Meet Kelly Ferreira, founder and CEO of Tembali Party Park and Tembali Preschool. Her venue is a pre-school for special needs children and is used on weekends as a party venue.
“My journey into early childhood education wasn’t a straight line – it was a calling that found me when I least expected it.
I started my career in events, thinking that creativity and energy would fulfil me, but something was missing. I wanted to make a lasting difference, not just memories for a day. That’s when I decided to follow my heart and enrolled at a professional childcare college. Teaching and nurturing young minds had always been my passion – and I finally had the courage to pursue it.
During the Covid-19 lockdowns, I began small – just a handful of children learning and playing inside my home. It was humble, but it was filled with heart. Soon after, I started bringing my daughters to play at Tembali Party Park during open play days, and I immediately saw its magic. The laughter, the open air, the sense of freedom – it felt like the perfect place for children to learn and grow.
I approached the previous owners and asked if I could rent a section of the property to start my little school. That’s where Tembali Preschool was born – a safe, joyful space where kids could simply be kids again. A year later, through hard work, faith, and determination, I became the proud owner of Tembali Party Park as well.
Today, Tembali has blossomed into a vibrant community – a place where learning and laughter go hand in hand. It’s more than just a preschool and a party venue, it’s a home away from home. We’ve opened our arms to children with special needs, ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been easy. This past year brought my first major challenge – financial strain. But with every obstacle comes growth. I’ve learned to adapt, promote smarter, and lean into the power of community. Word of mouth has been our biggest blessing – families sharing their experiences and helping others discover what makes Tembali special.
I’m also incredibly grateful for my team – a group of passionate, hard-working individuals who bring warmth, love, and stability to every child’s day. They don’t just show up for a job; they show up for a purpose.
As both a mom to two beautiful girls and the owner of Tembali, I’ve learned that nurturing children – whether my own or others – is the most rewarding work there is. My dream for the next five years is to expand Tembali’s vision even further: to create a dedicated homeschool space on the property for children who need more one-on-one support, while continuing to grow our existing school and party park into a sanctuary of happiness and belonging.
At Tembali, we believe every child deserves a place to feel free, safe, and loved, and that’s exactly what we’re building, one happy face at a time.”
For more info, visit tembali.co.za and follow them on Instagram @tembali_partpark
Article by Kelly Ferreira.
