Education is one of the greatest tools for empowerment and for Eva Zheng, an 11th-grade student at Beachwood High School, it’s also a calling. As one of SmartKids Ghana’s newest volunteer Zoom Teachers, Eva brings compassion, intellect, and a heartfelt sense of purpose to her mission of expanding access to quality education for children across Ghana.

Eva’s teaching journey began through volunteer tutoring, where she helped young Chinese students improve their English literacy skills. Through one-on-one Zoom sessions, she guided her students in reading, explored important vocabulary, and patiently explained new concepts in ways that encouraged confidence and curiosity. This experience not only strengthened her teaching abilities but also deepened her appreciation for how transformative learning can be.

Her work as a tutor gave Eva a front-row seat to the power of education and how a single lesson, when shared with care, can spark growth and hope. “Teaching others and spreading the education that I have the privilege of receiving, if anything, feels like a civic responsibility I have,” Eva shares. “There are so many people with so much potential that only need to be evoked through the help of mentors, and to be able to bring that light and life to someone is rewarding in ways beyond words.”

For Eva, education is more than an academic pursuit,  it’s a way to connect, uplift, and inspire. She sees teaching as both a joy and a duty, a way to give back to others while celebrating the gift of learning. “Education is a major pillar of our lives, and a cornerstone that we should polish for everyone,” she adds.

Now, as a part of SmartKids Ghana’s global community of youth educators, Eva is channeling her passion for learning into meaningful action helping children discover their potential, build confidence, and dream bigger.

We’re proud to welcome Eva Zheng to the SmartKids Ghana family, a passionate and thoughtful leader whose love for education will continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of young learners.