Zoey is our communications intern. She is originally from Turkey and has been living in Amsterdam for the last 5 years. Zoey has a background in arts, literature and media and completed the master’s programme in Arts and Media studies at the VU University, Amsterdam. Prior to joining Aflatoun International, she worked at an Arts and Culture NGO.

Zoey comes from a family of educators who mainly worked with the most vulnerable children in remote areas of Turkey. Her fascination with early childhood development and social impact inspired her to be a part of the Aflatoun family.

What is your role at Aflatoun International?

I am a part of the communications team at Aflatoun International. My role involves conceptualising and executing communication campaigns. I create content for the website and social media channels, write blogs, articles and take part in the rebranding efforts and strategy sessions as well.

What do you like most about the organisation?

My favourite thing about Aflatoun is my team. I feel lucky to be a part of a young, talented group of women who are passionate about what they do. Together we’ve created an open, harmonious and friendly work environment where all ideas are welcomed. Plus, working for an organisation that has such a big impact on the lives of millions of children and young people brings me so much pride and joy.

What do you get out of this internship?

Thanks to my time at Aflatoun, I have more confidence in my abilities. Learning about content creation, design and social media have been so much fun. I also value everything I have been learning about non-profit organisations and social and financial education. I am excited to apply these skills both to my professional and personal life.

Which of your accomplishments during this internship are you most proud of so far, and why?

So far, we have launched many creative communication campaigns that were very well received. I am especially proud of our social media campaign for World Savings Day, as it was quite inspiring to hear children and young people tell their own stories. Overall, I am proud that as a team we were able to increase the visibility of Aflatoun International across all online platforms.

Why is social and financial education important?

If I learned one thing at Aflatoun, it is that the importance of financial education cannot be overstated. I believe financial literacy is the path to the sustainable development of individuals and consequently of societies. And the earlier financial literacy is acquired the greater the benefit of it is felt by people. Therefore, Aflatoun’s financial education programmes for children and young people are key in hampering inequality, poverty and social injustice for generations to come.

Social education is another crucial element in empowering children and young people to become socially engaged and happy human beings. The social skills children gain early-on will not only help them be in harmony with who they are and with other people, but it will give them the tools to be more successful in both social and professional aspects of life.

What is next for you?

After my internship at Aflatoun, I would like to find a role in media and communications departments where I can put my organisational skills and creativity to work. I hope to be a part of a professional environment where I can continue learning and bring projects to life.
Although, no matter where I am, I will continue to be a big fan of Aflatoun, and follow its future accomplishments with great pleasure!

Share with us a motto or a quote close to your philosophy of life.

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

– Mark Twain