INAUGURATION: H. S. I. FOUNDATION
We are pleased to find, as you have
already stated, that the initiative taken in rendering services to Our country
both in regard to health betterment and in helping the disabled, by Our
Foundation, whose progress and duty We follow closely, has been quite
satisfactory. Yet, it is quite obvious that in order to open and extend
branches of welfare organizations in the various provinces so as to enable Our
people to get a first-rate medical assistance, it is also necessary to be
assured of the general co-operation of the people together with financial
security.
We
do not intend to reserve the cause of welfare donations for Ourselves but also
to inspire others to do the same. It is with this in mind that We freely
granted Our personal estates and properties. Besides, it is expected of every
one of you who have assumed this holy responsibility, that the service you
render is not founded on the mere struggle to earn your wages, but on the
wholehearted understanding of the unfortunate situations of your fellow human
beings who you should serve with sympathy, conviction and faith. The natural
origin of every man being man himself and thus equal through creation, the only
difference lies in the opportunities made available. Nowadays, science has made
possible complex inventions which are put at the service of man. Yet, however
precise these instruments, including computers, may be in their service, they
obviously lack those perfecting human characteristics of sympathy, goodness,
generosity and selflessness – all of which God in His ultimate wisdom granted
only to human beings. Although man has found assistance for himself in these
machines, his superiority lies in the fact that he is their inventor and he
himself is the instrument of God.
To follow up the case of a patient in
agony with unfailing tenacity regardless of whether he is rich or under-privileged,
to constantly help the destitute both economically and/or spiritually, these
should be the prevailing aim of such persons with your type of duties as it
should be of any employee. What is more, an individual who is responsible for
humanitarian activities, or one determined to render welfare services must be
prepared to face with the utmost patience and foresightedness, the
misunderstandings that might arise from the person or persons in need of help.
Money is an instrument, but, there is no
duty that can be fully accomplished with its mere persuasive power. The work of
the welfare organization is not merely the distribution of money, but also the
giving of personal warmth, of wholehearted service and spiritual encouragement.
The time we spend in the fulfilment of such duties as the deter-mining factor
which demonstrates that the essence of one’s individual values is not
obliterated.
We would like to mention with gratitude
such names as Woizero Woleteyes, the heirs of Leeke-Mequas Haile Ma- riam,
Woizero Laketch Birknesh, Sheh Seyeed Abiyu, Mr. J. G. Shah who is a resident
of our country, and others who have donated properties to this Foundation. The
actions of these people assure them both spiritual satisfaction and a historically
important place for their names will be recorded together with their welfare
accomplishments. We also thank the German Federal Republic, the Government of
Her Majesty the Queen of England, and international organizations which have
extended their help towards this Foundation.
Since
it is only your conscience and your Creator who keep watch and closely control
your various activities, We hope that those of you who are at present serving
or will be required to serve in this Foundation, will render your services and
fulfil your assignments with complete and un- divided devotion and
conscientiousness.
We pray to God that He may grant His
blessings to the welfare duties being accomplished through this Foundation.
Sep.
2, 1965.
Selected
Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 620 –
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