Our Story – The History of Kingsway
The story of Kingsway Christian School is one of compassion, faith, and quiet determination—a story that began with a simple act of care and grew into something far greater than anyone could have imagined.
Where It All Began
In 1986, a woman named Elise Bonnett became deeply concerned about the number of children living on the streets—children without stability, without opportunity, and without access to education.
When a group of these children began running through her property, she chose not to turn them away. Instead, she welcomed them in.
With the help of a few volunteers and a local pastor, she began teaching seven children in her garage—offering them not only education, but also food, safety, and care. She focused on the foundations: reading, writing, and arithmetic.
What started as a small act of compassion quickly grew. Word spread, and more children began arriving—drawn by the promise of learning, nourishment, and a place where they were seen and valued.
Growing Beyond the Garage
As the number of learners increased, it became clear that the small garage could no longer contain what was unfolding.
Around this time, Joan de Smidt was appointed as principal, and the school moved to a larger premises. What had started informally was beginning to take shape as something more structured and far-reaching.
Parents from surrounding communities began encouraging their children to attend. Many of these children came from extremely difficult circumstances—walking long distances each day, often without basic necessities, but driven by a desire to learn and build a better future.
A Place to Belong
By 1990, Kingsway relocated to the grounds of Honeyridge Baptist Church, where it remains today.
Under the leadership of Elizabeth Thompson, the school became more established and formally registered with the Gauteng Department of Education. Additional classrooms were built, and more teachers joined the mission.
Kingsway grew into a Christian school focused on providing holistic education to disadvantaged learners—equipping them not only academically, but also emotionally and spiritually.
A Community Effort
From the beginning, Kingsway has been sustained by a network of committed individuals—teachers, volunteers, churches, and donors—who believed in the vision.
Volunteers gave their time to support reading programmes, healthcare services, and daily operations. Teachers committed themselves fully, often working with limited resources but unwavering dedication.
Parents, despite financial hardship, continued to prioritise their children’s education—making sacrifices to ensure they could attend school each day.
Faith Through Every Season
Over the years, Kingsway has faced many challenges, particularly in securing the financial resources needed to continue operating.
Yet through every season, the school has remained steadfast.
There is a deep-rooted belief within the Kingsway community that this work is sustained not only by human effort, but by faith. Time and again, provision has come when it was needed most.
A Lasting Impact
What began with seven children in a garage has grown into a school that continues to serve hundreds of learners each year.
Generations of children have passed through Kingsway—many going on to further education, meaningful careers, and lives of contribution.
But beyond the numbers, the true impact lies in restored dignity, renewed hope, and the belief that a different future is possible.
Looking Ahead
Kingsway remains committed to the vision that first sparked its beginning: to provide a place where children are safe, supported, and given the opportunity to rise above their circumstances.
With the continued support of its community, the school will carry this mission forward—raising future generations who will, in turn, bring hope to others.
