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He has been called the Messiah for water and the “water boy”, one thing is at least for sure that he is one of the most successful young fundraisers this world has ever seen. Starting with the only desire to build a well in an African country, Ryan Hreljac has seven years later raised over $ 1 million, built 169 wells and provided clean water for 300.000 people in undeveloped countries as Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Guatemala. Having received an enormous embracing by media and a non-stop interest from people all over the world, 14 year old Ryan is determined to continue on this path till he reaches his dream to provide clean water to everyone in the world. He has been called the Messiah for water and the “water boy”, one thing is at least for sure that he is one of the most successful young fundraisers this world has ever seen. Starting with the only desire to build a well in an African country, Ryan Hreljac has seven years later raised over $ 1 million, built 169 wells and provided clean water for 300.000 people in undeveloped countries as Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Guatemala. Having received an enormous embracing by media and a non-stop interest from people all over the world, 14 year old Ryan is determined to continue on this path till he reaches his dream to provide clean water to everyone in the world. It all started in 1998 when the six year old Ryan intently listened to his first-grade teacher telling about how people in Africa had to walk many kilometers every day just to get water. The teacher also told him that it would only take $70 dollars to build a well for an entire village. Hearing this, Ryan decided he had to build a well and asked his parents as soon as he got home for $70 dollars. Since he was only six years old his parents didn’t listen to him right away but eventually Ryan started doing chores around the house to earn some money. Four months later Ryan had saved $70 dollars and went to leave the money at the charity WaterCan in Canada, specialized on building wells in undeveloped countries. The story spreads like a dandelion At the age of nine in 2001, Ryan’s Well Foundation was established and Ryan went to Uganda to see his first well ever, this is one of the best memories Ryan has. I’m most proud of the trip to my first well, it’s also my best memory because I met my pen pal Jimmy (Akana, editor’s note) there. Not only did Ryan start learning about the vast importance of clean water due to his work, but also he experienced how his friend Jimmy was abducted by the guerrilla group LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) known for kidnapping thousands of children, forcing the girls into sexual slavery and the boys to become child soldiers. After a time of anxiousness the message arrived that Jimmy had escaped and Ryan, his two brothers and parents took the decision to adopt Jimmy. Turn dreams into reality Bearing in mind that Ryan Hreljac has been interviewed by hundreds of medial publications, held hundreds of speeches, been awarded continuously, met Pope John Paul II, Prince Charles, environmentalist Jean-Michael Cousteau and Dr. Jane Goodall, he still gives the impression of just being a regular guy still dreaming the same dream. With his unique and captivating story Ryan inspires and motivates children, youth and adults to follow their dreams. Find your passion, believe in your power and then turn your dreams into reality.
(Source: Positive News: http://www.positivenews.org.uk/index.php)
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Pick a Dream and
Follow It - Ryan Hreljac Interview