Linah Hlekani Mphikela
Pretoria
Summary
Compassionate and communicative educator and social worker with a passion for empowering young minds. Experienced in creating engaging, supportive learning environments that help students reach their full potential, and enjoy the process of learning. Brings a strong foundation in social work, offering empathetic guidance and holistic support to address learners' academic, emotional, and social needs. Skilled in fostering meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues, and committed to nurturing inclusive, safe, and stimulating educational spaces.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher (Grade 8-11)
Soshanguve East Secondary School
Soshanguve
01.2020 - 09.2020
- Developed and delivered CAPS-aligned lessons on personal development, social responsibility, human rights, health education, and career guidance.
- Facilitated engaging classroom discussions that promoted self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and social skills.
- Provided academic and emotional support to learners, including counseling and referrals, where necessary.
- Designed, assessed, and recorded both formal and informal assessments (tests, projects, physical education), and compiled learner progress reports.
- Planned and conducted physical education lessons focusing on health, fitness, and team-building.
- Guided learners in making informed decisions about career paths and subject choices.
- Led school-based awareness initiatives on topics such as Youth Month, Women’s Day, and Mental Health, encouraging active citizenship.
- Maintained an inclusive, respectful, and disciplined classroom environment that fostered learner participation and engagement.
- Created visually clear and consistent lesson materials to ensure effective communication and learner understanding.
Social Work Trainee
Soshanguve Secondary School
Pretoria
02.2016 - 11.2016
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting peer support, and improving social skills among students.
- Conducted one-on-one counseling sessions, providing a safe and supportive environment for students to discuss personal issues and concerns.
- Engaged with community resources to provide additional support and services to students and families.
- Maintained detailed and confidential case records, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with school policies and regulations.
- Provided referrals to external service providers, including psychologists, social development offices, and NGOs, for additional learner support.
- Participated in multi-disciplinary support team meetings, offering input on learner cases, and contributing to holistic support plans.
- Encouraged learner self-development and positive coping mechanisms through structured guidance and mentorship.
Education
Post Graduate Certificate - Education
University of South Africa
Pretoria09-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of South Africa
Pretoria09-2017
Skills
- Case management
- Lesson planning
- Educational resource development
- Counseling and support
- Computer literacy
- Crisis intervention
- Assessment and evaluation
- Group facilitation
- Classroom management
- Relationship building
- Mental health training
References
- Mr A. Kekane, Soshanguve East Secondary School, Principal, 082 671 8349
- Mrs Mfupa, Soshanguve East Secondary School, Mentor Teacher, 078 861 1063
Languages
Xitsonga
First Language
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
Sepedi
Advanced (C1)
C1
Isizulu
Advanced (C1)
C1
Certification
- Computer literacy - 2007
- Khari Gude - 2009
- HIV counseling certificate - 2018
Timeline
Teacher (Grade 8-11)
Soshanguve East Secondary School
01.2020 - 09.2020
Social Work Trainee
Soshanguve Secondary School
02.2016 - 11.2016
Post Graduate Certificate - Education
University of South Africa
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of South Africa
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