The CSSH invites intellectual and author Zenebe Wolla for its 3rd Monthly Seminar session
Advocating the vital importance of reading, on 23 March 2018 Mr. Zenebe Wolla gave a seminar at Maraki campus’s Aluminum Hall. With the title: The Culture of Reading in Personal and Societal Development Process, Mr. Zenebe Wolla who is a prominent author, journalist and TV personality went into detail about the benefits and developmental advantages of enlightening the mind with at least 15 minutes of reading a day.
The delegate to the dean of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mr. Aysheshim Tefera, opened the seminar and cleared the floor for the moderator and UoG’s special guest.
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Mr. Zenebe Wolla’s all-around knowledge on matters could be accredited to his extensive reading habits. In his seminar Mr. Wolla, whose vibrant and straight forward talk lured a packed audience, hinted at the methods and techniques that made him who he is. “Education is regarded as learning a specific subject matter for a specified period of time, but reading is everlasting and forever” said Mr. Zebebe.
The College of Social Sciences and Humanities, in its efforts to produce competent students, has been engaged in conducting monthly seminar sessions by renowned individuals in the academia.
“I made it something of a priority to read whenever I got the chance or to even have a schedule to read daily” Mr. Zenebe said. In his colorful presentation the retired Navy sailor spoke without being prompted by any power points and captivated the audience by inserting humor into his almost serious topics.
According to the longtime journalist, education, often times, is later forgotten by students. Hence by his stance the constant and continuous application of reading will solve problems in ignorance or illiteracy.
Zenebe Wolla, who wrote Sebhat Gebre-Egziabher’s biography, feels that individuals should not only read their subject matter or those materials that pertain to their education but should explore outside of their comfort area. “To be well informed students and normal day citizens must read a variety of topics” he said. History, fiction, non-fiction and biographies are essential to produce a well-rounded concept he asserted and it may-be that he was on to something.
People of this generation have the opportunity to do what other generations in Ethiopia’s past could not. Officially with the incorporation of many more schools and educational facilities, in comparison to the recent history, reading material are more available. Hence the knowledge of the world is accessible to normal day citizens with paperback books or even electronic copies via the World Wide Web.
When asked in the question and answer session about the way forward in bringing awareness to overall reading habits his answer was foundational in its approach. “If we want to bring some noticeable change in the culture of reading we must think of our children as the first beneficiaries. Along with this great role models, who are perpetual readers, are key so that others follow in their footsteps.” Mr. Zenebe Wolla stressed.
The College of Social Sciences and Humanities, as a part of its initiative to further the cause of academics, is producing eventful and informative seminars for the university community. By leading by example the guests who have been called on have not disappointed but have been shaping insights and attitudes of the University of Gondar’s students. In continuing with this tradition UoG is set to leave its mark on society and students alike.
By Samuel Malede| Public & International Relations Directorate.
