Ermin Jusofovic
Europe – Bosnia- Herzegovina
In 1997, 15-year-old Ermin was helping his family cut firewood near their home in Bosnia-Herzegovina when he stepped on a landmine. The explosion resulted in the amputation of his right leg below the knee. After the accident, returning to school was very difficult for the 10th grader. “Seeing my classmates again was very emotional for me,” says Ermin. “I received a lot of support from my homeroom teacher, who encouraged me to continue my schooling, and made sure I graduated with the rest of my class.” While recovering at a rehabilitation center with other young survivors, Ermin befriended ...