Ryan Hreljac

A younger Ryan Hreljac.

When we think of water, we always know we have it nearby. It's in the water fountains, in our water bottles, and directly available from the faucet. Today, almost everyone is blessed with water all around them. We never seem to care about it, though. Unfortunately, there are those in other countries without resources that barely have any water to keep them alive. There are some of us who are lucky to live in resourceful countries. Not often do we care to think about those in need, but Ryan Hreljac did. He did more than sit back and live his life like the rest of us. Born in Canada in 1992, Ryan was a normal boy, going to school, doing his chores as we all had done when we were young. In his first grade class, Hreljac's teacher taught a lesson involving mentioning of other countries, some of which who had little access to clean water. Hreljac realized that all he had to do was walk a few steps to get to a water fountain, and he wanted those less fortunate than him to have the same freedom. Ryan decided to take action and to do something about it. Through the next few years, he worked hard to find a way to get clean water to other countries in need of it. Eventually, he founded the Ryan's Well Foundation, an organization that builds wells in countries that are in need of water. His hard work, determination, and selflessness have changed the world and saved many lives, as well as inspired many.

As mentioned earlier, Ryan Hreljac wanted to bring water to other countries. Ryan chose to begin his mission with Uganda, Africa.  He put a lot of effort into his idea to build a well for a small village there. In the year 1998, at the age of 6, he worked extra hard so he could earn extra money so that he would be able to build the well. Most first-graders would brush off the fact that some people are less fortunate than they are. Hreljac had actually cared for these unfortunate people and wanted to give them clean water, so he worked hard to try to achieve this goal. At the end of the long and extensive month of extra chores, Hreljac had earned $75, for what he hoped would be enough for the resources to build a well. When his parents looked into the price of one, it turned out that it would cost over $2,000 dollars. Ryan would not give up though. He spread the word around the community and the schools. He made sure to speak to nearby organizations and service clubs so they would know the problems that have been ensuing in Africa. Soon enough, Ryan had raised more than enough money for the cost of a well. He went beyond the limit of a normal 6-year-old. He did the unimaginable and did what not many other kids could do: Stand up and work for something they believe in. 

Ryan and Jimmy.

From the many qualities a hero has, one of them is selflessness. It's very difficult to find anyone these days that would do as much as they could to help others, but Ryan Hreljac did the unthinkable and raised all the money needed to build a well in Africa. Eventually, he established the Ryan's Well Foundation to keep his dream going. His idea to help these people in need of clean water has gone far and on top of that, even started his foundation to keep raising the money for his projects in the future. His unselfish ways really show how heroic he is. His foundation has brought water to over 16 countries have not only saved millions of lives, but have also inspired others to be as benevolent as he is. Ryan has done all that he can to help and support people in need. 

Ryan Hreljac also supports kids and young people who want to make a change in the world. In an interview, Ryan stated that he wants everyone to find their "puzzle piece" that fits into the world and to take action. In the same interview, Ryan said, "What inspires me are all the kids that are doing something to make the world a better place even though some adults might not think they can." Not only does his work inspire us, but so do his motivational words in youth in action. His story is a motivational one that helps us realize that that one person can make all the difference. Ryan's story has gotten many kids involved in his projects as well. His foundation has reached out and has gotten the help of young people who also want to help others. His words have gotten many kids getting active and doing something for what they believe in. 

Ryan revisiting an African village.

Hreljac has inspired many and saved thousands of lives because of his selflessness and hard work. When asked in an interview what he thought his greatest accomplishment was, Ryan responded, "I don't think I have really done anything great, but if people hear my story and decide that they want to do something to make the world a better place and if there are a lot of people that decide to do that, then I guess that's pretty great." Through his over-achieving efforts, he has raised thousands of dollars and built many wells in poor countries all around the world. His hard work have paid off and he has saved millions of lives from his great deeds. Hreljac's story lets us know that it doesn't matter how old we are. It doesn't matter if people don't believe that young people can pull it off, or put us down. As long as we have a belief and plenty of determination, kids can change the world. Ryan Hreljac overcame the obstacles and was able to give his time and effort to bring water to the thirsty and dying people in many countries. Its qualities of selflessness and responsibility like Hreljac has that make him a true hero.

Works Cited 

"2007 Skipping Stones Honor Awards!" Skipping Stones May-Aug. 2007: 19+. Gale Student

Resources in Context. Web. 13 Dec. 2011.

"A boy who makes a difference." Christian Science Monitor 2 Jan. 2007: 18. Gale Student

Resources in Context.

De Groot, Joanne. "Ryan and Jimmy and the Well in Africa That Brought them Together."

Resource Links Feb. 2007: 26. Gale Student Resources in Context. Web. 13 Dec. 2011.

Hreljac, Ryan. "How One Child Changed the World." Ryan’s Well Foundation | Home. Ryan's

Well Foundation.

"Inspirational Kids: Ryan Hreljac." Welcome to EcoKids Online. EcoKids. Web. 12 Dec. 2011.

"Water for Africa." Kidsworld Magazine Fall 2007: 4. Gale Student Resources in Context. Web.

13 Dec. 2011.