Although Yen Yung-chuan's parents face some problems, he is growing up full of optimism and confidence thanks to the love he receives from his extended family. From right to left, the photo shows his foster-mother, his aunt, Yung-chuan, his great-uncle, uncle, and foster father. (Jimmy Lin)

"I hope to work very hard so that when I grow up I'll be able to go to the Philippines and bring my mommy back," said bashful 12-year-old Yen Yung-chuan on winning the fifth Presidential Education Award.

Yung-chuan was still wearing diapers when his mother, a Filipino national, returned to the Philippines. Because his father is deaf-mute he was brought up by relatives, especially a great-aunt on his father's side, whom he calls Mama. On graduating from elementary school, he won the local county chief executive's prize, and this summer he passed the exam for Hsinyuan Junior High School's honors math track. Yung-chuan is an all-rounder of outstanding abilities and strikes everyone as a very cheerful and polite youngster.

"Yung-chuan is a very special kid," says Wang Shu-chen, his fifth and sixth-grade elementary school teacher. Unlike most other children, when Yung-chuan comes across something he doesn't understand, he always tries get to the bottom of it. And no matter what the school subject, he always goes all out. He was once selected to deliver a speech representing his school and he has also taken part in recorder (end-blown flute) competitions. He has attained handsome achievements all round.

Wang Shu-chen recalls that when Yen Yung-chuan was in fifth grade, the school principal noticed that after class, this outstanding student would often squat in front of a flowerbed observing its plants and insects. Aware of his special family circumstances, the principal asked Ms. Wang to give Yung-chuan a lot of encouragement. Wang observed that unlike other children from broken homes, Yung-chuan was not depressed. Instead, he was well spoken and courteous and would always take the initiative in saying hello to his teachers. He got a lot of praise from parents.

Wang explains, "His foster mother treats him as her own child." The way Yung-chuan talks to his foster mother shows how close they are. He is also very close to his foster mother's daughter, and calls her "aunty."

Having grown up in an environment full of love and encouragement, it's no wonder that Yung-chuan is such a happy boy and gets on so well with others.