By Karungi Doreen
Rwanda hosted the Africa-level maths competition Abacus Mental Math Olympiad that was designed to bring forth mathematical capability and sharpen the minds of young learners.
337 Abacus Mental Math-programmed schools from around Africa Rwanda included took part in the competition.
According to Shenmo Education Rwanda, the event coordinator together with the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), the event is aimed at nurturing the talents of children, teaching them discipline and knowledge, and inspiring them to dream of building a better world.
Uwitonze Brigitte, Shenmo Education Rwanda Country Director, noted that their programs aim at the welfare of children and their overall growth. She emphasized that they are “empowering children with talent, filling them with knowledge, devotion, and hopes to construct a new world for the future.”
Irere Claudette, the Minister of State for Education, was delighted to witness Rwandan kids taking part in such competitions and said that Abacus Mental Math helps students apply what they learn at school. She added that it enhances their concentration, problem-solving speed, and logical thinking.
She also stated that Abacus-based learning promotes children’s cognitive ability and focus, highlighting the necessity of engaging students in many competitions not only in math but also in others like Spelling Bee, composition, and technology innovation since such practices aid in constructing a good future for them.
Dr. Mbarushimana Nelson, Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), reaffirmed the country’s commitment to delivering quality education that ignites critical thinking, collaboration, and field-based competence.
He added that such innovative approaches will guarantee the emergence of a generation of youth with vision who can create and respond to the challenges facing their societies and the country as a whole.
Dr. Mbarushimana also commended parents, teachers, and pupils for their continued collaboration toward promoting education, pledging that “Rwanda’s future will be one free from ignorance.”
The competition brought together the children aged between 4 and 12, who demonstrated their arithmetic abilities and problem-solving skills through several mental calculation exercises.
This year’s edition is the second Abacus Mental Math Olympiad in Africa, following the first one being organized in Nigeria, where three Rwandan children represented Rwanda and exhibited great performance.
