Derin Kiraz, an 11th grader at American Robert College of Istanbul, is passionate about using education as a tool for equality and empowerment. With firsthand experience volunteering in underprivileged communities in her own country, Derin understands the importance of making education accessible to every child, regardless of background or circumstance.
Through a school supported volunteer project, Derin worked with children from less privileged parts of her city, teaching sports and drama while her peers introduced science, arts, and other activities. The project allowed the children to explore different fields and discover where they thrived most. Derin and her peers even raised their own funds to provide the materials and tools needed for an experience that not only built leadership skills but also deepened her commitment to educational equity.
Derin also has experience teaching and presenting in online environments. She has presented research findings over Zoom to a committee of teachers, making her confident and comfortable engaging with students virtually. This skill will serve her well as she connects with Ghanaian scholars across borders and time zones.
Motivated by her strong belief that knowledge is what shapes a person, Derin is excited to share what she has learned with the scholars of SmartKids Ghana. For her, teaching is not just about academics, it’s about giving children the opportunity to explore the world, nurture their curiosity, and build brighter futures.
As part of her role, Derin is also dedicated to raising $250 to help provide essential resources like internet access, transportation, and school materials for scholars. These contributions ensure that every lesson she teaches reaches the children who need it most, while also sustaining SmartKids Ghana’s impactful programs.
Derin’s compassion, leadership, and determination to promote equality through education make her an inspiring addition to the SmartKids Ghana teaching team. With her efforts, she is helping create a world where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. We are really excited to welcome Derin aboard, welcome Derin 🥳
