1. CV Jane Simmonds Page 1
CV: JANE SIMMONDS
Date of Birth 26 03 1969 ID No 6903260151088
E-Mail janesimmonds@mweb.co.za
Cell 083 230 3655
Address 14 Majuba Lane Riverclub, 2191
Citizenship South African
Languages English, Afrikaans, basic French and Dutch
Interests Community work, research, swimming, handcraft, yoga
EDUCATION
2016 Masters in Public Health in Social Behaviour Communication Change, University of
Witwatersrand (under examination –anticipate graduating 7 July 2016)
2008 Peer education course in HIV/AIDS training, counselling, facilitation, Standard Bank
1996 Hons B Ed (cum laude), University of Witwatersrand
1991 Higher Diploma in Education (cum laude), University of the Witwatersrand
1990 Bachelor of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand
1987 Rotary exchange student to Belgium (12 months)
1986 Matric, St Mary’s DSG, Pretoria
WORK EXPERIENCE
2009 – date Appel & Simon, Partner and Senior Trainer
 Project manager and co-ordinator responsible for translation into 6 languages and
distribution of book by Marina Appelbaum, “HIV & AIDS”, in sub-Saharan Africa
 360 000 copies sold
 Using book as communication tool in training with children and adults on sexual health
matters- increasing knowledge, self-efficacy, choices, empowerment and awareness
 Training pharmacy assistant students at Medunsa on HIV and AIDS and their role as
pharmacy assisants in increasing access to health care
 Training at schools nationally; corporates e.g. Dischem, Rio Tinto, Hernic; domestic
worker associations; grandmothers and community organisations e.g Orange Babies,
Ratang Bana
2014 – date BanaBlankets, Founder
 Established and continue to manage a project in Alexandra to create employment
opportunities for up to 30 unemployed women producing blankets
 Responsible for identifying markets for the blankets and promotion of project through
social media
 Reponsible for the sourcing of materials, manufacture, training of project members
and distribution of blankets
 Facilitating and supporting a group of grandmothers who care for their orphaned
grandchildren
 Strengthening the organisational capacity of Ratang Bana to secure government,
corporate and individual funding to support vulnerable children

2. CV Jane Simmonds Page 2
2011 – date MyMakarapa Project, Founder
 Established an income generating project to make makarapas
 Identified and marketed the products to CSA, for 2012 SA Olympic team and spectators
to the Olympic Games, SARU, 2015 Rugby World Cup and LeadSA
 Manage the distribution of makarapas
 Run makarapa-making teambuilding workshops
 Managed social media campaign to advertise project through radio interviews, Twitter,
blogs, Facebook
May – Dec 2015 Redhill School, Grade 8 and 9 English teaher (locum)
 Responsible for teaching English to 75 children aged 13-15, developing a passion for
learning, interpretation of English content and cultivating a sense of achievement
 Ran community service hours project after school for pupils to make blankets for
children from Ratang Bana, an NGO in Alexandra
 Got 400 children involved in blanket making for “67 minutes for Mandela day” which
were donated to Ratang Bana, an NGO in Alexandra
 Initiated a project knitting of squares for parents to knit at sporting events while
spectating, in aid of Warm the World, to make blankets for disadvantaged communities
 Initiated Grade 8 & 9 workshop on menstrual health, hygiene and social impact of
menstruation on a unisex basis, enhancing understanding and respect
Mar 2013 – Jul 2013 St Theresa’s Convent, Intermediate Phase Art teacher (locum)
 Taught 200 children aged 11-13 art as instructed by curriculum with focus on individual
creativity and development
 Initiated vuvuzela making for Youth Day, children designed and created patterns on
vuvuzelas, improving skill, spirit and raising confidence
2000 – 2003 GAP Exchange Programme, Coordinator
 Responsible for the orientantion and “on the ground” management of 40 young people
aged 18-20 from the United Kingdom residing with host schools throughout South Africa
 Fulfilled role as anchor person for additional requirements and emotional support
beyond the scope of host families, including crisis management
2000 – date Locum and relief teacher
 Fulfils role as teacher for a few months at a time e.g as fill in for staff on maternity
leave or as relief teacher e.g. when a staff member falls ill, ensuring continuity
REFEREES
Ingrid Moloi, Director, Ratang Bana, NGO, Alexandra
011 2641094/0844520384
Marina Appelbaum, partner in HIV and AIDS training
083 6488020/ marina@appelbaum.co.za
Nicola Christofides, Supervisor, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand
0117172566/ nicolachris@gmail.com
Andrew Baker, Headmaster, Redhill School
0114467860/ andrew@sabje.co.za.