As you reach the gate of Teferi Mekonnen School (TMS), now called the Entoto Poly Technique College, you’re greeted with the welcoming faces of the guards followed by a request to leave your ID cards. Once you begin the long walk in the college compound, the heavenly tranquillity, the cold breeze with the scent of plants from the garden, along with the beautiful view of the historic building, complemented with sculptures made by students, you notice how it creates a magnificent ambience making you stand still, take your time and admire it all.
Teferi Mekonnen school was founded in 1925 by the Regent Teferi Mekonnen: the future Emperor Haileselassie I. The school building itself constructed under Negus Teferi’s order, was designed to educate young Ethiopians in modern education. It was one of the first public buildings in Addis Ababa during the Pre-Italian period. Its architectural style and construction techniques are quite unique and one amongst few of its kind in the city of Addis Abeba with Its historical function still continuing to this day. The Visual Arts and the Music departments were added in 2007, and have graduated students since 2010.
Our visit today focuses on the Visual Arts department which accepts 40-50 students for three-year courses. Quite a number of students who graduated from the Arts department have joined Alle Fine Art School (AAU) to further their education in BSC and MCS degree programs. Talented artists have Graduated to go on and become studio artists that have exhibit their work locally and internationally.
The Art department has Graphics, Painting and Sculpture training departments. The students’ work and their talent is impeccable and is well identified by dedicated trainers that have the intricate skill set to identify students’ talent and the encouraging disposition. The fatherly guidance and the year round art exhibition in the main hall of the Arts department building along with the monthly panel discussion (lecture series) by successful artists makes the school unique in its teaching methods.
TMS is the place to visit. The historic building, the art exhibitions, the sculptures in the compound and the monthly lecture series are open to visitors. I highly recommend anyone who is an art lover to take a look at it for themselves.
For further information and visit please like the Facebook page of Hailu Kifle to join.
To conclude, I would like to thank the Ministry of Education for understanding the value of art and culture and create these art departments in the college. My only wish is to see these kind of colleges in greater numbers soon.
