In 1978, the Caledon community founded a playgroup with the dream of having its own dedicated building. Initially housed in the old library building and church hall, the daycare’s vision continued to grow.
At first, the daycare was part of the SA Child Care Association’s list of duties, but after a division of labor in 1981, it became the responsibility of the Caledon Community Association. The daycare was officially registered in 1981, and by 1984, it received its first subsidy from the Department of Education and Culture.
With increasing enrollment, the need for a new building became evident. In 1991, the governing board applied for a building grant. While waiting for approval, the committee began raising funds independently, collecting R20,000 for a nursery school complex estimated to cost around R500,000. They purchased the site and covered the architect’s fees from the self-help building fund.
In 1994, the construction of three classrooms began. Errol Tobias and his building team voluntarily started the project on Saturdays in August 1994. Fundraising efforts continued, and by December 1994, the committee proudly opened the new classrooms for members and staff.
In 2002, workers from South Africa Malting (SAM) decided to support the centre, leading to the construction of a new kitchen. Sonskyn Daycare became part of Badisa in 2003 and currently serves 69 children.
