Jessica Ronaasen is a social worker and researcher has recently completed her PhD at Stellenbosch University focussing on Essential Management Competencies of ECD Principals in South Africa. She is an experienced social worker, ECD trainer and supervisor and has demonstrated expertise in facilitation, programme development as well as monitoring and evaluation in the ECD sector. Jessica has a vast variety of skills and expertise linked to the field of education and development.
Jessica assisted in developing the training material for the UNICEF and Department of Health; Nutrition Guidelines for ECD Centres and a number of training programmes for the early education field linked to nutrition and child health.
Jessica launched Relate Your Research, a social work podcast and has a passion for communication of data in an approachable way. She is Mandela Rhodes Scholar and was awarded the National Development Agency ECD Awards: 1st Place Facilitator of the Year (2018) and the National Development Youth Agency Awards: Civil Society Category. Jessica is passionate about ECD, nutrition and promoting learning within organisations and schools.
Jessica has published several articles contributing towards South African knowledge both the ECD and social work fields. Her Masters explored Parent Education Programmes in South Africa,
Experience
–present
National Programmes Lead, Stellenbosch University
2019–2020
Project Lead, UNICEF- SA & NMU
2015–2018
Parent Programme Manager & Facilitator , Early Inspiration
Education
2021
Stellenbosch University , Phd in Social Work
2013
Stellenbosch University , Masters in Social Work
Publications
2022
Handwashing knowledge and practices among caregivers of pre-school children in underprivileged areas of Nelson Mandela Bay." , South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition 35, no. 1 (2022): 8-12.
2021
ESSENTIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES OF PRINCIPALS AT EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTRES, E-thesis
2021
Sakha ESETHU: nurturing value-centered group work for a community-based parent support programme in the eastern Cape, South Africa, Social Work with Groups
2019
Water, sanitation and hygiene practices in early childhood development (ECD) centres in low socio-economic areas in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development
2017
ECD Indicators and Nutritional Status of Grade R Children: An Interest to Social Workers, Southern African Journal of Social Work and Social Development
Grants and Contracts
2018
Ernst & Ethel Erikson
Role:
Grant
Funding Source:
2013
Mandela Rhodes Foundation
Role:
Scholarship
Funding Source:
Professional Memberships
South Africa Council for Social Service Professions