Prof. Herzig, President of Mekelle University,
Dr. Kindeya, Academic Vice President of Mekelle University,
Distinguished Guests,
Professors and students,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dahindo Hadirkum.  Endemen Aderachehu.

It is a great pleasure for me to attend this inauguration ceremony to open a new Japanese Language Laboratory here at Mekelle University.  This is my third trip to Mekelle and this university, and I am glad to come back here and see you again.

This project was funded by Japan’s grant-in-aid scheme for cultural projects, based upon the grant contract I signed with Prof. Metiku in Addis Ababa one year ago.  The fund extended was about USD100,000.

Professors, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Improving the quality of higher education is a great challenge in Ethiopia and Mekelle University is no exception.  In this regard, I am really impressed by the recent development of your university, such as the opening of a new university hospital, the construction of a huge multi-purpose convention hall, and the expansion of campuses with a growing number of students.  I would like to express sincere congratulations on your ranking as the third top university in the evaluation of 32 Ethiopian public universities.

The Japanese Language Unit, which was established by Prof. Miyake’s initiative in 2008 as the first of its kind in Ethiopia, is among this recent development.  The Japan Foundation and the Embassy of Japan have extended support to this newly established Unit.  Various teachers have taught this course on a volunteer basis, and now Ms. Yoko Furusaki runs the Unit as an employee of Mekelle University.  I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Furusaki for the role she has played in developing a comprehensive curriculum.  200 students have received certificates of study under her guidance for the past two semesters.  With her unique curriculum, this Language Unit not only teaches Japanese language but also covers wide-ranging issues related to Japan, such as Japanese culture and the way of life in Japan.  It is therefore a gateway to knowing Japan and for that reason all the more valuable.

Mekelle University is currently the only advanced educational institute in Ethiopia that offers a Japanese language course.  At the outset of the establishment of the Japanese Language Unit three years ago, however, the lack of adequate language laboratory equipment was a constraint on Japanese language education, despite the large demand for the course.  During the first two years, only 60 students could be registered per year whereas 300 students had applied for the course.

This project therefore aimed to improve the educational environment with additional language laboratory (LL) equipment.   Through this project, 46 units of LL equipment have been installed in a new space here, and additional Japanese language learning materials have been supplied.  As a result, up to 200 students can now take Japanese language courses.  In addition, not only elementary courses but also intermediate and advanced courses can be offered.  Therefore, a more comprehensive and in-depth Japanese language training program is now available here at Mekelle University.

Professors, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The newly installed LL equipment is now handed over to the university together with the learning materials.  I am confident that you will make the most use of it to promote Japanese language education and enjoy great benefits.  At the same time, please keep it in mind that it is also important to maintain the equipment in good condition so that it will serve your interests for a long time.  I do hope that both the quality and scale of the Japanese language education will be significantly improved with this equipment.  You are the first and still the only university which offers a Japanese language course in Ethiopia, and therefore I wish you all the best in setting up a good record in this area.

Before I conclude, let me share one more personal wish or even my dream with you.  Professors, please encourage undergraduate and graduate students to study further, beyond just the language, to understand various aspects of Japan such as our history, arts, culture, society, economy, politics, science and technology and so on.  If several scholars appear in the future who are specialized in different areas of Japanese studies, then there will emerge the possibility that the Japanese Language Unit may develop into a genuine Department of Japanese Studies.  I am looking forward to seeing a Center of Japanese Studies at Mekelle University some day as the first one on the African continent.  It may be a long way off.  Yet, if the Embassy of Japan can be of any help to that end, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.  We are always with you.

Yemesgin.  Amesegenalehu.  Arigatou.  Thank you for your attention.