For Emma Lewandowski, becoming a Zoom Teacher with SmartKids Ghana is an opportunity to do something meaningful with her time while helping young scholars in Ghana access a better educational experience. As a 10th-grade student at Burlington High School, Emma understands that education can have a lasting influence on a young person’s life. When she learned about the opportunity to become a Zoom Teacher, she was drawn to the chance to support children through learning and contribute to something that could have an impact beyond a single classroom.
“I love that I get to help kids get a good/better education, and that this experience can make a big impact on their lives.”
Although her reason is simple, it reflects something important: Emma believes that helping another student learn can be meaningful and can potentially influence their future.
Believing In The Power Of Education
Education is more than completing assignments, passing exams, or learning information from a textbook. For young people, access to quality education can help build confidence, develop new interests, and create opportunities for the future. This is one of the reasons Emma is excited to be part of SmartKids Ghana’s Zoom Teaching Program. She wants to contribute to an environment where scholars feel encouraged to learn and have the opportunity to explore new ideas. Through virtual teaching, she will be able to share her knowledge with scholars in Ghana while helping make their learning experience more engaging and interactive.
Making An Impact Through Her Time
One of the most meaningful parts of Emma’s decision to volunteer is her willingness to give her time. As a student herself, Emma has her own responsibilities, schoolwork, and activities. Choosing to dedicate some of her time to supporting scholars shows that she sees value in using her opportunities to help others. She understands that the impact of volunteering is not always immediately visible. A lesson, conversation, explanation, or word of encouragement may seem small at the moment, but it can stay with a student and influence how they see themselves and their abilities. By becoming a Zoom Teacher, Emma has chosen to be part of that process.
Learning Beyond The Classroom
While Emma will be teaching, the experience will also give her an opportunity to learn. Connecting with scholars in Ghana can introduce her to different perspectives, experiences, and ways of learning. It can help her develop stronger communication skills and become more comfortable working with students from a different cultural and educational background. Teaching also requires preparation, patience, flexibility, and responsibility. These are valuable skills that Emma can continue developing throughout her time with SmartKids Ghana and beyond. The experience is therefore not only about what Emma can give to the scholars. It is also about what she can learn through building connections and becoming part of a global learning community.
Looking Beyond One Lesson
At SmartKids Ghana, we believe that education has the power to create opportunities that can extend far beyond a single lesson or classroom. When a student has someone who encourages them to ask questions, try something new, or believe in their abilities, that encouragement can become part of their journey. Emma is taking part in this work because she wants to help provide scholars with a better educational experience and believes that her contribution can make a difference. Her involvement is a reminder that students do not have to wait until they are older to make an impact. They can begin by sharing their time, knowledge, and willingness to help others today.
We are excited to welcome Emma Lewandowski, a 10th-grade student at Burlington High School, to the SmartKids Ghana Zoom Teaching Program. We appreciate her willingness to serve, her belief in the importance of education, and her desire to make a positive difference in the lives of scholars in Ghana. We look forward to seeing Emma connect with our scholars, share her knowledge, learn from the experience, and become part of the growing community of young people using education and service to make an impact.
