Students and friends of Tanzania celebrate their Independence Day at CIU.

Tanzanian students from Cyprus International University celebrated Tanzania’s 53rd year of independence with a special event on the university campus last night. As they took their seats in anticipation of a program celebrating of Tanzania’s Independence, students entered the amphitheater to find the stage decorated with balloons in the colors of the Tanzanian flag.

The event was attended by CIU Secretary General Ahmet Adalier, as well as a diverse international body of students. The evening began with a performance of the national anthem of Tanzania followed by the cutting of a cake. The festivities included live music performed by some members of the Tanzanian community. The songs were electric and had students on their feet singing and dancing along.

Also attending the event was the President of the Tanzanian community at a neighboring university, who gave a speech commending the first Tanzanian Independence Celebration to be hosted at CIU.

Among the people who gave speeches were the Ugandan and Zambian community Presidents, who attended in support of their neighbouring country. The event was brought to a close with the performance of a traditional dance following which delicious traditional Tanzanian food was served along with the cake.

CIU Image

CIU Image

Students who attended responded positively to the event:

Twaiba (Tanzania): I love it. It’s very exciting and beautiful. I’m really enjoying the event. 

Bernadetta Aswile (Tanzania): Well I organized some of it. Considering that it’s the first Tanzanian Independence organized, it went better than expected. I’m glad it was a success. 

Ozan (Turkey): Caught the last bit of the event, but I enjoyed it very much. Happy Independence Tanzania. 

Nwabisa Mbalo (South Africa): I loved the dancing. It was great how they mentioned the neighboring countries Zambia, Uganda, Kenya and Congo. 

Kasonde Chiti (Zambia): I enjoyed the dancing and the singing. The cake was very nice; it’s such a shame it had to end.

Credit: CIU Ajans