Sajeela Shah's pupils didn't think they were worthy of entering national writing competition but one of them ended up having the 'best day of her life' after being shortlisted for the prize
I discovered the Amnesty International Young Human Rights Reporter of the Year competition while browsing the web looking for inspirational ideas for a lesson on the theme of Justice for my year nine class.
When I read that students had the opportunity to write an article expressing their own views on a human rights issue, I practically skipped with excitement to my classroom anticipating an enthusiastic response from my students!
However, when I announced the competition, the class let out a collective sigh as the general view was that no one from Leeds would ever do well in a national competition like this one.
At that moment I felt a lump in my throat as I could see that my exceptionally gifted students did not feel worthy enough to take part. So, I told the class (in my Yorkshire accent!) that firstly they should be proud of where they come from, that no matter what your background you can achieve your ambitions and dreams with hard work, determination and self-belief.
I set the class the homework task of writing the article and a week later my class rose to the challenge as they all submitted an entry. I was not disappointed.
When I came across Fran Talbot's article based on the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, I was moved to tears. What struck me about her article was that she was challenging people to do something themselves to bring about change in the world.
Words can't express how happy and I was when I found out that Fran had made the top three in her category. I literally jumped with joy!
On the 9th May, Fran, her mum, her friend Ella and I arrived at the spectacular Guardian offices. We were met by a very welcoming team of journalists from the Guardian teacher network.
Fran and Ella took part in a workshop in the Guardian's Education centre where they produced their own newspaper article and particularly enjoyed the editorial process which was a fantastic opportunity for them.
We were then taken to the Amnesty International Awards ceremony. I knew I made the right decision when I brought a pack of tissues with me! The ceremony itself was incredibly inspiring with motivational speakers from the Guardian and Amnesty International.
A highlight for Fran was the poet and activist Martin Powell who had us all joining in!
Fran didn't win in her category but it didn't matter to her. She was asked if she would enter next year but she said that she wanted to give someone else the chance to experience the day that she had which she told me was the best day of her life and would be engraved in her memory forever.
I realised then that Fran did not enter the competition to win but to have a voice and make a difference. I am so happy and proud of Fran for making it this far in the competition.
She is an outstanding student with a social conscience. It is a privilege to be a teacher to a student who is so passionate about fighting injustice in the world. I would like to thank the organisers of the competition for such a wonderful experience that I know has motivated Fran to continue to be a young advocate for those people less fortunate than herself.
• Sajeela Shah has been teaching religious studies and philosophy at Benton Park secondary school in Leeds for six years.
Find out more about the Amnesty Young Human Rights Reporter of the Year 2012 here.
Resources on Guardian Teacher Network
You can download the Young Human Rights Reporter of the year 2012 ceremony booklet, containing all the shortlisted entries.
Also see Amnesty's guidance on teaching controversial issues and a really useful Powerpoint on Amnesty's International's Speak free campaign
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