A soroban team from the Tongatapu eastern district (Vahe Hahake) schools won the Tonga National Soroban competition on November 16, at the 'Atele Indoor Stadium.

In second was Tongatapu (Vahe Kolo) and western district (Vahe Hihifo) schools, in third.

Over 350 young students from Government Primary/Middle and other church schools competed from Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai, 'Eua and Niuatoputapu.

Niuafo‘ou students competed for the first time this year.

The Japanese Ambassador H.E. Mr Munenaga Kensaku congratulated the students who demonstrated their high skills of soroban.

“Your skills of soroban will surely become great assets for you in your life. With soroban, the power of concentration will be strengthened and by soroban you can get answers unconsciously.”

He also acknowledged the effort and devotion by soroban teachers committed to soroban education.

Meanwhile, winners and top students for each category: the written, flash, oral and relay for level of class 3, 4 and 5 were also awarded prizes.

At the event was Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, Minister for Education, Mr Takashima Hiroaki JICA’s Resident Representative, Dr. Tangikina Moimoi Steen, CEO for Ministry of Education and others.