This story highlights the spirit of pursuing dreams—a blend of kindness and positive actions that led to winning a gold medal.
In a quiet corner of a palm oil plantation, far from the city’s glitz, a young boy named Lalu Ahmad Fayaz is writing his own story. Not with anything shiny, but with pure spirit, perseverance, and the energy derived from his family and surroundings.
Fayaz is just seven years old. He has a simple smile and great curiosity shining in his eyes. At first glance, he seems like any other child his age. But who would have thought that from a modest classroom in a plantation, he would rise to become a national champion? Fayaz won a gold medal in the National English Olympiad, triumphing over more than 600 participants from some of the best schools in Indonesia.
What’s more, the youngest of six siblings outperformed students from an international school with a prestigious Cambridge curriculum. He completed all the questions with perfect scores in just 54 minutes, the fastest of all participants.
However, this achievement is not just about perfect scores. Fayaz’s story represents hope flourishing in a place that many overlook when it comes to formal education. He is the son of a gardener who dared to dream and was given the opportunity to realize that dream.
Every morning, before the sunlight filters through the gaps in the palm trees, this child, who aspires to be a police officer, prepares to leave for school. His elementary school is supported by PT Gunung Sejahtera Ibu Pertiwi (GSIP) and PT Agro Menara Rachmat (AMR), subsidiaries of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro), located in Central Kalimantan. Here, the seeds of Fayaz’s dreams were planted, nurtured, and watered by enthusiastic teachers who not only taught but also listened, fostering both knowledge and self-confidence.
“He is a very enthusiastic child,” said his supervising teacher, Putri Azzahra Salsabilla. “Not only is he intelligent, but he is also diligent and always eager to learn. Most importantly, he believes he can succeed,” she added.
At home, his mother serves as another source of motivation. A simple woman, she is his first teacher, study companion, and unwavering supporter. Night after night, she answers her child’s questions, reads stories, and practices English pronunciation with him.
Behind this success lies a strong foundation that may not be visible on the champion announcement screen—a long-term commitment from Astra Agro to nurture future generations through education. Amid operational goals and business orientations, Astra Agro—and its subsidiaries, including PT GSIP AMR—are dedicated to providing quality facilities, training teachers, and creating safe spaces for children like Fayaz. The national palm oil company encourages the next generation to aspire to greater heights.
“We believe that every Indonesian child, regardless of where they are born, has the right to receive quality education and a supportive environment,” explained Rahadian Tegar, the Administrator of PT GSIP AMR.
Fayaz’s victory is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of a new chapter—not just for himself but also for other children across the country. He symbolizes the notion that the future can emerge from anywhere, showing that even a simple classroom can serve as the foundation for achieving the highest accomplishments. Perseverance and genuine support can lead a child to great heights.
From a place often doubted by many, Fayaz stood, smiled, and brought home the gold. Yet, more than just a medal, he carries home hope—for many other children, for parents, for tireless teachers, and for a nation that continues to dream of a brighter future.
Source: Antara
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