A month ago Zambia observed its National Day. This has always been a time of much jubilation as people dress up in national colours....like one of those days when our National Soccer Team emerges victorious in a match.

The pangs of poverty have however turned this around over the years. Sometimes it's as though people can hardly notice what date it is on their calendars. Wit hthe questions that i often find myself chewing over concerning why independence is celebrated....i honestly fail to blame the people's attitude.

"It is for government", many often say and it hurts me to see that that is the same attitude many have heaped on such international agreements as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

I have learnt through personal interviews and media reports that people just don't know or probably just don't care because government has said so much and they have seen very little. Recently i thought...maybe if MDGs had been called "‘Fighting Poverty Together' or maybe ‘Distributing National Wealth Equally' ....then maybe more people would pay attention.

But really what does independence mean in the face of poverty??? Shouldn't the two tally??? Independence because we have been liberated from colonial rule, yes, but colonized by poverty now!!!!!!

I mean, lately people go about their business as if it is not October 24, Zambia's National Day. No one is as moved as government officials who dress up for the celebrations at State House.

I am however captivated by the dates that lie ahead of us....

November 25 to December 10 commemorates significant themes for various issues surrounding mankind today. Gender Activism, World AIDS Day and the Human Rights Day all offer a favorable platform for us to add louder voices to our calls against poverty.

People may not care to know but if our governments enforced human rights to every agenda for national development....who won't know what they have put in place?

If, say for instance, every leader who assumed office constantly remembered the voter and national priorities with regard to effective development, then maybe no leader would have had to be tied down to a document assuring his or her people that they will actually get clean water and sufficient food.

Honestly speaking, no leader would say they never knew their people needed quality education and good health!! That's what the MDGs are about isn't it??

But because many become hard hearted after stepping into office and only their needs start to count...international instruments have had to be formulated to ensure they respect us the people....  

I guess it remains that we are yet to attach more importance to human existence than we probably would the national dates.