OPENS DEBRE BERHAN
TEACHER TRAINING CENTRE
By establishing for our people educational
institutions ranging from the elementary level to that of a University College,
we have enabled their natural intelligence to be reinforced by acquired
knowledge. In this our object has been to raise their standard of living, for
in so far as they profit from the education they receive, so may they improve
their material resources.
Our efforts in this sense are being
fulfilled as far as the children and young people are concerned. But we feel it
incumbent upon us to take thought also for those other folk who, by reason of
their age, or of their occupation or position, are unable to receive the
advantage derived from modern education. It was to give practical expression to
this thought that we previously issued instructions indicating that all our
people should acquire fundamental education; that they should read and write
Amharic, the official language of the country, and if possible learn additional
subjects in foreign fields. Since these instructions were issued, basic
education is progressing satisfactorily, and people are frequenting schools
assiduously and in large numbers.
The
products of learning and knowledge, then benefit the life of mankind; and these
fruits of education to the cultivation of which we ever devote our energies
should be shared by all our people throughout our Empire. However, to obtain
this objective, capable teachers must be secured; it was in the pursuit of this
aim, that we directed this building to be constructed as a special Teachers
Training Centre. Now that the work of construction is finished, and that of
instruction has begun, we give thanks to the Almighty, who has granted to us to
preside today over the ceremony of its inauguration.
Must Ripen and Mature
So far, through the existing education
facilities, not only have many children and adults been spared from being
branded as illiterates, but many too are they who have reached the University
level and completed their studies there. Folks crowd the doors of centres of
learning, and a number of them pass in and out of them; but that is not enough.
What we desire for our people in future consists of three main objectives:
First, that every Ethiopian may be spared from illiteracy; second, that through
the development of his own inborn capabilities he may become not a liability
but an asset to his nation, and a benefit to himself, to his neighbourhood, and
to his country; third, that he must ripen and mature in knowledge and
education, and pass them on to posterity. In addition, in this day and age, he
must keep far from his mind the belief that he knows quite enough. The educated
person will consider and weigh the welfare of the individual and the community,
and will form critical judgements, while retaining the fear of his Creator.
For the higher educational institutions which, with much effort, we have
established – such as the Agricultural College, the Building College and the
University College – enough students have not been found. In several countries
of the world we see persons who do work of various kinds during the day, in
order to get the necessary money to live by, in the evening they devote their
time to study, and to reach a sufficient level of education to qualify as
doctors or engineers. Such men, who have the love of learning in their hearts,
show us how age need not prove a hindrance. Therefore you should strive
assiduously to make yourselves, by education, worthy men; and for this it
matters not whether it be by day or by night, nor whether you be child or
adult, man or woman.
As the Gospel tells us, a house built upon strong foundations can never
be overthrown by storms. Similarly, when people are built up with minds well
formed by education and knowledge, no trial of whatever kind can conquer them.
Therefore, as regards the teachers who go forth from this Centre, prepared for
the tasks ahead, it is our hope that they will advise, help and teach their
brothers living in the country districts, in matters of health, of husbandry,
of handicraft, and in other useful spheres, placing the knowledge they have
gained from new cultural methods at the service of each and every Ethiopian.
Firm Structure
As for Ourselves, in every task wherein We labour, Our chief aim is that
Our beloved people shall, during Our reign, proceed apace along the path of
culture, improving their individual condition and living a life of peace, prosperity
and happiness.
And
when we say that, it is essential that our people should fully understand the
following point. Unless each beam be sound, the whole structure of a house
cannot be firm; and so, unless each Ethiopian citizen improves his own
individual lot by culture, educating himself and his children, and making his
family healthy and prosperous, capable and industrious, he cannot benefit his
beloved land and the realm of Ethiopia. Similarly, if a man is sick, in one
part of his body, his whole constitution is upset. It is the same with a
people. Unless each man’s life be complete, displaying education and
prosperity, the people as a whole cannot share in common a flourishing
existence, nor can it give its government cause for pride. It is for this
reason that we place our full hope in the teachers who go forth from this
Centre – that through them, our people may receive, in respect of their
individual lives, the help which we wish to be extended to them.
In the planning of this Community
Education Teachers Training Centre we have received assistance from persons who
have experience in this field, and to them – the experts of Point Four and of
UNESCO – we express our thanks. We are convinced that the work wherein they
have collaborated with us will prosper.
We sincerely thank the U. S. Government
for its assistance in the establishment of this school. We also appreciate the
good words expressed by H.E. the U.S. Ambassador and for the spirit of
co-operation he has shown.
It is, therefore, with deep satisfaction
that we inaugurate and declare open, the Community Education Teachers Training
Centre at Debre Berhan.
April
26, 1957.
Selected
Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 76 –
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