Kigali, October 18, 2025 — Rwanda proudly hosted the Awarding Ceremony of the Second Africa Shenmo Cup Abacus Mental Math Olympiad 2025, a vibrant event that gathered young mathematical talents from 30 African countries. The competition, organized by Shenmo Rwanda in collaboration with the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), showcased the power of mental arithmetic and the abacus as tools for enhancing problem-solving and cognitive development among learners.

During the ceremony, Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana, Director General of REB, announced the Board’s plan to extend the Abacus learning program to all primary schools nationwide. He emphasized that REB, in partnership with Shenmo, will train mathematics teachers to use Abacus-based methods as a means of nurturing analytical and creative thinking in young learners.

“In partnership with Shenmo, REB plans to extend ABACUS to primary schools nationwide and train mathematics teachers to use ABACUS methods to nurture brighter and smarter learners,” said Dr. Mbarushimana.

Mr. Li Mianjun, President and Global Founder of Shenmo Education, highlighted the enduring value of the abacus, describing it as one of humanity’s oldest and most effective learning tools.

“Out of 14 ancient Chinese calculation methods, only the abacus has survived for over 2,000 years,” he explained. “It survived because it begins with something concrete — the beads. Once children master that, they visualize numbers in their minds and calculate mentally. It builds confidence, precision, and creativity.”

Mr. Li noted that Shenmo has been active in Rwanda for six years, introducing abacus learning to dozens of schools and hundreds of children. He revealed that Shenmo plans to deepen collaboration with Rwanda’s Ministry of Education by training local teachers in China and providing abacuses to schools across the country.

“We will work closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure every Rwandan child can access abacus learning. This partnership will prepare young learners to think critically and succeed in future careers,” he said.

Parents and participants expressed enthusiasm for the Abacus program’s transformative role in education. Bernard Urayeneza, a parent of one of the competitors, commended the competition for changing the perception of mathematics among young learners.

“It helps children think faster and more critically and understand that mathematics plays a vital role in many areas of life,” he said. “When you know math, you can grasp many other things — including technology and physics, which rely heavily on numbers. These skills will help them become self-reliant in the future.”

For the students, the competition was both a challenge and an inspiration. Ruzika Guiza Ela, an eight-year-old from Gloria Academy, shared her excitement after the event.

“I felt confident about winning. The abacus helps me solve mathematics problems faster. I’ve used it since I was seven, and today was the day I was waiting for,” she said proudly.

Her schoolmate, Neza Bruce Bright, aged ten, echoed the same confidence.

“ABACUS is helping me to open my mind. It’s a great subject that benefits our daily life and strengthens our ability to think and solve problems. After this program, we’ll keep developing our minds and take part in many more competitions — and win them,” he said.

State Minister Claudette Irere commended the Abacus initiative for its contribution to educational innovation and cultural exchange.

“It is a pleasure to see ABACUS in Rwanda — a true gymnastic of the brain that helps learners solve problems, compete internationally, and connect Rwandan teachers with foreign peers to share experience,” she remarked.

The Abacus Mental Math competition featured two types of exams — written and listening — engaging over 300 participants from across Africa. Forty-eight contestants emerged as top performers. In the listening round, Ragad Maki Abdallah from Mother Mary International School Complex (Rwanda) was recognized as the top performer, while Mahmoud Jaiah Ridwan Samakwe from Al-Hikmah Islamic Montessori School (Ghana) earned the highest score in the written exam.

Introduced in Rwanda in 2019, the Shenmo Abacus Mental Math Program has quickly become a catalyst for transforming mathematics education in the country. Originating in China in 1998, Shenmo Education uses the ancient abacus to help children aged 4–14 strengthen their concentration, calculation, and critical thinking skills.

Today, Shenmo operates in over 100 countries worldwide, including 30 across Africa, continuing its mission to inspire academic excellence, cultural understanding, and innovative learning.