Speech of The Day (305) - received at the Guenet Leul Palace in Addis Ababa eight visiting Educational Officers from Eritrea

On Tuesday, September 1, 1959, His Imperial

Majesty Haile Se lassie I, received at the

Guenet Leul Palace in Addis Ababa eight visiting

Educational Officers from Eritrea. The educa-

tional Officers were presented to His Imperial

Majesty by H.E. Vice-Minister of Education.

To the address made by Alo Asfeha Kahsaye,

Director of Education in Eritrea, His Majesty

the Emperor replied as follows:

"You have in your address made it evident that

there is a great deal of difference between seeing for

oneself and hearing. We have made it Our life ende-

avour to see that education be spread throughout the

Ethiopian Empire, with particular attention to the

educational needs of the Eritrean people, who during the

long years of Italian occupation had been the victims of

the denial of education. Our aim is to afford equal

educational opportunities in order to enhance the real

sense of national unity.

Your statement gives ample proof that Our constant

desire for the welfare of Our people has materialised.

The existence of school buildings, however is inadequate,

unless a desire for education becomes part and parcel of

the thinking of the people, including the students and the

teachers.

It is your duty to call to Our attention problems that

need Our attention and at the same time to exert your

endeavours for the attainment of the goal We have

envisaged. You should always feel at home when you

visit the capital and extend the same accomodation and

spirit to those who visit you, thus fulfilling the golden

rule of education which is intended to increase friendly,

civic communion."

Speeches delivered by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie Ist Emperor of Ethiopia on various occasions - page 161 -