Kigali, May 21, 2025 – This week, Health Development Initiative (HDI) Rwanda had the pleasure of hosting Crystal Callahan, Co‑Trustee of the Callahan‑Palmer Charitable Trust, together with her children Tess and Blake. The family visited Rwanda to gain first‑hand insight into HDI’s community work and the tangible impact of its programmes.
During their stay, the Callahan family toured the HDI head office and community centres, met with staff and beneficiaries, and observed field interventions across several Kigali locations, including Nyamirambo, Nyabugogo, and Cyaruzinge in Ndera Sector, Gasabo District.
“We are deeply inspired by the dedication of HDI’s team and the resilience of the communities they serve,” said Crystal Callahan. “Seeing the programmes in action – from health services to skills training – reaffirms why we support this vital work.”
Through a series of field visits and open discussions, the family learned how HDI supports some of Rwanda’s most vulnerable groups, including:
Adolescent mothers – access to sexual and reproductive health education, maternal health services, and psychosocial support.
Young women – life skills and vocational training to foster economic independence.
Sex workers – non‑discriminatory health services, legal aid, and advocacy for their rights.
In addition, HDI staff showcased integrated approaches that combine health services, education, skills development, and community empowerment to break cycles of poverty and marginalisation.
The Callahan‑Palmer Charitable Trust has been a long‑standing partner of HDI, enabling the organisation to scale its outreach and strengthen community‑based interventions. This visit reaffirmed the trust’s commitment to advancing health and human rights in Rwanda.
“Hosting partners like the Callahan family allows us to share not just our results, but the stories and dignity of the people we work with every day,” said a representative from HDI. “Their support fuels our mission to leave no one behind.”
HDI extends its sincere gratitude to Crystal, Tess, and Blake for their visit and continued partnership. The organisation looks forward to deepening collaboration to reach even more marginalised communities across Rwanda.
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