OPENS
BERHANENA SELAM PRINTING PRESS
It is with great satisfaction that We remember, when over forty-four
years ago, We established what was the beginning of this printing press in Our
palace grounds, a land inherited from Our father and now given by Us to the
University. Our aim then was two-fold: primarily as We have said on several
occasions before, to create a centre for large scale translation, printing and
distribution of the Scriptures, the Old and the New Testaments, and our
religious books that were then available in Geez and only in manuscripts; so
that the clergy, the monasteries and all the Christian population of Ethiopia
would have an easy access to them. Secondly, to provide for our people adequate
reading both in other parts of the world and within Our own Empire.
The printing machines bought then and shortly there-after, however
inadequate, have rendered valuable services at that time. We recall that, in an
effort to expand printing facilities, We opened branches in other provincial
centres known as Leul Ras Makonnen, Printing Presses “Kesatie Berhan I, II and
III”.
Our endeavours for acceleration, however, in this as in other fields,
were discontinued due to the brief occupation of Ethiopia by the Fascist
aggressors. Nevertheless, with the will of the Almighty and having liberated
Our country, We were able to start again and one of the priorities given was to
re-establish this printing press.
With the will of God, who is the initial and ultimate source of good
thoughts and through the efforts of you the administrators and employees of
this organization and with the technical aid obtained from various Governments,
Berhanena Selam Printing Press has now achieved the highest goal anticipated.
We are very pleased to declare open today, this new building and to observe
its modern printing machines at work.
Our greatest pleasure is not only due to the aforesaid, but far more
indeed, to see young Ethiopians, men and women, engaged in the techniques of
the printing trade.
Finally, We and all those who would benefit from this printing press
express Our sincere appreciation and thanks to the Governments of Israel,
France, Great Britain, West Germany, Sweden and Japan who have contributed in
this development project and also to Mr. Jun Numakura.
May God bless all your future efforts.
Aware
of the need for the establishment of a printing press that would promote the
growth of our country’s lite racy and educational efforts, We established on
Maskaram 3rd, 1914 the Berhanena Selam Printing Press from Our own privy purse.
The aims We envisaged were twofold:
to serve the public interest in general and the sick and disabled through the
services of “Bete Saida Hospital” in particular.
The Berhanena Selam Printing Press,
from its inception, in addition to the production of various spiritual and
temporal books that broadened Our nation’s knowledge, has also proved an
efficient medium for Ethiopia’s educational development which is foremost in
Our mind.
We are pleased to see this printing
press housed in its modern and great building, fully utilizing the most
up-to-date equipment to render the services that will be demanded from its
present expanded status.
It is Our hope that you the officials
and the employees will exert your best endeavours for the future prosperity of
this printing press. We are thankful to Almighty God for having enabled Us to
witness this growth.
Nov. 25, 1965.
Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile
Selassie - page 522
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