peoples and customs.

Several students from TRNC, Turkey, Uganda, Nigeria, Morocco, Lebanon, Turkmenistan and South Africa attended the event which continued late through the night. Indigenous folk dances and costumes were displayed, as well as songs and poems from the Zambian students.

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The highlight of the event was the cutting of the Zambian Independence Cake.

Excerpts from CIU students:

Duygu Akkuş [Turkey]
"They organized a very nice event. My friends are Zambians and they are fun people. In Turkey we celebrate a lot of historical events but none like this. I congratulate all Zambians."

Fatima Salhane [Morocco]
"I have many friends from Zambia and I love them. They have such beautiful songs and dances. I think everyone can learn more about peoples culture by attending such events."

Shaban Abdulatif Sengendo [Nigeria]
"All of the show was done very nicely. We had so much fun. Events like this bring countries closer together. We learn that our cultures are not that different after all. I thank CIU for honouring such events and likewise i congratulate my Zambian friends on their Independence."

Credit: Ajans CIU