During a heavy storm and spring tide on the night of 31 January to 1 February 1953, dykes broke in numerous places in the south-west of the Netherlands. The islands of Tholen and Sint Philipsland were also badly hit. In Sint Maartensdijk, fortunately, there was only material damage. Help and support came from all corners for the affected residents and residential areas.
Following this disaster, Sint-Maartensdijk received a donation offer from the Swedish child welfare organisation ‘Rädda Barnen’ for a wooden structure in November 1953. It was decided to build a kindergarten, part of which was intended as a leisure and study room for local youth. What is extra special is that the school was put together by a group of English youth (conscientious objectors). They came to Sint-Maartensdijk especially for this project, thus doing their bit for international aid.
Rädda Barnen is Swedish for Save the Children. In 1959, this name was given to the street between the Oostsingel and Parallelweg. This was in gratitude for the donation of the kindergarten by the foundation of that name from Sweden. Rädda Barnen is the Swedish branch of Save the Children and was founded in 1919. This foundation was born out of the distress that affected many millions of children after the First World War. To this day, this foundation exists, and its main goal is to take care of children in need.
In October 1955, the building was finally officially opened and put into permanent use. Due to lack of space, the former association building located next to the kindergarten was used as a playroom for the four classes in the early 1970s. In 1975, the kindergarten moved to another location. In the years that followed, the building was used for a toddler playgroup, as a practice room for various (folk) dance groups and music association Euterpe, as well as for playing racing ball. In 2011, the Salvation Army moved into the building as a service centre. The building was eventually demolished in 2016.
The gift from Sweden has given way to the current medical centre. Since 2021, several health specialists have been housed there under one roof giving a new meaning to Rädda Barnen; Save the Children.