by Linny Folau

A soroban team from primary schools on the eastern district of Tongatapu won the 2020 Tonga National Soroban competition on November 5, in Nuku'alofa.

In second was Vahe Kolo (central district) and third was awarded to the soroban team from Vava'u.

Around 125 students competed from throughout Tonga, including the outer islands of Ha'apai, Vava'u and 'Eua. Niuatoputapu youngsters also competed for the first time at the nationals.

The competition was in written, oral and flash categories at the class 3, 4 and 5 levels.

Kamada Yasuhiko, Japan's Acting Ambassador hoped the students liked soroban because it helps with their calculation, concentration and confidence. 

He was also grateful to the parents and teachers for encouraging the young students to compete. Soroban is not only good to improve one's calculation skills but it boosts concentration, while encouraging confidence, he said.

The Minister for Education, Hon Siaosi Sovaleni commended the Japanese Government and its Embassy in Nuku’alofa for the ongoing support to improve mathematical skills of the young students through soroban.

He congratulated winners and the milestone of the Niuatoputapu students participating for the first time.

Prizes were awarded to winners.