The President of the Republic, Keiko Fujimori, on Monday took part in the awards ceremony for the 22nd National Mathematics Olympiad, held at Mayor President of the Republic School in Huampani, Lima's Chosica district.
The Head of State was accompanied by Education Minister Jose Antonio Chang on this occasion.
The closing ceremony of the competition was held at the Huampani Vacation Center in Chosica, where 72 students were recognized with 12 gold, 24 silver, and 36 bronze medals.
In her speech, the top official recalled that mathematics was her favorite subject in school, thanks to her father, who was a mathematician, and her mother, who ran an academy where the subject was taught.
"Mathematics was part of my life, and I commend the efforts of the private sector and the participants. A total of 1.7 million students registered and competed," Fujimori noted.
The President noted that, just as disciplinary regulations had been announced for educational institutions, it was also necessary to recognize the top performers in all disciplines.
"I tell the 1.7 million students to do it again next year. What matters is being prepared; that makes them better students and prepares them for life," Fujimori said.
"I commend the efforts of everyone involved: the private sector, the State, parents, and schools. May this effort be replicated throughout their lives," she added.
Among the top prizes in the competition, the Level 3 student who earns the highest score will receive S/50,000 (about US$14,492), while the runner-up will receive S/15,000 (about US$4,347).
This edition of the competition includes more than S/81,000 (above US$23,478) in prize money, according to the Ministry of Education.
The competition is made possible through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Education and private-sector company Aceros Arequipa, with the participation of the civil association Empresarios por la Educación (Entrepreneurs for Education).
This partnership helps recognize students' mathematical talent and promote the development of their skills.
(END) JCC/JCR/MVB