08.01. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - Speech to 40 000 Students during Christmas Festivities

On Thursday, January 8, 1959, on the occasion

of Christmas festivities, His Imperial Majesty

Haile Selassie I, made a speech to 40,000

students from Addis Ababa and the suburbs:

"Today, Christmas, the anniversary of the birth of

Our Saviour Jesus Christ, We extend Our warm and

sincere greetings to all the students here in Our Capital,

to those in the schools established by Us throughout the

Empire and many others studying abroad.

Once again, as annually, We are today here in your

midst and in this Christmas Hall, observing this great

day which has been awaited by millions in all parts of the

world just as We have anxiously anticipated its coming.

In guiding the various agencies to fulfil the require-

ments of modern civilization, We have taken under Our

direct care, together with Our other burden some respon-

sibilities, - the enormous responsibility of education

giving it priority as a means not only of providing you with

enlightenment, of raising your standard of living, of

leading you to better health, but to guarantee that in the

pursuit of your aims and aspirations you will be an asset

to your country.

It is a source of immense satisfaction today to see

the realization of Our efforts to make Ethiopia assume

her rightful place in international and African affairs:

First, the next Conference of Independent African

States will be held in Our capital; Secondly, Ethiopia has

been selected as the Headquarters of the United Nations

Economic Commission for Africa, the inaugural session

of which has just ended; Thirdly, We see before us

African students who have benefitted by the scholarships

that We have granted to aid the African peoples here to

study in Our institutions.

         As a good tree is known by its fruits, so the future of

Ethiopia depends on you, the fruits of Our educational

system, to set an example to the coming generation

through your work and the life you will lead.

Ethiopia's enhanced and rapidly evolving role in

world life, the growth and expansion of her national

endeavours make it imperative that you students, prepare

yourselves for your responsibilities by being obedient to

your teachers and being responsive to authority."

  

Speeches delivered by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie Ist Emperor of Ethiopia on various occasions - page 107 -