Eastern District Soroban Students won National Soroban Competition 2021

2021/11/18
The National Soroban Competition was again won this year by the soroban student of the Eastern District Schools of Tongatapu.  His Excellency Mr. MUNENAGA Kensaku, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tonga as the Guest of Honour, awarded prizes to the winners after the competition on Tuesday, 16 November at the ‘Atele Indoor Stadium.
 
Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, Minister for Education and Training attended the competition along with Mr. TAKASHIMA Hiroaki, JICA’s Resident Representative, Dr. Tangikina Moimoi Steen, CEO for Ministry of Education and Training, Soroban Education Officers, Soroban Teachers, Parents and supporters of the young soroban competitors.
 
H.E. Mr. MUNENAGA, in his keynote address congratulated the students who demonstrated and proven their high skills of soroban. “Your skills of soroban will surely become great assets for you in your life,” he said. “With soroban, the powers of concentration will be strengthened, and by soroban you can get answers unconsciously.” The Ambassador, acknowledged the effort and devotion by soroban teachers committed to soroban education, and in the success of the national contest.  
 
The highlight of this year was the first participation of Niuafo‘ou soroban students, joining over 350 students representing each island of  Niuatoputapu, Ha’apai, Vava’u, ‘Eua and the three districts of Tongatapu.
 
Winners and top students for each category; the written, flash, oral and relay for level of class 3, 4 and 5 were awarded prizes.
 
Hon. Hu’akavameiliku acknowledged the on-going assistance and support of the Government of Japan to teach soroban in the Kingdom. The National Competition became an annual event co-hosted by the Embassy of Japan and the Ministry of Education and Training supported by JICA Tonga Office, Japan International Soroban Diffusion Foundation and Tonga Soroban Education Association.