The international “Kanguro” maths competition, held in more than seventy-seven countries, will return to Paraguay in 2026, with registration open from 16 February to 13 March 2026. Open to students from 3rd grade to secondary school, the contest stands out for its OMAPA-promoted pair format.
In an interview, OMAPA’s (which stands for Multidisciplinary Organisation for the Support of Teachers and Students), Communications Coordinator, Jorge Torres (BA), explains to The Asunción Times that the aim is to make maths less of a solitary pressure and more of a shared problem-solving experience. As he puts it: “Working in pairs reduces the anxiety maths can sometimes cause and lets ingenuity and creativity flow with less fear of failure.”
Levels, registration, and support
The 2026 edition offers participation levels aligned with the Paraguayan school system, starting with Escolar (for 3rd and 4th graders) and extending to Estudiante for students in their final years of secondary school. Registration will run from 16 February to 13 March 2026, and the fee is Gs. 80,000 per pair.
OMAPA will provide a 50% subsidy for public-school students, expanding access and supporting talent regardless of income.
Students can register via OMAPA’s website and social media channels, or contact the organisation directly for guidance on +595 971 372707 or by email at admision@omapa.org.py.
How the Kanguro competition works
“Kanguro” challenges students with a fast-paced format that rewards reasoning and problem-solving over memorisation. It has two rounds:
- Round 1: Prueba Kanguro
Held on 19 March 2026 within participating schools. Duplas (duos) face up to 30 challenges in 120 minutes. For younger levels, the test places stronger emphasis on ingenuity (around 60%), while higher levels balance logic with curriculum-based knowledge.
- Round 2: Validation Round
Held on 25 April 2026 at designated OMAPA sites. This stage raises the difficulty and the pressure: duplas have 90 minutes to solve 15 complex challenges. The competition then concludes with an awards ceremony in Asunción on 23 May 2026.
Why it matters beyond the contest
Beyond the excitement of the event itself, the “Kanguro” Olympics is also positioned as a stepping stone towards the National Mathematics Olympiad. It helps students gain confidence, work under pressure, and uncover strengths they did not know they had. OMAPA aims to reach all 17 Paraguayan departments in 2026 and boost participation by at least 15%.
The organisers award medals and technology prizes to winners and may invite the top National Olympiad finalists to the Young Talents (Jóvenes Talentos) programme, leading to international representation. Teachers and institutions are also recognised for creating supportive environments where students can develop their skills. In Hernandarias, high school students launched the IQuation Project to train public school children for the OMAPA competitions.
A starting point for students who doubt themselves
For students who feel they are “not good at maths”, “Kanguro” is designed to be an accessible entry point. The dupla format lets partners combine strengths, like fast calculations or spotting patterns and explaining methods. Sharing the challenge can turn nerves into confidence and make problem-solving feel more achievable. With expanded support for schools outside the capital and a continued focus on ingenuity, OMAPA is encouraging students across Paraguay to find a partner and take part in 2026.
