Sonia Emma Da Silva
Barendrecht,South Holland
Summary
Strong communication skills and naturally build positive relationships with people. My background in teaching has played key role in developing this skill.
I'm a caring and dedicated individual who takes pride in my work and is known for being loyal and dependable.
I relocated from South Africa to the Netherlands in October 2023 following my husband's transfer to Europe with his current employer.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Pre Primary Teacher
Pathways Pre Primary School
Edenvale, South Africa
01.2010 - 08.2023
- Incorporated technology in lessons, making education interactive and enjoyable.
- Participated in teacher training workshops, enhancing professional competence.
- Coordinated with staff members for effective curriculum planning and implementation.
- Delivered early years foundation stage curriculum effectively to foster cognitive growth.
- Age group 4-5
Swimming Instructor
Self Employed (Splash Kids Swim School)
Edenvale, South Africa
01.2001 - 12.2021
- Provided swim instruction to children ranging from 6 months to 11 years old, while also accommodating occasional adult instruction.
- Complied with all health and safety regulations to provide safe learning environment for students.
- Demonstrated proper use of swimming equipment, enhancing safety measures during training sessions.
- Coordinated swim meets to foster competition among learners.
- Worked closely with parents to discuss children's progress.
- Designed fun-filled training sessions for better engagement.
Pre Primary Teacher
Over the moon nursery school
Edenvale, South Africa
01.2010 - 12.2013
- Tailored lesson plans to meet individual pupil needs, enhancing personal development.
- Managed classroom decorations to create stimulating learning atmosphere.
- Reinforced hygiene practices amongst children through routine cleanliness drills.
- Fostered social development amongst pupils by promoting teamwork activities.
- Age group 3-5
Pre Primary School Teacher
Dowerglades Nursery School
Edenvale, South Africa
01.2003 - 12.2009
- Participated in school events, promoting sense of community and inclusivity.
- Incorporated song and dance into lessons to foster creativity and expressiveness among students.
- Led storytelling sessions using various props, boosting children's imagination.
- Improved children's social skills through interactive games and activities.
- Age group 3-5 years old
Personal assistant
Cad Cam Systems
Sandton, South Africa
01.1999 - 12.2002
- Provided personal assistance to CEO whilst travelling overseas on business trips.
- Maintained confidentiality of documents, ensured secure handling of sensitive information.
- Filed documents systematically which increased ease of access when needed.
- Web page designer and Marketing assistant.
- Prepared reports and presentations for board meetings, streamlined decision-making process.
Personal assistant
Liberty Life Insurance Company
Braamfontein, South Africa
01.1993 - 12.2002
- Scheduled appointments and conference calls coordinated seamlessly across different time zones.
- Assisted in project management, contributed to successful completion of crucial projects.
- Prepared reports and presentations for board meetings, streamlined decision-making process.
- Managed correspondence, reduced response time by ensuring timely replies.
- Served as personal assistant to the IT Manager while providing support for programming projects.
Typist
ABSA Bank
Johannesburg, South Africa
01.1989 - 12.1992
- Drafted correspondence to aid in professional communication.
- Worked in the typing pool department preparing and processing mortgage request documents.
- Provided occasional executive support to the Mortgage Department Manager, functioning as a personal assistant as needed.
- Perfected final drafts by thorough proofreading, enhanced overall presentation quality.
Education
Grade 8 to Grade 12 - Education
Florida Park High School
South Africa 01.1983 - 12.1987
Secretary - Education
Roodepoort Secretarial College
South Africa 01.1988 - 07.1988
Teacher - Child Day Care Diploma
Intec College
South Africa 01.1999 - 12.2001
Level 1 First Aid Course - Education
South African First Aiders
South Africa 01.2022 - 01.2022
Level 1 Instructor - Education
Six Bricks Level 1
South Africa 03.2023 - 03.2023
Teach English as a foreign language - Teacher
Teaching Language as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Netherlands 07.2025 - 12.2025
Skills
- Empathetic nature
- Early childhood education knowledge
- Teacher-Parent collaboration
- Arts and crafts supervision
Affiliations
- Reading, Padel, Walking, Cardio Boxing
Certification
Child Day Care Diploma
Professional Swimming Coach
Professional Baby Swimming Coach
Level 1 First Aider
Six Brick Level 1 Instructor
TEFL Level 3 English
Timeline
Teach English as a foreign language - Teacher
Teaching Language as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
07.2025 - 12.2025
Level 1 Instructor - Education
Six Bricks Level 1
03.2023 - 03.2023
Level 1 First Aid Course - Education
South African First Aiders
01.2022 - 01.2022
Pre Primary Teacher
Pathways Pre Primary School
01.2010 - 08.2023
Pre Primary Teacher
Over the moon nursery school
01.2010 - 12.2013
Pre Primary School Teacher
Dowerglades Nursery School
01.2003 - 12.2009
Swimming Instructor
Self Employed (Splash Kids Swim School)
01.2001 - 12.2021
Personal assistant
Cad Cam Systems
01.1999 - 12.2002
Teacher - Child Day Care Diploma
Intec College
01.1999 - 12.2001
Personal assistant
Liberty Life Insurance Company
01.1993 - 12.2002
Typist
ABSA Bank
01.1989 - 12.1992
Secretary - Education
Roodepoort Secretarial College
01.1988 - 07.1988
Grade 8 to Grade 12 - Education
Florida Park High School
01.1983 - 12.1987