About us

Friends of Siloam, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to improving the lives of children with special needs. In 2015, we met Dr. Kazuko Kumon, who runs a comprehensive care centre “The Garden of Siloam" for children with disabilities in Kenya. This encounter enlightened us about the current state of support for these children in Kenya. Sharing the same commitment to promoting social participation of children with special needs and their families by offering comprehensive support to children and their families, we established the non-profit organization "Friends of Siloam" in January 2020 to support Dr. Kumon's work in Kenya.

Why we need your support

Africa is currently undergoing significant development, with Kenya particularly experiencing rapid changes in economic growth and a construction boom that has led to a remarkable rise in property values. However, amid this economic progress, children with disabilities often remain in the shadows. There are few specialists and facilities capable of providing appropriate medical care and education for these children. With minimal medical insurance and welfare services available, families with handicapped children face severe financial challenges. Additionally, there is considerable discrimination and prejudice against disabled children, leading many families to struggle with societal stigma while raising their children.

What we do

Friends of Siloam aims to build a supportive environment for children with special needs in Kenya by assisting the operation of The Garden of Siloam, one of the very few facilities in Kenya providing support for children with special needs. Established in 2015 in the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya's capital, The Garden of Siloam is dedicated to offering comprehensive care through medical, educational, rehabilitative services and social support, addressing the needs of children and their families as a whole. The goal is for each individual to experience the joy of living and to shine with their innate abilities and gifts.

Every day at The Garden of Siloam, children enthusiastically participate in morning assemblies, class activities, individual and group therapy, outdoor play, and lunch, displaying their wonderful smiles and growth. Families accompanying the children are also supported and encouraged through daily interactions with other families. Currently, the facility serves over 50 children, with more than 180 children on the waiting list.

Message

The vision of The Garden of Siloam is to be a society where people with special needs in Kenya can fulfil their individual potential and live a fully integrated life, experiencing and sharing God’s love. The facility aims to be a central hub for its activities, rooted in the local community, and to provide a vital place for children to have a better future. Your support is vital to this mission. Join us in our commitment by helping the fund operations of The Garden of Siloam. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of these children. For details about the The Garden of Siloam, please visit its website and Facebook page.

WEBSITE and Facebook

How your donations are used

As the number of children using The Garden of Siloam increases and the waiting list grows, the need for additional staff, supplies, and daily necessities like medications and nutritional porridge has also risen. We will use your donations to cover medical supplies, food cost for children and staff salaries. For example, a donation of $50 from 2 to 10 individuals would cover the monthly salary of one staff member and just $14 a month can cover the medical expenses of a child and their family.