History
Here is the journey of The Garden of Siloam since its establishment in 2014.
We would like all of you to learn, remember, and walk with us through our milestones at The Garden of Siloam.
And above all, I hope you will remember it in your prayers.
2014
After being involved in various activities to promote health in Kenya for 12 years since 2002, Dr. Kazuko Kumon, now the Chief Executive Officer of The Garden of Siloam, started preparation to establish a programme to provide education and comprehensive care to the children with special needs, their families, and the communities they live in. Her determination and commiment were founded on her years of experience in supporting such children.
In August 2014, she presented her plan to Koinonia Ministries, a church organization in Kenya.
In October 2014, the Operational Committee of Koinonia Ministries gave her an approval to start the programme as a part of their ministries.
2015
Establishment of the Office and Start of the programme.
In January 2015, the office was opened in Ndenderu, Kiambu County.
In February 2015, we welcomed our first child (Samuel) and started our programme, which includes occupational/speech therapy, medical review and treatment.
In July 2015, we moved the office within Ndenderu.
In October 2015, the group therapy programme started.
2016
In January 2016, in addition to therapy programme, we started educational activities, such as morning assembly and class activities.
In March 2016, the 1st end-of-term performance by the group therapy classes was held.
In April 2016, a five-year collaborative project with Japan Overseas Christian Medical Cooperative Service (JOCS) started.
Individualized Education Programme (IEP) was introduced.
We built an extension to the kitchen and a sandpit with support from Kurume Bible Fellowship (KBF).
In May 2016, a multipurpose room and a warehouse were built with support from The Lion Standing Against the Wind Fund Foundation.
In September 2016, we started to hold a “morning fellowship for parents”.
2017
In March 2017, a partnership and exchange programme with L’Arche Kenya conducted.
In April 2017, Pigeon class (under 3 years of age) for group therapy was established.
In July 2017, a new logo for The Garden of Siloam was created. Basilisa, our occupational therapist, received training in Japan.
In September 2017, an electroencephalogram (EEG) test was introduced.
We visited the Animal Orphanage for our first field trip.
In November 2017, crowd-funding to purchase a vehicle was a big success.
In December 2017, a multi-purpose hall (tent) was established in the yard through crowd-funding.
2018
In January 2018, the group therapy was moved to Tuesday and classes were regrouped into Dove class, Eagle class and Swallow class.
The Garden of Siloam was officially registered as a medical facility in Kenya.
In March 2018, second vehicle (VOXY) was purchased through crowd-funding.
In May 2018, The Garden of Siloam was officially registered as an NGO in Kenya.
In November 2018, Dr. Kazuko Kumon was awarded Social Contribution Award from the Foundation for Social Contribution.
2019
In March 2019, crowd-funding to purchase a piece of land for the facility was a huge success.
In May 2019, we co-hosted a charity event with Cookpad Kenya.
The first “Fathers’ Day” was held.
In July 2019, Elizabeth, our special needs teacher, received training in Japan.
The first board meeting of “Siloam no Tomo no Kai (Friends of Siloam)” was held.
In October 2019, we purchased land in Kabuku (Limuru) to build a new facility.
2020
In January 2020, ”Siloam no Tomo no Kai (Friends of Siloam)" was registered as a Specified Nonprofit Corporation in Japan.
In March 2020, due to influence of COVID-19, we needed to close the facility for a month, followed by small scale operations.
2021
In July2021, the Documentary “Side by Side” was filmed, and broadcast by NHK World in October.
In August 2021, Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan was awarded for the construction of the new facility in Kabuku.
From July to December 2021, successful construction fundraising (crowdfunding) was conducted.
In November 2021, received a donated bus from Friends of Siloam.
In December 2021, Started construction of the new facility.
2022
In February 2022, Ground breaking ceremony for the new facility construction.
In February 2022, received a visit from the Ambassador of Japan in Ndenderu and a construction site.
In April 2022, Lufthansa help alliance grant was awarded for the construction.
In May 2022, received a visit from Ms. Takako Suzuki, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Japan.
In July 2022, in collaboration with JAMIN, charity T-shirts and other goods were sold.
In August 2022, Moving in the new facility and had a thanksgiving service.
In October 2022, the new facility inauguration ceremony was held.
In October 2022, trees in the new facility were planted by fathers of our children in collaboration with Christ Church Loresho.
In November 2022, the CEO received the Soroptimist Award.
In November 2022, Started collaboration with Warashibe-Kai (Japanese Social Welfare Corporation) by dispatching their staff.
In December 2022, the collaborative event “Dream Aquarium” with Epson and JICA was held.
2023
In January 2023, all construction works including the training centre and gym were completed.
In March 2023, the first community open day was held.
In April 2023, the 2nd phase of the collaborative project with JOCS started.
In April 2023, Doughnuts training workshop was held with the assistance of Mun’s Doughnuts
In April 2023, the first joint service was held.
In June 2023, Dr. Takai, a dentist specializing in children with special needs was dispatched by JOCS.
In June 2023, Nicole, an EEG technologist, was dispatched by CHC and conducted training for the staff.
In July 2023, Winnie, the Administrator, had a training in Japan.
In August 2023, in collaboration with Mr. Kensuke Miyazaki and the team, a project of mural art was conducted. An art workshop and unveiling ceremony were held.
In September 2023, Mr. Kono, OT, was dispatched by JOCS.
In October 2023, Angaza class (youth class) was launched.
2024
The new members of the board of directors including the chairperson were elected and started working in January 2024.
From January to March 2024, Maho, a JOCS short-term worker (Special needs education specialist) was dispatched.
In February 2024, Daycare service started.
In March 2024, Siloam was nominated for DIAR (Diversity and Inclusion Award & Recognition), and received the 1st runner-up for the NGO category.
In April 2024, Mitsui-Bussan donated a heater system in therapy rooms and a generator.
In May 2024, the first “Father-Child Event” was held.
In July 2024, Basilisa (OT) and Gladys (Chief assistant had training in Japan.
In August 2024, Karin (ST) was dispatched by CHC.
In August 2024, the first “Siblings Event” was held.