Rewriting Futures
Since 2008, we’ve been on a mission to protect and uplift East Africa’s most vulnerable children. We believe that with a strong start in life, children have a better chance of breaking free from the cycle of poverty and achieving meaningful futures - not just for themselves, but for their communities.
Dedicated to
Making a Difference
Our small but passionate team of volunteers is based in Queensland, Australia. Once a year, we travel to Africa to work side by side with our partner organisations, always eager to listen to their insights and understand their unique challenges. Each one of us is committed to seeing children grow up in healthy, thriving communities.
Collaborating
for Change
Our volunteer board members bring a diverse range of professional skills - from engineering to medicine - which allows us to support and empower our African partners effectively.
By collaborating with respect and humility, we create strong partnerships that not only strengthen our shared goals but also ensure accountability and transparency. This personal approach allows us to make a lasting difference in the communities we serve together.
Meet Our Board
Rodney Callanan
DIAS Co-Founder & Director
Director of Gateway Projects
Jennifer Barker
DIAS Co-Founder & Director
Assurance Partner , Ernst & Young
Andrew Stewart
DIAS Director | Senior Partner,
Stonehouse Wealth Management
Phil Walker
DIAS Director | Advisor,
Aviation Infrastructure & Investment
Dr. Geoffrey Mitchell
DIAS Director | Emeritus Professor, School of Medicine, University of Queensland
Our Founder's Story
“I was walking down a crowded street in Bwindi, Uganda, when I felt a tug on my heart. As I passed the beggars lining the road, it hit me - just a few dollars could change a life. In Australia, we have access to so many resources, and I knew I needed to do something to make a difference for these children.
When I returned home in 2007, I had no idea how to start- I just knew I had to act. I reached out to friends with similar passions, and together, we realised we could do more by combining our skills. I was in construction; one friend was a pastor, another an accountant. We were ordinary people, but that didn’t stop us from stepping up.
From the start, our focus was never just on projects; it was on people. Projects come and go, but people - along with their children and future generations - remain.
We knew that sustainable change could only come through empowering visionary leaders who were already working tirelessly in their communities.
These leaders didn’t just want to build a school or dig a well - they dreamed of transforming entire communities. Many were struggling to feed their own families, yet they were committed to creating places of care, launching self-sustaining farms, and starting small businesses to uplift their people.
At DIAS, we’ve journeyed alongside these leaders, supporting their dreams for a better future for children and families. Although the work can feel slow at times, the thought that keeps us going is simple: change begins with one child. When we focus on the one - looking into their eyes - we know that change is not only possible; it’s worth it.”
Rodney Callanan
“As a doctor on the board of DIAS, I feel a deep calling to share my knowledge with healthcare workers in East Africa. Our partners have truly become like family to us, and together we can empower them to provide the best possible care for the children. It goes beyond simply treating illnesses; it’s about being a part of their journey and supporting their commitment to nurturing healthier futures for these kids.”
Dr. Geoffrey Mitchell
Emeritus Professor, School of Medicine, University of Queensland
Join Us
When you donate to Droplets In A Stream, you can be confident that 100% of every dollar goes directly to supporting vulnerable children. Thanks to the generosity of our dedicated board, all operational expenses are covered, ensuring that your contributions create a direct and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
