Photos by Linny Folau.

Soroban student, Sandy Falemaka from ‘Ohonua has won a trip to Japan after winning the written category in Class 5, while her team from 'Eua Government Primary Schools won the sixth Tonga National Soroban Competition on 17 March, in Nuku’alofa. 

Sandy will participate in the Annual Soroban Camp in Japan in August this year.

The Prime Minister and Minister of Education Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva presented the prizes that included a trophy to the national winner, the 'Eua team who came from various government primary schools on the outer island.

Students from Ha’apai came in second place and Vava’u third. Prizes were also presented to each of the winners of the three categories of written, oral and flash in both Class 4-5 levels. 

The competitors were finalists who won the various district soroban competitions held throughout Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Vava’u and Ha’apai last year.

The Prime Minister told the young students they were the future of Tonga and "our most important resource".

"That is why government and international partners such as the Government of Japan and the International Soroban Diffusion Foundation work together to provide the quality education needed for the nation’s future development and lifelong learning."

He thanked JICA for providing the hardworking volunteers.

Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, HE Mr Yukio Numata, said soroban is now taught every day in all government primary schools and some church schools in Tonga.

"I urge all of us here to carry on our close cooperation to promote soroban education in Tonga,” he said.

Masao Fuji, Director General of the International Soroban Diffusion Association from Japan attended with Hiroshi Kikawa Resident, Resident Representative of JICA Tonga.