One Small Dream That Changed Thousands of Lives
At just 15 years old, Ryan Hreljac from Canada has already changed the world, one well at a time. Thanks to his efforts, hundreds of wells now bring clean, safe drinking water to communities across Africa, Central America, and India.
Without Ryan’s determination, many of these wells might never have been built. But his story began not with grand ambitions, just a 6-year-old’s desire to make a difference.
“Everybody can do something”, Ryan says.
It All Started in a Classroom in Ontario
In 1998, when Ryan was six years old, his teacher in Kemptville, Ontario, explained that children in Africa often had to walk miles every day to collect water, and that many became sick or even died from drinking contaminated water.
Ryan was stunned. He couldn’t imagine not having clean water at home. So, he decided to help.
He started doing chores for his parents and neighbors, saving every coin he could. He spoke at schools, churches, and clubs, spreading his message and asking others to join him. Slowly, donations began to flow in.
After months of effort, Ryan had raised $2,000, enough to fund his first well.
A Well, a Friendship, and a Lifelong Mission
Ryan partnered with Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR), who built the first well in Agweo, Uganda, in 1999. There, he was introduced to Jimmy Akana, a 9-year-old boy living in the village. The two began writing letters and soon became close friends.
In 2000, Ryan traveled to Uganda to attend the opening of the well, and finally met Jimmy in person. Their bond grew so strong that, three years later, when Jimmy’s life was endangered by the ongoing civil war, Ryan’s family helped bring him to Canada. He has lived with the Hreljacs ever since, becoming part of the family.
Their remarkable friendship is now told in the children’s book Ryan and Jimmy and the Well in Africa That Brought Them Together by Herb Shoveller, published by Kids Can Press.
From One Well to a Global Foundation
After that first well, “the ripple effect took over”, Ryan recalls.
With the support of adults and volunteers, Ryan founded the Ryan’s Well Foundation in 2001 to spread awareness about the importance of clean water.
Since then, the foundation has raised over $1.5 million and built 255 wells, providing safe water to more than 427,000 people in 12 countries.
Ryan has met numerous world leaders and received multiple awards, including the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honor. But for him, the greatest reward is seeing other young people take action.
“The most impressive people I’ve met are the other kids who want to help, too”, Ryan says. “The only reason I accept awards is that each word I say might help one more person.”
Still a Teen, Still Dreaming
Today, Ryan is a busy 10th-grader who plays football and ice hockey and enjoys studying computer technology.
As for his future? “I don’t exactly know what career I’ll choose”, he says. “Maybe a lawyer, a teacher, or even Prime Minister!”
Jimmy, now thriving in Canada, plans to continue his education before choosing a college path.
Last summer, the family traveled to Australia, where Ryan spoke about his mission, and found time to learn how to surf with Jimmy and his brothers, Jordan and Keegan.
He still travels occasionally, giving talks at schools and international conferences. His most recent trip took him to China, where he spoke about youth activism and global water access.
A Message for the World
Asked if he ever feels discouraged knowing so many still lack clean water, Ryan answers without hesitation:
“It’s important to be an optimist. When people are dying on the other side of the world, to sit in your house and say, ‘I can’t really help’, that’s not the person I want to be.”
“I’m just a typical kid. I had a small dream and stayed with it. Everybody can do something.”
