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SHARON MANAKA

@sharonmanaka

Psychology researcher and programme facilitator at SANCA who delivered substance abuse prevention and life-skills programmes to over 4,000 participants annually.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm an aspirant academic committed to promoting mental health, gender equality, and social development through evidence-based interventions.

At SANCA, I taught substance abuse prevention, psychological and life-skills programmes for school children and out-of-school youth, reaching over 4,000 participants annually. I adapted lessons for different learning levels and facilitated referrals to in-house social workers when counselling was needed.

I monitored programme effectiveness through data collection and reporting, and used learner performance data and feedback to identify areas of difficulty. I also prepared programme materials, assessed participant learning, and supported programme delivery with administrative and logistical work.

At the University of the Witwatersrand, I assisted with exam invigilation and evaluated assignments and tests using university grading rubrics. I provided feedback and academic support to students, including one-on-one consultations to explain assessment results and clarify concepts. I'm pursuing a PhD in Psychology and hold an MA in Research Psychology with distinction.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Marker and Invigilator

University of the Witwatersrand

Mar 2023 - Nov 2024 (1 year 8 months)

Assisted in exam invigilation and compliance monitoring, evaluated 60+ assignments and 35+ tests per block, and provided academic support through feedback and one-on-one consultations.

Assessments Grading Student Support Quality Assurance Communication Skills Attention To Detail Time Management

Programme Facilitator

SANCA

Oct 2017 - Jan 2023 (5 years 3 months)

Prepared teaching materials and delivered substance abuse prevention and life skills programmes to over 4,000 participants annually, including school children and out-of-school youth. Monitored programme effectiveness through data collection and reporting.

Facilitation Teaching Lesson Planning Curriculum Delivery Assessments Data Collection Reporting Stakeholder Engagement Administration

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of the Witwatersrand

PhD, Psychology

Currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology.

University of the Witwatersrand

Master of Arts, Research Psychology

2023 - 2025

Grade: Distinction

Activities and societies: Golden Key International Honour Society

Completed a Master of Arts in Research Psychology with Distinction, supported by the National Research Fund (NRF) Postgraduate scholarship and awarded the Postgraduate Merit Award.