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Zambia 61st Independence Party 2025
Rauma
ABOUT THE CELEBRATION
ABOUT THE CELEBRATION
This year’s Zambia Independence Celebration was unlike any other – The Finnish-Zambian Association (FinZam) was honoured to host this celebration in Rauma — a symbol of unity, friendship, and progress!
This year’s Zambia Independence Celebration was unlike any other – The Finnish-Zambian Association (FinZam) was honoured to host this celebration in Rauma — a symbol of unity, friendship, and progress!
This year marked Zambia’s 61st Independence Day, a milestone that brought together community members, dignitaries, and friends of Zambia to celebrate the nation’s rich cultural heritage, its historic journey to independence, and the enduring friendship between Zambia and Finland.
This year marked Zambia’s 61st Independence Day, a milestone that brought together community members, dignitaries, and friends of Zambia to celebrate the nation’s rich cultural heritage, its historic journey to independence, and the enduring friendship between Zambia and Finland.
Ubuntu in active mode
Ubuntu in active mode
In the past, most of our celebrations have been held in Helsinki and the Uusimaa region, with many of our brothers and sisters from across Finland travelling great distances – often at their own cost – to ensure we all shared in the joy of these momentous occasions. Their spirit of ubuntu and selflessness made those events possible.
love in action
love in action
Now, it was our turn in Helsinki/Uusimaa to return the favour. We showed the same spirit of togetherness and made the journey to Rauma to ensure this year’s celebration was vibrant, memorable, and filled with unity.
Highlights
Highlights
The 2025 celebration held special significance as we also commemorated the successful healthcare collaboration initiated in 2015 between Cavendish University (Zambia), the Embassy of Finland in Zambia (then under H.E. Ambassador Saana Halinen), and Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (Finland). Through this partnership, 55 Zambian nurses have successfully relocated to Finland out of an initial pilot group of 80. Of these, 23 are now based in Rauma, 23 in Pori, and 9 in Kajaani, marking a significant milestone in the Zambia–Finland healthcare collaboration
This was more than a party – it was a celebration of our heritage, resilience, and strong bilateral ties. We came together as one community and made history in Rauma!
VIP GUEST LINE-UP PROFILE
VIP GUEST LINE-UP PROFILE
H.E. Gladys Lundwe
H.E. Gladys Lundwe
Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to Sweden (Resident in Stockholm)
Her Excellency Gladys Lundwe will honour us as the Guest of Honour at Zambia’s 61st Independence Day Celebration. Ambassador Lundwe represents Zambia in Sweden and other Nordic countries, championing Zambia’s diplomatic and economic relations with Finland and the wider Scandinavian region. She will be in Rauma from 24th to 26th October 2025, joining the Zambian community and Finnish partners in celebrating this historic occasion and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Mr. Esko Poikela
Mr. Esko Poikela
Mayor of Rauma, Finland
We are deeply honoured that Mayor Esko Poikela will grace this year’s celebration. His presence symbolises the strong friendship between the City of Rauma and the Zambian community in Finland. On behalf of the Finnish-Zambian Association (FinZam), we extend our sincere appreciation to Mayor Poikela for accepting our invitation and for his continued support of cultural diversity, international cooperation, and community inclusion within the city of Rauma.
Mr. Jukka Pajarinen
Mr. Jukka Pajarinen
Director, Eastern and Southern Africa – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland
Mr. Pajarinen oversees Finland’s diplomatic and development relations across the Eastern and Southern African regions. His presence at this event underscores Finland’s commitment to sustaining meaningful partnerships with Zambia and promoting shared goals in education, healthcare, and sustainable development.
Ms. Mari Pirinen
Ms. Mari Pirinen
Human Resources Specialist, Recruitment & International Talent – Satakunnan hyvinvointialue
Ms. Pirinen plays a key role in coordinating international healthcare recruitment and ensuring smooth integration of foreign professionals within Finland’s well-being services. Her efforts have been central to the successful inclusion of Zambian nurses into the Finnish workforce, contributing to mutual growth and cross-cultural understanding.
SPECIAL GUEST PERFOMANCE
SPECIAL GUEST PERFOMANCE
Papa Zai
Papa Zai
Papa Zai is an accomplished singer and multi-instrumentalist specialised in Reggae and Afro-Caribbean fusions. He is also a visual artist and music producer, being the first to produce contemporary Afro-pop in Zambia when he produced the late Daddy Zemus. In Finland he has worked with notable names like Pelle Miljoona and Paleface among others like the Soul Captain Band and his own Love Culture Band.
FinZam Community Recognition Awards 2025
FinZam Community Recognition Awards 2025
FinZam Community Recognition Awards 2025
FinZam Community Recognition Awards 2025
As part of Zambia’s 61st Independence Day celebrations, the FinZam Community Recognition Awards honour individuals and groups who strengthen the bonds between Zambians, Finns, and friends of both nations. The awards celebrate unity, cultural pride, collaboration, and compassion across five categories: Unity Champion, Culture & Heritage, Friendship & Collaboration, Rising Star, and Spirit of Ubuntu.
Zambian Diaspora Clinic – Rauma 2025 (Pre-Party Event)
Zambian Diaspora Clinic – Rauma 2025 (Pre-Party Event)
"If you want to go fast, go alone... but if you want to go far, go together!" African proverb
Rauma Community with the Zambian Ambassador to Sweden and her First Secretary (Political Affairs).
The Zambian Diaspora Clinic came to Rauma!
The Zambian Diaspora Clinic came to Rauma!
This was an important event for all Zambians living in Finland, and many members of the Rauma community turned up to attend.
The gathering was inspired by the adage:
“Kutali kuno bane, we need each other — and with counsel and knowledge, there is safety and direction. ISENI KU NSAKA, and let’s be wise together!”
The session was hosted by H.E. Gladys Lundwe, Zambian Ambassador to Sweden, together with Ms. Namoonga Lumamba, First Secretary (Political Affairs) from the Zambian Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. They led the session in informing the community about various consular services available to Zambians abroad.
Community members also had the opportunity to raise and discuss their own matters of concern, making the clinic both informative and engaging.
Our address
📍 Puistokulma, Talkootie 4, Vantaa
Get in touch
📧 info@finnzam.com
🌐 www.finnzam.com
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