The new Japanese Ambassador to Tonga HE Mr Yasuo Takase today saw primary school students using soroban, a distinct Japanese instrument that helps in learning numeracy, a skill that has been taught in Tonga for over 20 years.

The introduction of Soroban an abacus, or counting tray, was one of Japan's first assistance programmes to Tonga in the area of primary education. It has been successful in helping students in their mathematics.

Accompanied by the Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan Mr Akira Ouchi and the Deputy Director for Primary Schools Peaua Heimuli, the Ambassador watched as Class 3 and 4 students of Fasi mo e Afi Government Primary School demonstrated their soroban learning ability.

Peaua said the soroban is included in the Curriculum of Primary School Education and is a compulsory subject for class three, four and five in all primary schools throughout Tonga.

Students are required to learn soroban in the first 15 minutes of their mathematics classes.

The Ambassador commended the students' ability on the soroban and said this was a very helpful method for them to learn thus improve their mathematical skills.

He stressed the importance of education, an area in which the Government Japan has prioritised in its assistance.