Karen Temlett

Karen is one of Funda Kunye's two founding partners and serves as the Executive Director. An experienced educationalist, she ran her own Early Childhood Development program for 20 years and brings extensive knowledge of the early learning sector. She is passionate about empowering educators and is committed to seeing the long-term impact of Funda Kunye on the children's development, and ultimately, the upliftment of educational standards within the community. She believes that every child deserves the chance to thrive and reach their God-given potential.

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give” Winston Churchill.

Carina van der Merwe

Carina was one of Funda Kunye's two founding partners and played a key role in shaping its vision. An Occupational therapist with a passion for community development, she spent years working in rural communities. She understood the importance of empowering educators with knowledge, skills and confidence, fostering ownership, accountability and sustainability. Her heart for ECD helped lay the foundation for Funda Kunye's mission to uplift educational standards and transform the lives of children in marginalised communities.

Noreen Henry

As one of Funda Kunye's directors, Noreen assists us with all things financial. She has worked in the financial sector for over 15 years, bringing invaluable skills and experience with her. She believes the training Funda Kunye offers will have a huge impact on both the IY and Hangberg communities of Hout Bay.

Rachelle Tilney

Rachelle is one of Funda Kunye's directors and offers her expertise in graphic design and social media. With a deep desire to give back and make a positive impact in the lives of young children and their families, she has chosen to work with Funda Kunye.

As our social media guru, Rachelle focuses on increasing our organisation's reach and raising awareness about our programs and services. Her contribution helps us connect more effectively with our community and achieve our mission.

Janice Grant

Janice Grant is a qualified teacher for whom teaching is far more than a profession—it is a calling. She is deeply passionate about education and believes in its powerful role in shaping children’s lives, particularly in their early years.

Her heart lies in supporting educators and in creating nurturing, engaging learning environments where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. As a Director at Funda Kunye, Janice is committed to contributing to meaningful, long‑term change in early childhood education and to strengthening the educational foundations of the communities Funda Kunye serves.

Desne Opperman

Desne Opperman has over 20 years of experience in early childhood development and is the Principal of Wavecrest Educare Centre, a registered centre serving 130 children aged one to five. Her journey with Funda Kunye began through its clear understanding of the real needs within educare centres.

Through Funda Kunye’s training and ongoing support, Desne and her staff gained practical knowledge, fresh ideas, and confidence. This has strengthened inclusive daily programmes and ensured that children at Wavecrest are well prepared for a successful transition to school. As a Director at Funda Kunye, Desne brings valuable practitioner insight and experience to the organisation’s work.

Annie Bains

Annie is our prayer warrior and partner. She diligently prays for our foundation and seeks God's wisdom. As a playschool owner in Hout Bay for 35 years, catering for 2-4-year-old children, Annie knows how important early education is for children's formative years; as it impacts their social, emotional, cognitive, creative and physical development. Annie believes that with the training offered by Funda Kunye, the educators will be able to implement the correct age-appropriate stimulation to enable proper development to take place.

Nobantu Paliso

Nobantu is Funda Kunye's full-time trainer, mentor, and office administrator, ensuring ECD principals are supported and equipped to implement best practices. She holds an NQF level 5 qualification and a Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management, and her experience in both an ECD centre and aftercare program has given her deep insight into the daily realities of early childhood education.

She is passionate about seeing growth and development in the ECD sector, especially during the critical first 1000-2000 days of a child's life.