In a stunning display of mental math agility, Team Ghana represented by Shenmo Ghana swept the top awards at the prestigious second African Shenmo Cup, International Abacus Mental Olympiad.
The Olympiad was held at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village in Rwanda, over the weekend, on the theme: “Empowering young minds, realizing Africa’s dream”.
Ridwan Mahmoud Jajah and Ummu Sulaim Abass, both students of Al-Hikmah Islamic Montessori School, represented Ghana at the competition.
Ridwan won the overall first place crown, while his teammate, Ummu clinched third place in a fiercely competitive field.
They were also awarded two gold medals and two trophies for Ghana in the Level 1 category, making it a double podium celebration and a clean sweep for the nation.
The two outperformed over 300 of the sharpest young minds from 30 African nations, including Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, Cameroon, among others.
Ms. Claudette Irere, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Rwanda noted that hosting the rest of Africa in such an international math competition in Rwanda was a significant milestone for the country.
She expressed delight in watching children actively apply what they have learned, while having fun and competing with peers from across the world.
She noted that it was impressive how Abacus built the confidence, focus, critical thinking, visualization and mental agility of these young minds.
Mr Nelson Mbarushimana, Director General, Rwanda Education Board, said the event was organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, in partnership with Rwanda’s education stakeholders.
He said Rwanda had embraced Shenmo Abacus Mental Math and integrated it into its education systems helping millions of Rwandan kids to build a solid arithmetic foundation for their educational and overall success.
Mr. Li Mianjun, Founder and President of Shenmo International Education Group, Beijing, China, said abacus had stood the test of time because of its unique ability to transition learners from tangible to mental arithmetic.
Mr. Musa Frimpong, Shenmo Ghana Principal, said Shenmo Ghana Abacus Education was setting new standards for math education in Ghana, saying the improved performance of participants in this year’s contest, compared to the first edition in Nigeria was a testament to the commitment and excellence to mathematics education which was the foundation of STEM education.
“Our vision and goal is to ensure this reaches millions of young Ghanaians in the years ahead by establishing Shenmo Abacus clubs and learning centres in schools, communities and organizations across Ghana.”
He called for the support of all stakeholders, especially the government and development partners in ensuring that every child in Ghana had the opportunity to experience the magic and impact of the Abacus.
“This will enhance the personal, academic and social development of learners while contributing to national development in this STEM-driven global economy we are experiencing now and in the future.”
Mr Frimpong congratulated the Ghana team for not just winning medals, but for calculating a path to glory and making the entire nation proud.
This event was also graced by several luminaries, including Representatives from the Rwandan Defence and Police Force, local government officials, African Ambassadors in Rwanda, Dr. Lily Cheng, International Consultant for Shenmo Education and Professor at San Diago State University, USA, Mr. Joseph Gyebi, Abacus Instructor, Ghana and over 30 Shenmo Principals from China, USA and Africa and over 1000 students, parents and guests across Africa.