Two teenagers determined to boost education in developing countries have been nominated for The Recorder/Rotary Young Citizen awards.

Yasir Yeahia and Navdeep Bual, both 15, of Seven Kings High School, became involved in the issue after they held a presentation on education at their school last year.

Teacher Jeremy Davison said: “Their original presentation was so well thought-out. We got the impression they really wanted to change the future of education.”

Months later, the pair went to Guatemala in central America where they saw first-hand the plight of young people trying to learn.

Said Yasir: “It was really shocking. It made me feel so much more grateful for what I have at Seven Kings High School.”

Navdeep said: “There was barbed wire and high walls surrounding the school to stop gangs getting in.”

Guatemala has a 69 per cent illiteracy rate for young people aged over 15, and it is one of the poorest countries in Latin America with more than half the population falling below the poverty line.

The pair are representing Redbridge in the national Send My Sister to School campaign, which aims to increase education in poor countries. Often it is girls who miss out on schooling.

Navdeep and Yasir hope to win government backing for their efforts.

Ilford South MP Mike Gapes is visiting their school later this month to answer questions from pupils.

The Recorder/Rotary Young Citizen Awards aim to find those aged 25 and under who deserve to be commended for their caring deeds. They may have raised money for charity or helped others in their hour of need.

Each month a winner will be selected, sponsored by shopping centre the Exchange Ilford. They will receive �40 to spend at the Exchange Ilford shop of their choice.

The overall winner, picked next year, will receive �400, also to spend at an Exchange Ilford retailer.