Mark Hodges – Member for Castle Hill
Ashleen Khela is an inspiring eleven-year-old from the Castle Hill Electorate who graduated from Year 6 in Kenthurst Public School in December 2023.
Ashleen has recently become the youngest female published author in Australia, with her book “17 Stories”. She discovered a love of writing at the age of 8 and continued to develop this hobby over the COVID lockdowns.
Ashleen and her family often travel to India, and it was during one of these trips before the lockdowns that she met underprivileged children in rural Punjab, inspiring her to help underprivileged children.
During the lockdowns, Ashleen drew on inspiration from the children in Punjab, using her creativity and imagination to create the 17 Stories.
The book is an inspiring and imaginative collection of stories which takes the reader to a land of fantasy and adventure. India’s Punjab Education Minster, Harjot Singh Bains described ‘17 stories’ as entertaining and inspirational for many readers worldwide.
Not only did Ashleen author and illustrate the book but she also worked hard collecting drink cans, plastic, and glass bottles which she took to recycling stations to fund the publication costs.
All proceeds from her book will be donated to the Cancer Council of Australia and Starlight Kids Foundation as well as contributing funds towards underprivileged children of India and other developing nations.
Congratulations to Ashleen for her hard work and contribution to society.
