When is Youth Day?
Youth Day is a public holiday in Zambia on March 12th each year.
This holiday highlights the importance of the youth to the country on the anniversary of disturbances in 1962 that resulted in the deaths of young Zambians during the nation's turbulent journey to independence.
History of Youth Day
With 65% of the population under the age of 25, Zambia has a high percentage of young people. One reason is the high fertility rate, which is among the world's highest with almost six children per woman. This would be reason enough to acknowledge the importance of youth, but Zambian Youth Day also commemorates an important event in the history of this landlocked country in Southern-Central Africa.
In 1962, Zambia (then called Northern Rhodesia) was in turmoil as the struggle for independence was being met by colonial resistance. The British allegedly hatched a plot to kill the leaders of the two main political parties and pin the blame on the opposing parties.
On March 12th 1962, after an attempt to kill one of the leaders failed, a rally was called in Chimwemwe to expose the plot.
This led to the youth rioting in the streets, throwing stones and rocks at the police, who returned fire with live ammunition killing protesters. The efforts of the youths distracted the authorities and allowed the rally to go ahead.
At the rally, the politicians promised that after Independence, the events of the day would be commemorated as Youth Day.
Zambia gained its independence in 1964 and Youth Day was made a public holiday in 1966.
A statue known as "Chi Muposa Amabwe" (stone thrower) stands in the middle of the city of Kitwe to commemorate the day when the Youth of Zambia fought with nothing but stones against gun bullets.
The day is observed to celebrate the youths in society and their contribution to development. It recognises that the youths are the future leaders and must be treated as such.
Each year the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development announces the theme for Youth Day.
