K’ChinA Vietnamese student who was taken to Australia for a surgery on his leg by a charity organization has been named Queensland state’s international student of the year.

K’Chin, 21, was born in a remote village in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong. He broke his right leg as a child and was taken to Queensland by the Australian Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children when he turned 13.

In an interview to Radio Australia Tuesday, K’Chin said he had the accident when he was only a month old and had to crawl until he was strong enough to hop on one leg.

“He was hopelessly malnourished and his right leg had been smashed below the knee,” Ted Latta of Rotary Oceania said.

He underwent 16 surgeries and returned to Vietnam three and a half years later. But he had to return to Australia due to further complications.

He studied in Queensland while his leg was fixed and he was able to walk.

The St James College student has also been nominated for school captain next year.

K’Chin thought he would never have the opportunity to learn.

“I think that education and being educated is the most important part of our life,” he told ABC News.

K’Chin thinks all children should have an education.

“I feel so honored because it’s beyond what I really expected,” he said of the award made by the Queensland Education Department.

“I came to Australia for treatment and having my leg fixed. It’s just amazing that I am awarded the title.”

Source: tuoitrenews