A soroban team from Tongatapu Eastern District (Vahe Hahake) primary schools won the Tonga National Soroban Competition held on March 12, at the Queen Salote College Hall.

In second was Tongatapu (Vahe Kolo), with Vava’u primary schools, in third

Viliami Filifonu’u from Mu'a Government Primary School (GPS) won the written category in Class 5. He is Tonga’s nominee to attend a soroban camp in Japan, later in the year.

About 250 soroban students in Class 4 and 5 soroban from throughout Tonga, including the outers islands of Ha’apai, Vava'u and 'Eua competed in the written, oral and flash categories.

Minister for Education Hon Siaosi Sovaleni said this has always been an important annual event, especially for developing numeracy and basic life skills.

Maths

The Ministry is still trying to find a solution to improving the poor performance of Tongan students in mathematics at the end of primary education.

"I believe that the commitment the Ministry has made to strengthen soroban in schools and the continuing support of the Japanese Government and ISDF would play an important role in improving numeracy and mathematics."

The Minister asked all primary school teachers in Tonga to teach and pass on this very important skill to Tonga’s young generation.

"Our responsibility is to nurture our students and provide them with the best possible education. Education is a key pillar for economic and sustainable development, and maths is an essential element to support sustainable development to improve the livelihoods of our people."

The Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Tetsuya Ishii said soroban is not only good for improving one's calculation skills, but boosting concentration and encouraging confidence. 

Japan and Tonga this year marked the 50^thAnniversary of diplomatic relations.

"I aspire and stay committed to taking the next steps towards opening another new chapter together, through the strengthening of our relations.”