http://gardenofsiloam.jimdo.com/

The Garden of Siloam, Nairobi (2026)

19/06/2026

Happy birthday to all amici born in June!!
We had a party yesterday and appreciated the lives of 3 amici.
Revina 9 years
Gabriel Kamau 13 years
Jayden Njoroge 8 years

As Jayden joined the Siloam family last week, it was the first birthday party with us, which was a very big blessing for us.

16/06/2026

Though the cold season had started, it was a sunny day today. The Angaza class had "a farming day", which started with picking guava fruits from a tree.
In the last season, they had planted potatoes, but unfortunately, they did not have time to harvest. As they were preparing the shamba for planting, we found some potatoes and sweet potatoes!! The team prepared the shamba for planting cabbage. We would like to see a good harvest soon!!

10/06/2026

Grief Care Ministry
Our greatest strength at Garden of Siloam has always been walking alongside our Amici and their families through direct service, sustained by Christ who strengthens us. Our Amici are precious gifts entrusted to us by God, and our daily prayer is that each one of them would live to fulfil the purpose God intended for their lives even before they were conceived.
As we journey together, beautiful and inseparable bonds are formed, not only with the Amici, but also with their parents, siblings and caregivers. We celebrate victories together, carry burdens together and learn together. Many caregivers become nurses, teachers, counsellors, advocates and spiritual leaders all at once, often without preparation, but out of deep love for their children.
And so, when death, though inevitable, comes the loss is profound.
For parents and caregivers who have spent years devoted to caring for their child in such unique and sacrificial ways, grief can feel overwhelming. One becomes so accustomed to never being alone, to structuring life around love, care, appointments, routines and shared moments. When that presence is suddenly gone, the silence can be unbearable.
For a long time, we have felt the need to begin a Grief Care Ministry which is a safe space where families and staff can journey together through loss, healing, remembrance and hope. Yesterday, that vision finally came to life. We are deeply grateful for the 8 caregivers representing 7 families who were able to join us for our very first session. One thing that stood out clearly is that grief looks different for every person. There is no timeline for healing, and no “right way” to grieve. During our conversations, important topics emerged, including how to support siblings who ask difficult questions that parents may not always know how to answer. There was also a beautiful desire among caregivers to continue giving back and supporting others, even in the midst of their own grief.
As staff, we grieve too. Each of us carries these losses differently, which reminds us of the importance of creating spaces where we can support one another with compassion and grace. The most important thing is that none of us walks this journey alone. We are encouraged by the willingness to continue with this ministry, and we pray for God’s grace, wisdom, strength and guidance as we move forward together.
Today, we honour and remember the families of our beloved Amici: Joshbeam, Lewis, Edward, Collins, Gift, Fredrick, Victor, Gyan, Lavinia, Jane, Angel, Tracy, Gladness, Precious, and Jeremy.
We see you.
We remember with you.
We love you dearly.
And above all, may you always remember this: You will forever remain part of the Garden of Siloam family.
(FaithGrace, Social worker / Counsellor)

06/06/2026

It was half-term holiday this week, but our staff keep on working at maximum speed!!
On June 2, we held a first aid training session for some situations when our amici are not feeling well.
This training was requested by the drivers and assistants who take the amici to and from Siloam. It was wonderful that they felt the need for this training themselves and said, “We want to learn.” Therefore, the medical team planned the training for all the staff.
First, we learned about the importance of keeping the airway open. Our amici often need careful attention to their breathing because of too much saliva, weak muscles, difficulty swallowing, and seizures.
One of the most important risks is choking. Choking can happen during meals, after vomiting or at any time. It is common and can be very dangerous. So it is important to learn both prevention and first response. We learned how to notice changes in our amici, and we practised back blows and the Heimlich manoeuvre through role-play.
Next, we learned how to respond to seizures. Our amici have different types of seizures, but the most important things are always to keep the airway open and keep amici safe. We especially practised what to do if a seizure happens during transport, when medical staff are not in the car.
Finally, we learned basic first aid for injuries. We talked about how to respond to injuries with bleeding and what to watch for after a head injury.
The participants were very motivated. They joined the role-plays actively and asked many good questions.
To protect the lives of our beloved amici, we will continue to observe them carefully and keep learning together.
(Reported by Naomi, Clinical officer)

27/05/2026

We had the May birthday party yesterday!!
Peter Mainga 13 years
Ryan Kiarie 12 years
Christian 11 years
Esther 10 years
We also have staff, Caro, Lydia, Abigael and Margaret, born in May.
Happy birthday to you all!!!

24/05/2026

The Garden of Siloam received a dental team in 2023 and 2025 through support from JOCS. Since then, led by the therapist team, we have strengthened our strategies on Amici’s oral hygiene in the facility through several trainings. However, it is so critical for the caregivers at home to understand its importance and the techniques, therefore, the therapy team, together with the medical and education team, has planned the oral hygiene workshop for the families of AMICI, which was held on 22nd May.
Many AMICI have difficulties with chewing or swallowing, or have special sensitivities in and around the mouth. Some AMICI also have swollen gums because of their medicines. This can make oral care difficult. It is important to find the best way to care for each AMICI’s mouth. Oral hygiene is also closely connected to aspiration pneumonia, which some AMICI have faced many times. So, this is a very important topic for us.
24 family members joined the workshop.
First, the medical team gave a lecture. Naomi explained that oral hygiene is not only important for preventing tooth decay. It also helps AMICI enjoy eating, sleep well, and live happily with their families. When the mouth is painful or uncomfortable, spasticity comes worse, and the AMICI may also feel unsettled. She also explained which foods can easily lead to tooth decay, and how decay develops.
After that, we had practical sessions in small groups. One group for those who had aspiration pneumonia before, the second for those whose physical ability is limited but no history of aspiration pneumonia, the third for Amici who strongly resist brushing their teeth, the fourth for those who are to be more independent and aiming for thorough brushing. The team leaders — Basilisa, Rachael, Muhanji, and Carolyne — worked together with the families. They learned brushing tips for each AMICI’s needs. The families asked many questions and learned very actively.
After lunch, the second practical session was for the actual brushing of AMICI’s teeth. They used what they had learned together with the staff and brushed very carefully.
It was a wonderful time. Many families came together, celebrated the growth of AMICI, enjoyed talking with each other, and shared both the joys and challenges of daily life at home.
(By Yota, paediatrician)

18/05/2026

On 7th May 2026, we had the privilege of receiving visitors from Tsavo, a Real Estate Investment Company based in Nairobi. The Tsavo team was introduced to us by Caroline, who has been a friend of Siloam since 2018. Caroline introduced Cash in your wardrobe.
This project has benefitted close to 30 families at the Garden of Siloam. Through donations of quality clothes, shoes, toys, household items and more, caregivers are able to resell these items to help provide for their basic needs, as well as medical and therapy costs. The project has not only benefitted them economically, but also socially and psychologically, as they find warmth in working together as a group while also building their self-esteem through meaningful work. Other initiatives, such as the chicken project, have also been birthed through this program.
It was truly wonderful to host the team. Though their time with us was limited, they were able to interact with our Amici and their caregivers, giving them a broader perspective of their daily lives. We also had the opportunity to share our journey and explain how each service we offer is a response to the real needs experienced by our Amici and caregivers.
We received encouraging feedback from the team, and we hope and pray that this partnership will continue to bear fruit. Our Amici and caregivers were greatly encouraged and excited by the visit. Thank you so much for the gifts you brought along.
Their visit was also a beautiful reminder that we are all needy at heart and dependent on God’s grace. As they bless us with their generosity, our Amici and caregivers bless them in return with their smiles, joy and testimonies. It is truly the principle of giving and receiving.
We anticipate that this partnership will bring forth even greater support, creating more impact and improving the lives of our Amici and caregivers. To our donors and future donors at Tsavo, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and say a big “Thank you.”
(By FaithGrace, Social worker)

16/05/2026

Dr Yota Sato, a JOCS worker, has joined us on a two-year assignment starting in April. With many of Amichi currently unwell, his presence has been a great help. Furthermore, as we have training sessions for staff and parents scheduled for May and June, he is working alongside Naomi to help with the preparations.
***********************************************
I am Yota Sato, a JOCS (Japan Overseas Christian Medical Cooperative Service) worker and paediatrician. In Japan, I worked as a paediatrician specialising in children with disabilities. I came here in April with my family—my wife and our two sons, aged 5 and 9.
I visited here two years ago, and I felt that I wanted to spend time here with everyone. I am grateful that I was able to come back.
It has only been one month, but every day my heart is moved by many things—happy things, joyful things, and sad things.
As a member of The Garden of Siloam, I would like to learn, rejoice, and walk together with everyone.
(Dr Yota Sato)

13/05/2026

This is a report from FaithGrace, our social worker, regarding one of our income-generating activities called "Siloam Sewing Designs".

Starting a sewing project 3 years ago seemed far-fetched as it requires technical skills, focus, and patience. By God’s grace, the project kicked off in 2023. Since then, we have been making consistent baby steps. We started with gift bags, which we have sewn for quite some time now, and we are grateful for the Japanese market that has supported us. Last year, one of the self-training successes was making graduation gowns for our Amici during graduation as they transitioned from Sakuhana to Jabali. This year, we have been engaged in making cushion chair covers. It is encouraging to see the progress we are making, especially considering that much of it has been through self-training.
However, the caregivers’ dream and ambition, together with the support staff, have always been to grow in this skill by making clothes of different designs. This has been limited because of a lack of human resources. Since 2024, it has been both a dream and a prayer request for us to have someone skilled in sewing, even if just an intern, to guide and train us.
God heard our prayer. This April, we were grateful to have Akiko San with us for one and a half weeks. She had worked in the fashion industry in Japan for three years before transitioning to another career. She was truly instrumental in sharing her skills with us, though the time was very short.
We have three electric sewing machines, and she helped us realise that there was still so much we needed to learn, both on how to fully use the machines and how to maintain them. This experience made us realise that we only knew the basics, yet there are many different ways the machines can be utilised. We were trained on how to make a sizeable cute shopping bag, a tissue pouch and a pillowcase. We also dream of remaking or sewing comfortable clothes that our Amici can wear with ease. Hopefully expand the business in future by factoring in the diverse needs of persons with disabilities. She trained us on how to put zippers, binders and snaps. Akiko San also brought quite a number of tools that will make the caregivers’ work easier.
One of the highlights of the training was how precise she was with details, especially when it comes to measurements, which enhances quality control. She was also very keen on safety and kept encouraging our caregivers to be keen on the same. We do hope that Akiko will be back soon. Our prayer is that we will continue getting more people who can come alongside us to offer training, share skills, and help us grow in this journey. Are you there and willing to volunteer? We are ready for you.
The involved caregivers shared the following:
Wachuka:
“I learnt a lot about the use of rulers for measurement, cut-outs, and how to cut material depending on the specific item being sewn, for example, avoiding the material running and being keen on the fabric pattern if it has one. She brought a rolling cutter that ensures the cutting of material is precise. I am grateful for her coming; I have learnt a lot of skills from her. I have also learnt more about the use and maintenance of the sewing machine. She challenged me to be accurate in my measurements, which will produce quality items.”
Margaret:
“Ms Akiko was approachable and easy to talk to. She was patient with us and ensured that we understood a concept before proceeding. She didn’t mind repeating things, which made it easy to focus and understand. She helped me understand how to use the machine in different ways. I learnt many skills from the items we were able to sew. She also challenged me to be creative and to learn different ways of sewing.”
Patricia:
“The training was very good. She was patient with us until we understood. She would pinpoint errors that to us did not seem big, yet they could jeopardise the quality of the item. Ms Akiko helped us understand how these errors come about and how to rectify them. We are looking forward to ensuring that the quality of our work improves after this training. I was challenged to remember that a buyer always looks for quality, and it is my duty to ensure that.”
Lucy, SW Assit.
“The training was good. We got to learn how to sew different kinds of bags aside from what we were doing before. We made shopping bags that are space-friendly and portable, tissue bags, and also hair ties. We also got to know more about the sewing machines we had and understood how different machine setups can affect the final product.
We learnt how to follow patterns in materials and how, depending on what you want to make, the material is cut at different angles. We also learnt how to modify different clothes to suit the needs of our Amici. In addition, we made pillowcases that will be used for positioning.”

25/04/2026

The time has come to celebrate April Amici's birthday!!
As schools in Kenya are closed until the end of this week, some siblings came along with our amici, which was a real blessing.

Joseph 16 years
Grace 11 years
Anastacia 9 years
Lewis 13 years
TerryAnne 12 years

Happy birthday to you all!!

The Garden of Siloam

19/06/2026

16/06/2026

10/06/2026

06/06/2026

27/05/2026

24/05/2026

18/05/2026

16/05/2026

13/05/2026

25/04/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category