At SmartKids Ghana, we believe that meaningful change can begin with one person simply deciding to share what they have with someone else. For our 2027 Zoom Teaching Program, that journey began with Lillian Greelish, a Grade 11 student at Masconomet Regional High School, who became the very first ambassador to apply for the 2027 Zoom Teaching Program. Lillian’s decision to volunteer is a reflection of something we value deeply at SmartKids Ghana: recognizing the opportunities we have and finding ways to use them to create opportunities for others.
From Learning On Zoom To Teaching On Zoom
Lillian’s connection to virtual learning began long before she joined SmartKids Ghana. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Lillian experienced an entirely different way of learning when her school moved online. She spent the entire year attending school through Zoom, followed by another half year of virtual learning. Although she was a scholar rather than a teacher at the time, those experiences gave her an understanding of what it means to learn through a screen. She also had opportunities to present to her classmates through Zoom, including presentations in her English and History classes.
Those experiences may have seemed like ordinary parts of school at the time, but they gave Lillian something valuable, familiarity and confidence with virtual communication. Today, she is taking that experience a step further, not simply joining a Zoom class, but becoming the person on the other side of the screen helping someone else learn.
Why SmartKids Ghana?
When Lillian learned about the opportunity to become a Zoom teacher with SmartKids Ghana, something about the program immediately stood out to her. “When I looked over the program, it clicked to me how many opportunities I have that I can share out into the world and this would be a perfect place to apply that to children.” That perspective captures the heart of what global volunteering can be. Lillian recognizes that the knowledge, skills, educational experiences, and opportunities available to her are things that can be shared. Rather than keeping those opportunities within her own community, she saw SmartKids Ghana as a way to extend them across borders and connect with scholars in Ghana.
Creating Connections Beyond The Classroom
The SmartKids Ghana Zoom Teaching Program brings together Student Ambassadors from the United States and Ghanaian scholars through live, interactive virtual lessons. For our scholars, these sessions are about more than simply learning a lesson. They create an opportunity to meet someone from another part of the world, ask questions, exchange ideas, and see learning from a different perspective. For volunteers like Lillian, the experience is equally meaningful. It gives her the opportunity to step outside the traditional classroom and develop her communication, leadership, teaching, and collaboration skills while making a difference in the lives of young scholars.
As a Grade 11 student herself, Lillian understands what it is like to be a young person learning, asking questions, making presentations, and discovering new possibilities. That shared experience can help her connect with scholars in a way that feels genuine and relatable.
Leading The Way For 2027
Being the first ambassador to apply for SmartKids Ghana’s 2027 Zoom Teaching Program makes Lillian’s journey especially significant. Her early decision to sign up set the tone for what we hope will be another impactful year of global teaching, connection, and collaboration. While she may be the first to register, she certainly won’t be the last. We look forward to welcoming more Student Ambassadors who are ready to share their knowledge and experiences with scholars in Ghana.
Lillian’s story is a reminder that you do not have to wait until you are older, have a professional teaching degree, or have years of experience to make a difference. Sometimes, it starts with simply recognizing what you have to offer and being willing to share it.
Looking Ahead
As Lillian prepares to join our 2027 Zoom Teaching Program, we are excited to see the lessons she will bring, the connections she will make, and the impact she will have on our scholars. Her journey from being a scholar learning through Zoom during the pandemic to becoming a volunteer teacher using Zoom to reach scholars in Ghana is a meaningful full-circle moment.
We are proud to welcome Lillian Greelish as our first 2027 Zoom Teacher and grateful that she chose SmartKids Ghana as the place to share her opportunities with the world. Welcome to the SmartKids Ghana family, Lillian. We’re excited to have you with us.
