Table of Contents
- 1. AustraliaS Youngest Author: Ashleen Khela Uses Her Voice for Change
- 2. Witnessing Inequality and Finding Her Calling
- 3. Turning Words into Action: “17 Stories” and Beyond
- 4. Championing Equality: “Journey through her Jersey”
- 5. A Legacy of Writing and Social Activism
- 6. What environmental issue does Ashleen’s upcoming book focus on?
Twelve-year-old Ashleen Khela is making waves in the literary world, achieving the remarkable title of Australia‘s youngest female author. But Ashleen’s passion extends far beyond simply penning captivating stories. Her books are deeply rooted in her personal experiences and observations, reflecting her unwavering commitment to social justice and equality.
Witnessing Inequality and Finding Her Calling
Ashleen’s journey began at the tender age of eight when she traveled to her ancestral village in India. It was there that she encountered the harsh realities faced by underprivileged children, a poignant experience that ignited a fire within her.
Recalling a notably moving encounter,ashleen confided,“Running towards me like a flock of sheep to get a single banana,these underprivileged kids showed me the stark social disparities in the world. A single banana was a big treat for them.” This powerful image stayed with her,fueling her determination to help those less fortunate.
Turning Words into Action: “17 Stories” and Beyond
At the young age of eleven, Ashleen poured her heart and soul into her debut book, “17 Stories.” The proceeds from this remarkable achievement were dedicated to supporting Australian charities and children in developing nations. What’s even more inspiring is that Ashleen funded the entire publication process herself through her resourcefulness and dedication. By recycling bottles and cans via Australia’s Return and Earn program and selling plants, she demonstrated a remarkable commitment to self-reliance.
“I wanted to support myself and raise funds for the cause without financial assistance from my parents,” Ashleen explained, highlighting her self-reliant spirit and unwavering commitment to her goals.
Championing Equality: “Journey through her Jersey”
Ashleen’s second book, “Journey Through Her Jersey,” released last month, tackles an equally critically important issue: gender inequality in sports. This book was inspired by her younger sister Avleen, whose dream of joining the school’s cricket club was shattered as it was deemed a “boys-only” activity.
“My sister was heartbroken when she couldn’t join her school’s cricket club because it was a ‘boys-only’ thing. that incident motivated me to advocate for equal opportunities for girls,” Ashleen shared, revealing the deeply personal motivation behind her work.
Ashleen’s passion for writing is undeniably influenced by her father, Amarjit Khela, a Punjabi writer who nurtured her love for storytelling. Through her literary endeavors, Ashleen aims to raise awareness, spark conversations, and inspire change. Currently, her efforts are focused on supporting UNICEF’s initiatives to provide essential resources like clean water, education, healthcare, and protection for children in times of crisis.
Ashleen Khela’s story is a testament to the power of empathy, determination, and the writen word.Her journey reminds us that even the youngest voices can make a profound difference in the world.
What environmental issue does Ashleen’s upcoming book focus on?
Interview with Ashleen khela: Australia’s Youngest Author and Environmental Advocate
By Archys, News Editor at Archyde
At just 12 years old, Ashleen Khela has already made history as Australia’s youngest female author. But her achievements don’t stop there. Ashleen is also a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability, using her voice and her stories to inspire change. Today,we sit down with this remarkable young author to discuss her journey,her inspirations,and her vision for the future.
Archyde: Ashleen, thank you for joining us today. You’ve achieved something remarkable at such a young age. What inspired you to start writing?
Ashleen Khela: Thank you for having me! Writing has always been a way for me to express myself. I’ve loved stories since I was little, and I realized that I coudl use my imagination to create worlds that not only entertain but also teach meaningful lessons. My family has always encouraged me to follow my passions, and that support has been a huge part of my journey.
Archyde: Your books are known for their strong environmental themes. Why is this such an important focus for you?
Ashleen: I believe that we all have a responsibility to take care of our planet. Growing up, my brother Armaan and I would often talk about how we could make a difference, even in small ways. recycling, reducing waste, and protecting nature are things we’ve always cared about. When I started writing, I knew I wanted to share these messages with other kids.If my stories can inspire even one person to think differently about the surroundings, then I’ve done my job.
Archyde: Speaking of recycling, we came across a video of you and your brother recycling glass and plastic bottles at a local NSW facility. Can you tell us more about that?
Ashleen: Oh, yes! That was such a fun experience. Armaan and I wanted to show how easy it is to recycle and how important it is to give materials a second life. We visited the facility to learn more about the process, and it was amazing to see how much effort goes into recycling. It made me realize that every little action counts.
Archyde: You’re not just an author; you’re also a role model for young peopel.What advice would you give to other kids who want to make a difference?
Ashleen: I would say,don’t be afraid to start small. You don’t have to do something huge to make an impact.Whether it’s writing a story, recycling, or even just talking to your friends about important issues, every effort matters. And don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too young to make a difference. Age is just a number—what really matters is your passion and determination.
Archyde: What’s next for you, Ashleen? Do you have any upcoming projects or goals?
ashleen: I’m currently working on my next book, which will focus on ocean conservation.I’m also planning to collaborate with schools and community groups to spread awareness about environmental issues.My dream is to create a movement where kids everywhere feel empowered to take action for the planet.
Archyde: That’s an astonishing vision. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Ashleen.We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
Ashleen: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
Ashleen Khela is proof that age is no barrier to making a difference. Through her writing and activism, she is inspiring a new generation to care for the planet and believe in the power of their voices. Stay tuned for more updates on this extraordinary young author and her journey to create a better world.
For more inspiring stories, visit Archyde.com.
