Over 350 children from 30 African countries gathered in Kigali on Saturday, October 18, for the 2nd Shenmo Africa Cup Abacus Mental Math Olympiad, a fast-paced, high-energy arithmetic competition. Focused on the ancient Chinese abacus technique, the event tested young minds aged 4 to 14 in both written and listening rounds, challenging them to solve complex calculations within seconds and without calculators or pencils. ALSO READ: Rwandan students win gold medal at African math competition In the listening round, Rwanda’s Ragad Maki Abdallah from Mother Mary International School Complex emerged as the top performer, solving rapid-fire problems with speed and precision. The best written exam score in Level One came from Mahmoud Jaiah Ridwan Samakwe of Al-Hikmah Islamic Montessori School in Ghana. In total, 48 participants were awarded as top performers, while all children received prizes, celebrating both excellence and participation. Designed to boost memory, focus, and brain development, the event was more than just a contest: it combined cultural exploration with academic excellence. According to Claudette Irere, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, hosting the international math competition in Rwanda is a significant milestone for the country, especially after recently joining the abacus method under Shenmo Education Group. It's a pleasure to see this competition happening in Rwanda. Watching children actively apply what they've learned, while having fun and competing with peers from across the world, is powerful. It builds their confidence, focus, and mental agility, Irere said. She further emphasized the importance of such teaching methods, which are also referenced in Rwanda’s curriculum. The ancient Asian-rooted mental arithmetic technique, often referred to as “gymnastics of the brain,” enhances children's concentration and listening skills. Irere also encouraged the expansion of similar competitions beyond mathematics, such as spelling bees or typing contests, as they play a crucial role in shaping well-rounded learners. ALSO READ:Rwandan students win big in mathematics competitions The founder of Shenmo International Education Programme based in Beijing, China, Michael Lee, explained that the abacus has stood the test of time because of its unique ability to transition learners from tangible to mental arithmetic. “Children begin with the physical beads, which make learning concrete and fun. But once they master the tool, they develop a mental image of the abacus, allowing them to calculate quickly and confidently without using it. That’s why it has survived for centuries,” he explained. He noted that abacus education began in Rwanda about six years ago, and it's already showing results—with hundreds of students trained and participating in competitions. ALSO READ:Africa’s first Olympiad-focused STEM school launched with bold mission Bernard Urayeneza, a parent of a participating student, expressed strong support for the Shenmo Mental Math Abacus Competition, noting its impact not only on his child’s learning but also on the broader perception of mathematics among young learners. “Math is often seen as one of the hardest subjects, but this kind of training helps children overcome that fear. They learn to calculate mentally and do it faster, which boosts their confidence and performance,” Urayeneza said. He added that such competitions should be introduced more widely in schools as they spark greater interest in math and create space for talented and motivated students to thrive. ALSO READ:Ishango bone: Tracing the roots of maths and an artifact’s link to the cosmos Diella Ruziga, an eight-year-old student from Glory Academy, was among the young competitors. Speaking with confidence and excitement, she shared how the experience boosted both her skills and confidence. “I felt confident that I would win. The competition was good, and it’s going to help me solve math problems faster whenever they come my way,” she said. Having started using the abacus at the age of seven, Diella explained that the competition was something she had been looking forward to. She described it as a fun and rewarding way to apply what she’s learned, and a steppingstone toward becoming even better at mathematics.
