About Dr. Darleen Edwards-Meyer

Dr. Darleen Edwards-Meyer is the Founder and Developer of

the SMART LIFE Program.

Darleen attained a Higher Education Diploma, B.Ed. (Cum Laude); M.Ed. (Cum Laude), a Ph.D. in Social Education (investigating problems in the area of parenting, sexuality and alcohol & drug abuse) as well as a diploma in Family and Sexuality Education from the University of Pretoria.

She has been a Senior lecturer at Vista University, Pretoria University and the University of Stellenbosch for 17 years respectively.  As a service provider for the Department of Education for 13 years, numerous official South African Education programs have been developed and implemented in schools and other organizations, inter alia, the first national Life Skills, HIV & AIDS and Sexuality program for Primary schools, a Peer Support Program “RADS” [Radically Different Species] and a Care & Support program for learners affected and infected by HIV & AIDS.

Darleen has authored and co-authored various articles and books in this field, inter alia, two Education textbooks for tertiary institutions “Smart choices for Responsible Choices. A guide for Educators”.

The SMART LIFE Learning program was born out of Darleen’s years of

experience, research and studies.


Feedback

I walked in thinking it would be awkward for all of us to learn about these things together and that we would be bored. But clearly, I was wrong.”  “This day was inspirational, amazing, truthful and fun!

Grade 7 learner
17 September 2019

I have learnt to value myself, to act my age, to set boundaries and respect myself; to avoid emotional baggage; to make good choices, achieve my goals and to forgive myself. It’ll help my future. I’ll be smart and successful!

Grade 7 learner
17 September 2019

I think a workshop of this caliber should be for the entire staff. We are all faced with the same problems on a daily basis

Educator

This is so wonderful came at the right time when sexual abuse is happening a lot. I wish more educators can be able to attend this

Educator

It encourages communication between parents and their kids which is something very rare in our culture.

Parents

These last few days, I have learned to help our youth of today. Thank you for helping me change the world and for helping me in my own life that has started to become challenging.

Peer Support

Thank you for helping me change the world and for helping me in my own life that has started to become challenging.

Peer Support