Gobena Debela: An Educator Never Forgotten Gobena Debela was my English teacher in grades 6th (1998/99), 8th (2000/01), 11th (2003/04) & 12th (2004/05). He was very classic, disciplined and formal teacher. I can dare to say that my English language was initiated, grounded and engineered by Gobena’s classes and home-works. This educator died in 2001 E.C. This is only to provoke remembrance and tribute to him! Gobena: an all rounded knowledgeable person. I surely know that Gobena’s ultimate wealth was wealth of mind and spirit. One thing that always comes to my mind as far as his language advices are concerned at the level of our grade 6th was that he said “hima ‘Gabri’eeliin naa daffa’u’ ijoolleen jettee kakattu keessa, ‘naa’ qofatu Afaan Oromoodha”. His message was clear: An advice to develop the capacity of speaking our own language and other available languages without unnecessarily mixing them. His final exams sources were BBC Focus on Africa. Other thing, whenever I remember Gobena, his contemporary, my other model teacher, namely Mesfin Kifle (History &English educator) comes to my mind. In my mind is when both talk together, debate together, walk together. One day, Gobena came to our home and told my father: “Obbo Miidhagaa, ilmi kee barumsaan cimaadha, maaloo akka duubatti hin deebine”. I remember that it was in front of our home that my father vowed not to let his son retreat from his brilliant position. More importantly, Gobena used to advise his students to train creative and free thinking. He was selfless person, as his students and colleagues agree, only created to educate and elevate his society. One thing I shouldn’t pass without mentioning is that Gobena managed to produce many minds (whom I cannot list here) and still is living in them. Thus, he has never died entirely. He passed away only in biological strict sense of the notion of the ultimate death. His spirits, spirit of intellect, spirit of integrity, spirit of greatness, spirit of justice, remains with us (especially with his students, colleagues and family). History will continue re-membering him in his society. Rest in Peace Gobena Debela!
Posted on: Sat, 29 Nov 2014 09:43:43 +0000
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