We are excited to highlight Mark Peña, one of our dedicated Zoom teachers from Newark Academy, currently in the 12th grade. Mark is an outstanding example of how passion, service, and leadership can come together to make a lasting impact.
Mark is no stranger to volunteering as a teacher and mentor. He previously taught the trial online first aid course with other SmartKids Ghana teachers and also created a health literacy program. His ability to make complex topics both engaging and understandable has made him a strong asset to our teaching team. As the very first Student Ambassador to join SmartKids Ghana, Mark set the standard for commitment and service. Beyond teaching, he has also made a remarkable contribution in funding for laptops, helping to expand access to technology and digital learning resources for our scholars.
Looking ahead, Mark is committed to continuing his fundraising efforts to help support SmartKids Ghana programs with $250, ensuring that more scholars can benefit from quality education and the resources they need to thrive. When asked why he wanted to continue teaching with SmartKids Ghana, Mark shared:
“I want to teach on Zoom with Smart Kids Ghana because it allows me to share knowledge and connect with scholars beyond borders, helping to bridge educational gaps through accessible, virtual learning. As someone passionate about education and service, I’m inspired by the opportunity to make complex topics engaging and understandable, empowering students to explore new ideas and build confidence in their abilities. Teaching with SmartKids Ghana isn’t just about academics, it’s about fostering curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and showing students that their potential is limitless, no matter where they live.”
Mark’s journey as a teacher, ambassador, and fundraiser embodies the spirit of SmartKids Ghana inspiring change, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities. We are grateful for his continued dedication and leadership. You are welcome once again Mark, your dedication is encouraging and we at SmartKids Ghana really appreciate you.