Seventh Edition of the Annual Mathematics Competition
The launch event of the Mathematical Kangaroo International Competition held in our country by the Life Giving Aid Foundation (FAV) took place.
Internationally, the competition is organized by Kangorou Sans Frontieres, a non-profit organization based in France. It has been held for over 31 years in more than 105 countries with over 6 million students participating worldwide annually.
Noelia Contreras, an engineer and president of the Life Giving Aid Foundation (FAV), a non-profit organization supporting children and teenagers in building their self-confidence, announced that in the Dominican Republic, this competition has been running since 2018. It aims at instilling a love for mathematics in students and has impacted over 22,000 students from both public and private schools in 13 provinces nationwide, spanning from 3rd grade in primary school to 6th grade in high school.
The 2025 edition of the competition will feature 5,000 students, focusing on helping each individual discover their inner “I CAN” through a test that does not necessarily require pure mathematics but rather intuition and logic. This approach aims to eliminate fear towards mathematics and careers involving calculations.
Additionally, in this edition, a national mathematics club is being launched, which includes a biweekly magazine throughout the school year. It features mathematical challenges, games, and other activities aimed at strengthening students’ knowledge and self-confidence, as well as fostering interest and passion for mathematics.
The competition comprises two modalities, each hosting two separate independent contests:
The Tribe Mode Competition: an internal competition within educational institutions consisting of a 10-problem test to be solved in 45 minutes. It involves 5,000 students from public and private schools across the country, with each class awarded the Mathematical Kangaroo Medal Dominican Republic for the first place in each institution separately.
The Adventure Mode Competition: a national intercollegiate competition held at INTEC, featuring a 10-problem test (of higher difficulty than the Tribe Mode) to be solved in 45 minutes. It includes 1,100 students from private schools nationwide, regardless of their results in the Tribe Mode competition. Participants compete for the Mathematical Kangaroo Trophy Dominican Republic for the 1st place in each class nationwide, and medals for the 2nd and 3rd places in each class nationwide.
The Ministry of Education values this competition as it motivates the learning of mathematics and problem-solving, endorsing the initiative as it provides students with opportunities to develop their skills, self-confidence, and passion for mathematics. AncellScheker, the Deputy Minister of Technical and Pedagogical Services at the Ministry of Education, expressed their support.
Anllury Collado, Marketing Manager at Agora Mall, highlighted the crucial role of mathematics in knowledge production, as well as scientific and technological development.
“Mathematics are the universal language that allows professionals and scientists from various fields to communicate clearly and precisely. Additionally, they are an indispensable tool for innovation and the development of computer programs and structures that support the creation of models and prototypes solving human problems and needs,” emphasized the Agora executive.
Furthermore, Noelia Contreras expressed gratitude to everyone supporting this project that helps students overcome their fear of mathematics and enhances their understanding. She also thanked all representatives of educational institutions present for their significant efforts in motivating and reinforcing students.
This competition is made possible thanks to the collaboration of INTEC, the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic (MINERD), Agora Mall, Plan Lea from Listín Diario, All Media, Dos Pinos, La Granja, Martnu Consulting, and Sogese.