By
Kanengo Nakamba
Zambia’s First Lady Dr
Christine Kaseba Sata has continued to play an important and active role in
promoting and protecting the rights of the Zambian child, earning her international recognition and awards.
To celebrate this year’s
Christmas and her birthday, Dr Kaseba held a children’s Christmas Carols and Party
for orphans and vulnerable children aged 4 – 10 years at State House.
Scores of children from
all works of life stood at bus stations as early as 06:30 hours to wait for the
buses to take them to State House. Upon arrival the children were greeted by huge
bowls of popcorns, crisps and fruits to devour while they waited for the
program to start. Child participation was the melody for the day as all the
Masters of Ceremonies were children. All presentations were also made by children.
The place was lit up
when the host Dr Kaseba Sata arrived as the children showed signs of
unimaginable happiness. She later abandoned her well decorated table for a
table where the physically challenged children sat. All the children at the
party were asked not to call the President and First Lady by their official
names but address them as Papa and Mama.
The President of the
Republic of Zambia, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata came 30 minutes after Dr Kaseba
and the children could not hide their excitement as they quickly run straight
into his arms and chanted his name in sequences despite the tight security.
Dr Kaseba was later
invited on stage and surprised with presents, a song by Chungu Musuka and a
birthday cake. But before the presentation of the gifts and cake, a vote of
thanks was made by 11 year old Vanessa Mwale from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
In her speech, Vanessa said the children were hopeful that Papa (His Excellency)
will soon invite them to discuss developmental issues that affect them because
all the adults are doing the work for us. “All the hard work you put in is to
ensure that we the children are comfortable and finish our school, we are your
motivation to hard work and in the process of working for us you should not
forget us”, Vanessa said. In his response, President Sata said, he would invite
the children to State House but this time to discuss developmental issues. - The Children’s News Agency with support from
European Union.
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