History Teacher Belay Sitotaw Calls for Forgiveness and Cultural Renewal in Pagume

History teacher Belay Sitotaw shared insights on the cultural and religious significance of the month of Pagume as Ethiopians prepare for the upcoming Ethiopian New Year. He explained that the word 'Pagume' originates from Greek, meaning 'addition,' serving as a transitional bridge between the old and new years. Belay emphasized that this season traditionally provides an opportunity for people to cast off past grudges, seek forgiveness from those they wronged, and extend pardon to others. Historically, forgiveness was demonstrated through tangible actions mediated by community elders. He highlighted the urgent need to preserve these traditional values across generations by embedding them into the national education curriculum. Furthermore, he expressed concern that youth are drifting away from traditional customs, recalling how young people previously gathered to share food and strengthen social bonds. He concluded by calling on all Ethiopians to reconcile and enter the new year with a renewed spirit of love and mutual forgiveness.