Jordanian second-grader math genius shines in global contest

By Balqis Zeidan - Dec 29,2019 - Last updated at Dec 30,2019

Jordanian second-grader Akram Shamali won third place at the 19th PAMA Global Abacus and Mental Arithmetic Competition, held recently in Thailand (Photo courtesy of Dar Al Arqam Islamic School and Andalib Shamali)

AMMAN — In a test of mental calculation abilities, a Jordanian second-grader, Akram Shamali, won third place at the 19th PAMA Global Abacus and Mental Arithmetic Competition, held recently in Thailand.

Competing on five different levels, 610 children on 24 international teams gathered to showcase their mental math abilities, according to Fathi Taamneh, principal of Shamali’s school, Dar Al Arqam Islamic School (DAIS).

“Shamali’s accomplishments are clear evidence that Jordanians can shine and succeed when given a chance,” he said.

DAIS teaches the Abacus Centre for Mental Arithmetic System (ACMAS) to its students in cooperation with Al Waedoun Superior Student Care Project, supplementing the methodology with specialised programmes to enhance students’ skills, Taamneh told The Jordan Times on Sunday, noting that the school encourages students to participate in various contests.

For her part, primary school principal Fatima Owaydah said that Shamali was supported by the school, the teachers and his parents, and had the opportunity to take extra ACMAS classes on Saturdays in addition to the two regular weekly sessions.

Shamali’s achievements “set an example for other students and encourage them to participate in upcoming competitions”, she added.

Shamali’s parents, Rasheeq Shamali and Heba Hammad, highlighted their son’s achievements and efforts.

Akram started learning mental calculation in the first grade as a part of the school curriculum, Hammad said.

In March, he won first place and was named “champion of champions” in a competition held in Jordan, which qualified him to compete internationally. He then won the regional competition held in Lebanon, she said.

Acknowledging his capabilities, Al Waedoun provided intensified opportunities to expand Shamali’s skills to compete at a higher level, Hammad added.

Shamali’s parents expressed gratitude to DAIS, Al Waedoun and Akram’s teachers, especially his teacher Hala Freijat, for their continuous efforts.

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