College of Human Sciences
New Academic Making Her Mark in the Department of Psychology of Education
Dr Mokgaetji Charity Somo earned her doctorate degree in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, from the University of Georgia (U.S.), in May 2020. She completed her masters degree in Educational Psychology in 2014, honours degree in Educational Psychology in 2006 and her undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2005, all at the University of Pretoria (South Africa). Her research focuses on childhood mental disorders and family mental health in low-income contexts. She employs a relational and ecological framework to support children and families to experience resilience. She is a registered Educational Psychologist in South Africa.
Demographic history
Mokgaetji is the first daugher of three daughters. She was born in Pretoria and grew up in the Township of Soshanguve, located in Pretoria North. She started her early education at Meetsing Primary School until grade six and then attended the Deutsche Schule Pretoria (now Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria) where she matriculated in 2002. Mokgaetji is a first generation graduate and was the first one in her family to go to University and earn a degree. Since then both sisters and several cousins have completed their university degrees. She is the first and currently the only one with a PhD in her family and hopes that many more PhDs will be earned in her family. Mokgaetji was encouraged and supported by her aunt deaconess Christina Motanyane Somo to complete her post graduate education. Her aunt played a significant role in both her education and religious faith.
Hobbies
Mokgaetji started reading high fiction at a young age and spent most her school holidays immersed in works such as Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and historocal fiction. Mokgaetji still enjoys reading high fiction and plots where dragons rule. Currently, she is enjoying E.E Knight’s Age of Fire. Mokgaetji also enjoys traveling and as a foodie trying out local restuarants.
Life motto
Just do one thing. The world is full of opportunities to make a difference, just choose one thing to do. You do not have to do everything, just do one thing.
Publish date: 2022/07/11
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