A Century of Excellence: Tafari Mekonnen School Celebrates Centennial Jubilee

By Ethiopian Tribune Staff
April 23, 2025

ADDIS ABABA — One of Ethiopia’s most prestigious educational institutions marked a historic milestone this week as dignitaries, alumni, and educational leaders gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Tafari Mekonnen School (TMS). The centennial jubilee, held at the Inter Luxury Hotel in Addis Ababa on April 22, honored a century of academic excellence and the school’s profound impact on Ethiopian society.

Established in 1925 by then-Crown Prince Ras Tafari Mekonnen—who later became Emperor Haile Selassie I—the institution has transformed from modest beginnings into a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s educational landscape.

“This centennial represents not just a celebration of our past, but a recommitment to our founder’s vision of education as the foundation of national development,” said the current principal in her opening address to assembled guests.

Royal Heritage Honored

The celebration was graced by prominent members of the Ethiopian royal household, including Prince Michael Makonnen, grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie I, who delivered the keynote address reflecting on the school’s royal origins and enduring legacy.

“My grandfather believed deeply in education as the path to Ethiopia’s modernization,” Prince Michael told attendees. “A century later, we see how profoundly right he was. The thousands of graduates who have passed through these halls have shaped our nation’s trajectory in countless ways.”

Prince Beede Mariam Makonnen offered personal reflections on the school’s role in preserving Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage while embracing educational innovation. Princess Sehin Azebe led a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to unveil a commemorative centennial plaque that will be permanently installed at the school’s entrance.

A Century of Growth

The jubilee featured a multimedia presentation chronicling TMS’s remarkable journey from its inauguration on Miyazya 19, 1917 EC (April 26, 1925) to its present status. Historical records show the school’s steady expansion through the decades:

In the 1960s, census data recorded 722 students at the primary level (424 boys and 298 girls) with 14 teachers, while the junior secondary level enrolled 363 students (229 male and 134 female) with 11 teachers, including three foreign instructors.

Today, what began as TMS has evolved into Entoto TVET College, a comprehensive Technical and Vocational Education and Training institution with over 4,000 students studying across technical, commercial, and artisan programs, supported by more than 150 instructors.

Alumni Achievement Celebrated

The centennial gala recognized five distinguished alumni as “Centennial Fellows” for embodying the school’s core values of innovation, service, and leadership. These honorees represent diverse fields including medicine, engineering, literature, public service, and entrepreneurship.

“The true measure of an educational institution lies in the impact of its graduates,” noted an elderly alumnus from the class of 1956. “By that standard, Tafari Mekonnen School stands among Ethiopia’s greatest contributions to national development.”

The evening featured vibrant cultural performances by traditional Oromo and Amhara ensembles, celebrating Ethiopia’s ethnic diversity through music and dance that captivated the international audience.

Looking Forward

As attendees participated in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony to close the formal proceedings, organizers unveiled ambitious plans for the institution’s future, including:

• A state-of-the-art Digital Learning Hub designed to extend educational opportunities nationwide
• An Alumni Mentorship Program connecting established professionals with current students
• Major infrastructure expansions including modern science and engineering workshops set for completion by 2027
• The launch of the “TMS 200 Fund,” an endowment to support scholarships and facility upgrades aimed at the school’s next century

The celebration was attended by former principals, veteran teachers from the 1950s through 1970s, government officials, and alumni spanning multiple generations, creating a living bridge between the school’s storied past and its promising future.

“What began as one visionary leader’s commitment to modern education has become a national treasure,” said the chair of the TMS Alumni Association. “Tonight we honor a century of achievement while recommitting ourselves to the next hundred years of educational excellence.”

As the gala banquet concluded, many attendees reflected on how the transformation of a small school established by a forward-thinking Crown Prince has paralleled Ethiopia’s own journey of modernization and development over the past century.

The Tafari Mekonnen School centennial stands as a powerful reminder of education’s enduring impact and Ethiopia’s continuing investment in its human capital as the foundation for national prosperity.

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