At the heart of the Smart Life Movement and the Smart Choices curriculum stands the vision and work of Dr. Darleen Edwards-Meyer, a pioneer in life skills and sexuality education whose decades-long commitment has shaped the way we equip young people to make responsible, values-driven choices.
Dr. Edwards-Meyer’s journey in education spans a remarkable career committed to the holistic well-being of learners. She holds a Higher Education Diploma, a B.Ed. and M.Ed. (both Cum Laude), a Ph.D. in Social Education from the University of Pretoria — where she investigated issues surrounding parenting, sexuality, and substance abuse — and a postgraduate diploma in Family and Sexuality Education. Her academic and practical contributions to the field have been both trailblazing and transformative.
Dr. Edwards-Meyer’s journey in education spans a remarkable career committed to the holistic well-being of learners. She holds a Higher Education Diploma, a B.Ed. and M.Ed. (both Cum Laude), a Ph.D. in Social Education from the University of Pretoria — where she investigated issues surrounding parenting, sexuality, and substance abuse — and a postgraduate diploma in Family and Sexuality Education. Her academic and practical contributions to the field have been both trailblazing and transformative.
Other works by Dr. Edwards-Meyer include:
- “Botswadi” – A Parent-Guidance Programme for working mothers.
- Care & Support of learners infected and affected by HIV & AIDS (co- developer).
- RADS “Radically Different Species” first SA Sexuality & Life skills peer support programme in which 1000’s of young people participated.
- Edwards D.N. & Louw N. (2009). Smart choices for responsible social behavior. A guide for young adults.
- Louw N. & Edwards D.N. (2011). Teaching children to make smart choices for responsible social behavior. A guide for educators. Second edition.
As the mind behind the Smart Choices programme, Dr. Edwards-Meyer continues to inspire educators with her balanced approach to relationships, sexual health, and the development of core values. Her work recognizes the important role that educators (teachers, parents and community workers) play in shaping the character and choices of the next generation.
The Smart Choices Learning Programme was born out of Darleen’s years of experience, research and studies.