A novel, The Other Side of Truth, by Beverly Naidoo, inspired year seven pupil Jasmine Marsh to write an award winning poem during an English lesson.

Jasmine entered a local competition that was open to all secondary school pupils in Hertfordshire as part of Local Democracy Week 2016.

The brief was to use a maximum of 500 words to write a creative piece of writing using these words: ‘Living together in culturally diverse societies: Respect, Dialogue, Interaction’.

On winning the award Jasmine, of St Albans Girls School, said: “I was so shocked to have my work chosen, but I really hope people will keep in mind what I have written and think before they say things to others.”

Here is an excerpt from Jasmines’ introductory paragraph, followed by the winning entry: Everyone is different, some people have different cultures or backgrounds, but it is good to have another way of thinking. People like being the same as their friends because it makes them feel more welcome. If you are different then don’t change for someone or something; just be yourself.

Her poem is an acrostic poem (the word spells Respect when read downwards):

Rudeness, unfairness, unkindness; these are not signs of respect.

Everybody should be treated the same.

Some people find it hard to fit in because others reject them just by their appearance.

Politeness, caring, kindness; these are all signs of respect.

Everyone has their own opinions, so you must respect them.

Cultures & accents can be part of some people, so it doesn’t mean you judge them.

Together if we work as a team, then everyone will be happy and the world will be a peaceful place.