The Boy Who Brought Water to Half a Million Souls

When Ryan Hreljac was just six years old, his world was simple—school, play, and turning on the tap when he was thirsty. But everything changed the day his teacher spoke about life in Africa, describing how many children had no access to clean water. Some even died of thirst. The thought shook Ryan to his core.

He raised his hand and asked the simplest, most profound question:
“How much would it cost to bring clean water to Africa?”

His teacher mentioned an organization called WaterCan, which could build a well for around $70. Ryan went home that afternoon with a mission. He told his mother, Susan, that he needed $70—not for a toy, not for himself, but to build a well for African children.

Susan, surprised and moved, explained that if he wanted to help, he’d have to work for it. And so, Ryan began to do chores—washing windows, vacuuming, raking leaves—for neighbors and family. A few dollars at a time, he slowly earned the money. When he proudly brought his $70 to WaterCan, they gently explained that while it could help, the actual cost of building a full well was $2,000.

For most children, that would be the end. But not for Ryan.
“I’ll come back with the rest,” he said.

And he did.

He kept working. His story spread. Friends, neighbors, classmates, and eventually people from all over began contributing. Bit by bit, they raised the full amount. And in January 1999, a well was drilled in Angolo, northern Uganda, providing clean water to an entire village.

The well didn’t just bring water—it brought life, hope, and a connection across continents. Ryan’s school started corresponding with the school in Uganda, and he became pen pals with a boy named Akana—a child who walked miles every day just for the chance to go to class.

Ryan wanted to meet him.

In 2000, Ryan traveled with his parents to Uganda. What he didn’t expect was the crowd of hundreds lining the road, chanting his name.
“They even know my name?” Ryan asked in awe.
“Everyone within 100 kilometers knows,” his guide answered.

That six-year-old boy, once armed with only a heart full of compassion and $70 worth of dreams, became the founder of Ryan’s Well Foundation. Today, at 33, he has helped build over 400 wells, bringing clean water and sanitation to more than half a million people in Africa. He also works on education and sustainability, empowering communities to manage their own water systems.

💧 While many of us worry over trivial things, Ryan reminds us what true impact looks like. One child, one dream, one well at a time — changing the world.