Syrian Student Wins National Math Competition in Germany, Launches Educational TikTok

BERLIN: Bilal Kreidi, a 16-year-old Syrian student based in Germany, has won first place nationally in the Mathematical Kangaroo, one of the world’s largest mathematics competitions, which drew more than 881,000 students from over 12,600 schools across the country.

The achievement did not stop at the podium. Bilal has since launched an educational TikTok channel where he posts simplified math lessons spanning five levels — from fifth grade through to advanced secondary — earning widespread popularity among students struggling with the subject.

“My primary goal is to help students understand mathematics and develop their skills,” Bilal told SANA on Tuesday, adding that the strong response from viewers had motivated him to keep going.

His father, Khaled Kreidi, recalled the family’s journey since arriving in Germany in 2015, describing a deliberate effort to integrate into German society while keeping the Arabic language and Syrian curriculum alive at home. He noted that academic excellence runs in the family, with all of Bilal’s siblings performing strongly — particularly in mathematics.

His mother, Lucy Dabbagh, said her son’s win had drawn coverage from the German press and the official media channel of North Rhine-Westphalia state, the region where the family is settled.

The Mathematical Kangaroo is held annually in more than 100 countries and attracts around six million participants, with the aim of nurturing interest in mathematics and building logical thinking and problem-solving skills among young students.

Bilal’s achievement is the latest in a string of accomplishments by Syrians abroad, a reminder of a talent and resilience that travels well.