By Robert Okanda
Seven Dar
es Salaam-based pupils have performed well in the 16th edition of Smart
Intellectual Programme (SIP) International Prodigy Abacus and Mental Arithmetic
competition, held on October 9th in Colombo Sri Lanka.
The elite
competition attracted six countries across the world, whereby Tanzania
participated for the third time and was represented by the seven pupils from
Aga Khan Mzizima Primary, Dar es Salaam International Academy (DIA), Aga Khan
Primary, International School of Tanganyika (IST), Indian School, French School
and Aga Khan Mzizima Secondary School.
Speaking
to the 'Daily News' in Dar es Salaam, Rising Star Academy (RSA) Director of
Operations in Tanzania, Ms Sapnna Bhattbhatt, whose organisation supported the
trip, said that there were about 1500 pupils from different countries across
the world and Tanzanian pupils managed to scoop awards in one group.
She named
the pupil who won the price in under-8 -age category as Mehak Desai in level 3,
from Dar es Salaam International Academy, while other participants got medals.
Other
participants were Aaditya Bhattbhatt (IST), Prajwal Sinha (Aga Khan Primary),
Pratham Virani and Vaibhavi Sadguru (Indian School), Treasure Beda from French
School and Devan Borkhataria (Aga Khan Mzizima Secondary School).
"The
competition of SIP Abacus and Brain Gym programme helps in enhancing one's
confidence in calculation, develops mental calculation, develops right brain
tremendously, concentration, focus and removes the phobia of numbers, improves
auditory and observations skills," said Ms Bhattbhatt.
Moreover,
she noted that Abacus is a Chinese instrument used for mathematical
calculation. All arithmetic calculations can be done on this instrument like
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals and square roots.
The
research has clearly shown that an abacus based education enhances progress in
a wide variety of abilities and skills. SIP academy incorporates both brain
exercises and a unique multiple intelligence approach to enhance children's
overall mental development. Through focused learning exercise, the child
extends his or her brain to discover hidden talent and skill in a most
enjoyable manner.
SIP Abacus
learning is time tested, proven methodology. Child friendly utilising
motivating contents to develop children's self-esteem, self-worth and personal
confidence. She also underscored the need for parents to send their children to
Rising Star Academy to receive Abacus and Brain Gym training, thus spurring
their mental health. "The programme helps in brain development and balances
two brains together.
So far we
are planning to get this programme for the local children. It is very helpful
as it removes the phobia of number. For most of us mathematics is a difficult
subject and once the fear of numbers goes you can do wonders," she
insisted.
According
to Ms Bhattbhatt the Academy has trained more than 600 pupils since its
establishment in Tanzania six years ago, where Tanzanian kids have participated
three times in the SIP International competitions.
She also
added that one cannot escape numbers, in any field of life, wherever you go,
there are numbers. For example what is money? It's numbers. 1,000 Tanzanian
Shillings. What is it? You go for shopping and buy fruits for 5,850 Tanzanian
shillings.
If you
don't know how to calculate, you can be easily fooled. This is where Abacus
helps you, she noted. In an increasingly technology- driven 21st century, can
tools of a bygone era still be of use?
It seems
so, at least in the case of young, still innocent and impressionable, and
inquisitive kids yet to be exposed to the rigours of making a living, she said.
"We have special, afterschool- hours training on Brain Gym and Abacus,
whereby we effectively train the children's brain.
The
programme is very crucial in molding children as it gives them more
confidence," she explained, adding that the trip to Colombo was sponsored
jointly by the pupil's parents and the RSA.
Believing
that each child is unique and has the potential to be a winner and the desire
to achieve excellence in academics or in any other walk of life, SIP Tanzania
has trained each of these 7 kids to enable them to showcase their mental
arithmetic prowess.
The pupils
are normally tested on their concentration, confidence, intelligence, speed and
accuracy. "The objective of the competition is to develop a competitive
spirit amongst these children and motivate them to excel in life," says
Rising Star Academy (RSA) director of operations in Tanzania.
With the
fear of math out of their way, children surprisingly begin enjoying numbers.
The Brain Gym Exercises help children to relax and energise their brains to do
new tasks.
It has
been seen, that after taking part in this competition, children improve their
ability to learn, do their school work faster and have more free time to pursue
their respective passions.
The abacus
is a palm-sized wooden frame with five sliding rows, a calculating tool that
has been in use centuries before the adoption of the written modern numeral
system. It is still widely used by merchants, traders and clerks across the
globe.
The SIP
Abacus programme uses three tools to impact children - Abacus, Brain Gym and
Speed Writing. The programme helps children to enjoy numbers, develop their
mental skills of concentration, visual memory, listening and builds their self-confidence.
It also
incorporates a lot of fun through games and puzzles. The SIP Abacus programme
is a skill development programme for children in the age group of 7 to 12
years, and parents with disposable incomes. It focuses on improving essential
learning skills.
DAILY NEWS
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