Speech of The Day (304) - received 22 students who were leaving for special training to the US

His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, on August

30, 1957 received 22 students who were leaving

for special training in the United States under a

jointly sponsored programme of the Ethiopian

Government & Point Four.

"When we established the first public school in our

country some of you were perhaps too young, or may be

some of you were not yet born. Naturally, educational

institutions as exist today were subsequently established

in the face of enormous difficulties and the expansion of

education progressively continues. With the help of the

Almighty Who guides the destiny of mankind, the educational

system has moved from the elementary level through

the secondary and has now reached higher education

given in our colleges. Our pleasure increases day by day

as we recall the initial efforts made to establish education

and see the fruits which grow therefrom.

For example, in the military field, the youth selected

for training in our military academy and in the Imperial

Body Guard Cadet training centre have prouduced

fruits of service in the army and elsewhere which are

gratifying. Even now we continue to select young

men thought fit for various military academies and in

various other fields of higher education.

Education, may be linked to a large tree with many

branches. It comprises various categories of instruction

and discipline each of which, like medicine, engineering,

naval and military science, police-craft and aviation

which calls for specialised studies, is among the vitally

important activities of a nation. Today you, both young

men and women, are seen taking part in these fields of

study.

The benefits of education may be viewed in two ways;

the first, as you mentioned in your speech, is in lifting

the standard of the nation. Secondly, in the shaping and

development of one's character which might reflect in the

direction of both good and evil. It should be your will

and desire to eschew evil and always pursue the good.

For, as disease could be contagious from father to son

through blood, in the same way the character of the

present generation could be contagious to succeeding

ones. It is with this in mind that you should view your

opportunity for education which is as enduring as life

itself.

As we have repeatedly mentioned, our efforts to

increase the number of students and to progressively

lift the standard of education will continue through the

entire span of our life. To be chosen to pursue further

studies is not enough; to be able to accomplish the task

for which one has been chosen should be considered the

crowning jewel of such a choice. After the accomplishment

of your goal you will surely be in a better position

to exercise your capabilities, to fulfil your ambitions and

to render the type of service required of you. We pray

that the Almighty, therefore, would aid you to be of

service to Us and also to serve your country."

Speeches delivered by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie Ist Emperor of Ethiopia on various occasions - page 11 -