A soroban team from the Tongatapu Eastern District primary schools won the 2019 Tonga National Soroban Competition held on March 7, at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.

Soroban students from Vava’u primary schools came second with Tongatapu Vahekolo (central) primary schools, third.

Malia Siena Pe’ei from St Falakiko ‘Asisi Primary School in Tongatapu (central) won the written category in Class 5, and will have a trip to Japan later this year.

About 197 class 4 and 5 soroban students from throughout Tonga, including the outers islands of Ha'apai, Vava'u and 'Eua competed in the written, oral and flash categories.

Acting CEO of the Ministry of Education Dr Raelyn ‘Esau said the soroban program provided children with unique pathways for their future academic endeavours.

She said it was heartwarming that the Government of Japan continues to send the winner of this national soroban completion to Japan. “I believe this opportunity will deepen their knowledge of the Japanese language, society and culture.”

The Japanese Ambassador to tonga HE Mr Tetsuya Ishii said soroban is not only good for improving calculation skills but it boosts concentration and enhances confidence.  

“Through soroban we share a cultural and educational bond of friendship that is held together by our commitment to provide our children with a good education.”

Mr Masao Fuji, Japan's Director General of the International Soroban Diffusion Foundation was at the event.

Prizes were also presented to each of the winners of the written, oral and flash in both Class 4-5 levels.