Waseem Omar
E-Learning Developer
Kenilworth
Summary
I am an aspiring mental health practitioner with academic training in psychology and hands-on experience in lay counselling, psychosocial support, and community-based mental health work. I have written extensively about my professional and personal experiences in journals, case notes, and curated course material on digital learning platforms. I am deeply committed to critically and socially responsive reflective care and ethically grounded practices. I currently have a keen interest in evidence-based research that can be implemented with a focus on contextually relevant mental health preventative practices and interventions. I am an e-learning developer with 9 years of hands-on experience designing and developing highly engaging, interactive courseware. Skillful in creating slides and pages and aligning graphics and texts, coupled with fundamental knowledge of HTML, CSS, and R. Articulate and organized professional committed to championing cost-effective strategies for project deliverables through available resources. I am an avid reader, researcher, and writer—enjoying both fiction and nonfiction as well as scientific literature. Knowledgeable e-learning developer with a solid track record and proficiency in providing compassionate and effective counseling services. Leveraged therapeutic techniques to support clients in overcoming personal challenges and improving mental health. Demonstrated proficiency in active listening and emotional intelligence, fostering a safe and supportive environment for clients. Compassionate SADAG Counsellor with extensive knowledge of counseling principles and practices. Adept at creating individualized treatment plans and leading group therapy sessions. Committed to creating a safe, supportive environment for all participants. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure an entry-level writing tutor position. Ready to help the clients and team achieve company goals. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure an entry-level writing tutor position. Ready to help the team achieve company goals for clients.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
E-Learning Developer
Competence Mobile
02.2016 - Current
- Working with Feedem, AFSA, OTIS and Bidfest and Bidfood in particular. Worked on projects for the end-to-end development of digital learning solutions for health and education sectors, with a strong focus on accessibility, behavioural impact, and user engagement.
- Developed and implemented Learning Management Systems (LMS) for various companies using Moodle and other software tailored to diverse learner needs and organisational contexts.
- Developed interactive course content using predominately Adobe Captivate and Ionic Creator, among other digital learning software - integrating instructional design principles to enhance learning outcomes for adult and youth users.
- Produced educational animations with VideoScribe to support health and safety literacy for companies such as Feedem, Foodlovers Market, Bidfest, OTIS and public health campaigns for the Allergy Foundation of South Africa (AFSA).
- I also collaborated with the AFSA and Prof Michael Levin, working with the allergy foundation to design and develop a mobile health education app using Ionic Creator, enabling users to access allergy management resources, risk assessments, and interactive digital self-help tools easily.
- Gained valuable insight into digital health communication, user behaviour, and the psychosocial implications of e-health interventions—perspectives that inform my approach to counselling, writing, research, and analysis.
- I further developed skills in interdisciplinary teamwork throughout my career. We endeavour to cater for the client’s individual “look and feel” an the translation of complex information into accessible learning formats, some of which align with a person-centered approach.
SADAG Volunteer Counselor
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
03.2025 - Current
MENTAL HEALTH CARE & COUNSELLING EXPERIENCE
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) | Volunteer SADAG Counsellor | 2025–Present
- I provide crisis support and psychoeducation on a national helpline at SADAG Cape Town office at least once a week.
- Address issues such as depression, anxiety, active suicides, suicidal ideation, substance use, and domestic violence in addition to .
- Participate in regular supervision, peer debriefing sessions. I was recently involved in a presenting our offering to new UCT employees representing our Cape Town office.
Baphumelele Children’s Home – Organic Farm Project | Volunteer | 2023-2024
- Supported psychosocial and nutritional initiatives for children in care.
Drift Sands Mosque, Khayelitsha| Community Outreach Volunteer | 2006- Present
- Participated in grassroots mental health and welfare support efforts in underserved communities.
LifeLine Western Cape| Personal Growth and Development (PG01) & Counselling Skills 1 (CS01) Trainee | 2023–2025
- Undertook formal training in foundational counselling techniques.
- Focus areas include trauma-informed care and practice sessions with experienced facilitators.
- Made it through selection to become a Lifeline counsellor on probation, although opted to dedicate that time elsewhere.
Education
Psychology
University of Cape Town (UCT)
The University Of Cape Town 01.2023
Bachelor of Applied Social Science - Psychology & Counselling
South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP)
Cape Town, South Africa01.2022
No Degree - Psychology
No School: For Academic Purposes
Remotely 04.2001 -
Skills
Counselling: I am fairly experienced in-person and telephonic counselling suited to psychosocial work and trauma-informed care I am able to conduct thorough assessments on clients and callers and provide effective psychosocial support and refer appropriately when necessary Digitally documenting case notes have improved my administration and reflective skills for writing
Writing and Editing: I have written broadly on many psychological related topics throughout my academic journey thus far, as well as professionally as an e-learning developer – writing storyboards for course content and fine-tuning to suit clients’ needs before creating the e-learning content I am also perhaps most proud of a paper I wrote for a module called "Prevention Science" during my honours
Research and Application: I am computer literate and technologically savvy I have several years of experience with qualitative analysis and course creation software In addition to, qualitative interviewing and statistical analysis – proficient in R, Dedoose I have predominately used the Microsoft Store, Adobe Captivate and Ionic Creator for e-learning development
References
Dr Thelma, Oppelt, Phd (former SACAP lecturer): thelmaoppelt@gmail.com; toppelt@myuwc.ac.za
Dr Catherine Ward, Phd (former UCT lecturer and supervisor): cathy.ward.sa@gmail.com
Timeline
SADAG Volunteer Counselor
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
03.2025 - Current
E-Learning Developer
Competence Mobile
02.2016 - Current
No Degree - Psychology
No School: For Academic Purposes
04.2001 -
Psychology
University of Cape Town (UCT)
Bachelor of Applied Social Science - Psychology & Counselling
South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP)