Teen culture and menstrual health champion celebrated for global and local work

Monday 03 April 2023

A Jersey student who organised a 'Festival of Culture' at her school and gave a talk on menstrual health to more than 100 teenagers in India has won a prestigious national award.

15-year-old Aarya Patil is one of only six young people being recognised nationally with a 2023 Rotary young Citizen Award for their leadership skills, positive citizenship, and ability to be a positive role model and inspiration to their peers.

Aarya was also a finalist for 'Child of the Year 2022' at the Pride of Jersey Awards.

She said she is "ecstatic" to have now received the Rotary Young Citizen Award.

"I can't believe it," she said. "I am also incredibly humbled that the panel at Rotary Club chose to acknowledge my contributions towards my community in Jersey that I love and cherish. This award is a reminder that if nothing is ventured then nothing is gained and never be afraid to expand your horizons."

Pictured: Aarya at the lunchtime food festival with Suzanne Wylie, then CEO of the Government of Jersey, and Carl Howarth, Principal of JCG.

Her achievements include arranging and planning the "Festival of Cultures" in June 2022, a one-day event at JCG where students could learn more about each other's cultures, traditions and ways of life. It involved workshops, the chances to try out new languages, and a lunchtime street food festival.

She said: "It was a really fulfilling experience and an endeavour based on the strong belief that 'the beauty of the world lies within the diversity of its people.' I hoped that this event would help others appreciate the wonderful cultures we have in our community. These experiences taught me priceless skills in communications, problem solving, leadership and teamwork."

Aarya further represented JCG at the Colin Powell Peace Debate two years in a row.

Pictured: Aarya is an active member of Jersey Youth Parliament.

"The debates were held in the States Chamber which helped us participants to have an insight into what's it like to be in parliamentary proceedings. The aura and the motivational environment offered to us made us feel valued and special."

Aarya is also an active member of the Cultural Centre Steering Group, a working group run by Jersey government to promote cultural diversity and arts within the community, and the Jersey Youth Parliament, where she campaigns for improvements in mental health services for young people in Jersey.

Her efforts continue off the island as well, and last year she delivered a presentation on menstrual hygiene to more than 100 teenage girls in a semi-urban school in central India.

The talk, for which she collaborated with a local doctor, included addressing myths and taboos around menstruation, period products, hygiene behaviours and correct disposal techniques to reduce environmental impact.

Pictured: Aarya gave a talk about menstrual health to over 100 students in central India.

She hopes to return and extend the programme to rural schools.

Aside from completing her GCSEs, she has many plans for the future: "I am passionate about mental health and women's health, so I would feel really privileged if I could work alongside the amazing organisations we have on island to serve our community."

Aarya said that "Jersey and its people" motivate her. "They have been exceptionally kind to me always and I hoped to give back to the community in whichever way I could."

Aarya added that she is "indebted" to the Rotary Club of Jersey and her teachers at JCG for their support and encouragement. "I also hope this award would motivate other young people in Jersey to follow their passions and to lead on wide ranging projects to benefit our community. Personally, winning this award has reinforced my belief in continuing to work towards my dream."

Pictured: Aarya collaborated with a local GP to deliver the talks.

Madeleine de la Cour, the President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Jersey and a previous teacher of Aarya, nominated her. "She's just an outstanding young person," Madeleine said.

She will receive the award at a ceremony on April 29th in Alcester, Warwickshire, which she is attending with her parents.

They said, "We are very proud of Aarya and feel content that she works hard. We want to take this opportunity to thank JCG for having nominated her and the Rotary Club of Jersey, especially Mrs De La Cour, for selecting her. We are looking forward to attending the award ceremony with her."