| The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. |
| Haile Selassie I |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| Home | Haile Selassie I | The Church | Rastalogy | Organization | Church Store | Events | Related Links | Contact Us |
| Copyright © 2003-2004 The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. ~ All rights reserved. |
| Selected Speeches |
| The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. |
| Chapter I - Part 1 |
| Engineering College - Graduation Jul. 17, 1958 |
| Higher Education |
| ... The existence from ancient times of marvels of construction -- among which Ethiopia proudly numbers the monuments at Axum, the remarkable rock churches and other engineering wonders -- attest to the long history of the profession ... |
| Selected Speeches |
It gives Us great pleasure to be present here today to award degrees to the
first graduates of this College of Engineering which We inaugurated with
such high hopes but a few short years ago. This first graduation
ceremony marks another step towards the fulfilment of the goal which we
have set for Ourselves and for Our country in Our overall programme for
the development of Ethiopia to which We have so long devoted Ourselves.
When We observe the tangible results produced by Our programme
of education, to which We have dedicated the major portion of Our
time and efforts, it helps Us to bear lightly the burden of Our labours,
and provide for Us and for you as well an occasion for legitimate pride.
Although the first institution where men received formal training in
engineering was established only a little over two hundred years ago,
the science of engineering is one of the world's oldest. The existence
from ancient times of marvels of construction -- among which Ethiopia
proudly numbers the monuments at Axum, the remarkable rock
churches and other engineering wonders -- attests to the long history
of the profession. Even in Our day, engineers are seen constantly
adopting and adapting to their current needs the techniques developed
in those remote times, thus fusing the ancient and the modern, the old
and the new. As you advance in your profession, the value of thus
combining ancient and modern skills will become apparent to you.
Now that your formal education is over, you graduates like engineering
graduates the world over, will have to apprentice yourselves to senior
engineers and acquire the necessary practical experience which alone
can complete the training which you have received at this College.
The degree which you receive today testifies to your growth in
knowledge and training. But the measure of your growth in real
artisanship remains to be revealed in the work which awaits you in
your future careers. Your success in your profession will not depend
on your possession of an engineering degree; it is rather to be judged
by the service you render in future and by the tangible results of your
labours. Having passed the academic test posed by this College, you
now move on to face the more arduous tests posed by life. And the
only way to face these tests successfully is to be spiritually prepared
for them.
Do not make the mistake of assuming that having taken your
engineering degree you can put training and study behind you, and can
afford to neglect the acquisition of further knowledge and skill. Man's
education never stops, and in a profession as complex and difficult as
yours, you must strive ceaselessly to put into practice your theoretical
knowledge, and to keep yourselves abreast of new technical
developments. If the product of your labours is not commensurate
with the advantages you have received from eduction, your efforts thus
far will be judged futile and worthless. Throughout your life, your
mettle will be tested by the work you do, and your reputation will
depend on the outcome of this test.
It is, therefore, your duty to exercise life-long vigilance to ensure that
the fruits of your labours are worthy of the efforts spent on your
education. If you, whose minds have been matured by education and
to whom the torch of knowledge has been handed, fail to make a
significant contribution to the welfare of your country, your
responsibility shall be great indeed.
In order faithfully to discharge this heavy responsibility, you must be
men who love your nation and people, men of integrity and clear
conscience, combining patience and humility. Be unswerving in your
loyalty to your country which has given you so much and to which so
much is due. Place your faith and trust in Almighty God; for, without
His assistance and guidance, man is but a weak and puny creature.
first graduates of this College of Engineering which We inaugurated with
such high hopes but a few short years ago. This first graduation
ceremony marks another step towards the fulfilment of the goal which we
have set for Ourselves and for Our country in Our overall programme for
the development of Ethiopia to which We have so long devoted Ourselves.
When We observe the tangible results produced by Our programme
of education, to which We have dedicated the major portion of Our
time and efforts, it helps Us to bear lightly the burden of Our labours,
and provide for Us and for you as well an occasion for legitimate pride.
Although the first institution where men received formal training in
engineering was established only a little over two hundred years ago,
the science of engineering is one of the world's oldest. The existence
from ancient times of marvels of construction -- among which Ethiopia
proudly numbers the monuments at Axum, the remarkable rock
churches and other engineering wonders -- attests to the long history
of the profession. Even in Our day, engineers are seen constantly
adopting and adapting to their current needs the techniques developed
in those remote times, thus fusing the ancient and the modern, the old
and the new. As you advance in your profession, the value of thus
combining ancient and modern skills will become apparent to you.
Now that your formal education is over, you graduates like engineering
graduates the world over, will have to apprentice yourselves to senior
engineers and acquire the necessary practical experience which alone
can complete the training which you have received at this College.
The degree which you receive today testifies to your growth in
knowledge and training. But the measure of your growth in real
artisanship remains to be revealed in the work which awaits you in
your future careers. Your success in your profession will not depend
on your possession of an engineering degree; it is rather to be judged
by the service you render in future and by the tangible results of your
labours. Having passed the academic test posed by this College, you
now move on to face the more arduous tests posed by life. And the
only way to face these tests successfully is to be spiritually prepared
for them.
Do not make the mistake of assuming that having taken your
engineering degree you can put training and study behind you, and can
afford to neglect the acquisition of further knowledge and skill. Man's
education never stops, and in a profession as complex and difficult as
yours, you must strive ceaselessly to put into practice your theoretical
knowledge, and to keep yourselves abreast of new technical
developments. If the product of your labours is not commensurate
with the advantages you have received from eduction, your efforts thus
far will be judged futile and worthless. Throughout your life, your
mettle will be tested by the work you do, and your reputation will
depend on the outcome of this test.
It is, therefore, your duty to exercise life-long vigilance to ensure that
the fruits of your labours are worthy of the efforts spent on your
education. If you, whose minds have been matured by education and
to whom the torch of knowledge has been handed, fail to make a
significant contribution to the welfare of your country, your
responsibility shall be great indeed.
In order faithfully to discharge this heavy responsibility, you must be
men who love your nation and people, men of integrity and clear
conscience, combining patience and humility. Be unswerving in your
loyalty to your country which has given you so much and to which so
much is due. Place your faith and trust in Almighty God; for, without
His assistance and guidance, man is but a weak and puny creature.
| Haile Selassie the First - July 17, 1958 |
| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |