Funda Kunye NPC
What does your company do?
Funda Kunye, which means "Learn Together" in isiXhosa, is a non-profit organization I co-founded to empower and equip caregivers and educators in under-resourced communities. We focus on Early Childhood Development (ECD), specifically supporting those who run informal daycare centers in areas like Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg in Hout Bay.
Our mission is to provide training, mentorship, and resources that promote age-appropriate stimulation, nurturing care, and early learning for children aged 3 months to 4 years. By strengthening the capacity of educators, we aim to reduce developmental delays and help children reach their full cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual potential. Ultimately, Funda Kunye is about creating a ripple effect—uplifting communities by investing in their youngest members and those who care for them.
What is your biggest success?
My greatest achievement has been founding Funda Kunye and witnessing its growing impact on early childhood development in underserved communities. What began as a small initiative has become a trusted support system for over 180 caregivers and educators, positively influencing the lives of hundreds of young children. A major milestone was receiving registration from the Western Cape Education Department for our Early Learning Programme and endorsement from the South African Council of Educators for our Early Childhood Care and Education Course in 2024. These achievements have empowered women with the skills and confidence to provide nurturing, stimulating care. Watching educators grow into community leaders and children thrive in enriched environments is deeply rewarding. This journey is about more than numbers—it’s about restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and building a foundation for lifelong learning. Helping to break cycles of poverty through early education is the legacy I’m most proud of.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
Our biggest hurdle has been navigating the lack of formal recognition and support for women working in informal ECD centres in South Africa. Many of the women we work with operate outside the formal education system, often in overcrowded or unsafe environments, with limited access to training or resources. Gaining trust within these communities while advocating for the value of early childhood development has required patience, cultural sensitivity, and persistence. Additionally, securing consistent funding to sustain and scale our programs has been a challenge, especially in a sector where ECD has been sorely overlooked although now very much in the limelight! Despite these obstacles, we’ve remained committed to our mission—adapting our approach, building strong local partnerships, and collaborations and celebrating small victories along the way. These challenges have only strengthened our resolve to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive.
