Following the end of apartheid and the establishment of a new democratic government, all kindergartens in the Helderberg region were either closed or lost their support. The impact on families living in the townships was devastating: without access to childcare, parents were unable to seek employment; without jobs, they had no income; and without income, they could not properly care for their families. A downward spiral began.
After lengthy and complex negotiations with government agencies and church organizations, we were finally able to open our first kindergarten in 1998, funded entirely through private donations. Designed to accommodate around 100 children, this facility was envisioned as a model that could inspire similar initiatives throughout the region. Since then, the kindergarten has undergone numerous improvements, both in infrastructure and organization.
In March 2018, we proudly celebrated the kindergarten’s 20th anniversary. Many of the children who attended in those early years have since completed their education and now hold stable jobs with reliable incomes.
“Helderberg Golden Sunbeam” was the first kindergarten founded and supported by Bernd Holtkamp — a lasting example of sustainable development and impactful work in the townships. It became the cornerstone of our ongoing efforts and inspired the name of our organization: Golden Sunbeams e.V.
Committed since 1998.