What If a School Assignment Could Change the World?

Dr. Wil Rodriguez
Jun 22
3 min read

A true story of compassion, courage, and a child who chose to care.

One boy. One question. One well. A ripple that reached 745,000 lives.

By Dr. Wil Rodriguez

It Started as a Lesson

In 1998, six-year-old Ryan Hreljac sat quietly in his first-grade classroom in Ontario, Canada. His teacher, Mrs. Prest, explained that many children in Africa had to walk for hours every day to collect dirty water—water that often made them sick.

Most children would’ve been shocked and moved on.

But not Ryan.

He raised his hand and asked:

“How much does it cost to build a well?”

“About $70,” his teacher said.

That moment was no longer a lesson.

It became his calling.

From Homework to Hands-on Action

Ryan went home determined to raise the money.

He asked his parents for extra chores and worked for four months:

Watering plants
Cleaning
Taking out the trash
Doing laundry
Gathering pinecones

He proudly brought the $70 to a Canadian nonprofit called WaterCan.

But then came the truth:

A real well would cost $2,000.

Most Would Give Up. Ryan Stepped Up.

Instead of quitting, Ryan expanded his vision.

He began speaking at schools, churches, and community groups, sharing his mission with sincerity and courage.

At just seven years old, Ryan raised the money.

His first well was built in Angolo, Uganda—bringing clean water to hundreds of children.

“I learned that you don’t have to be a grown-up to make a difference.” —Ryan Hreljac

The Moment It Became Real

When Ryan traveled to Uganda, he met his pen pal, Jimmy, and saw the impact with his own eyes:

Children drinking clean water
Girls returning to school
Families finding dignity

That school assignment had become a humanitarian mission.

He didn’t just dig a well—

He dug into purpose.

From a Child’s Dream to a Global Foundation

In 2001, at age 10, Ryan launched the Ryan’s Well Foundation.

Since then, the foundation has:

Built over 700 wells
Installed 900+ latrines
Brought clean water to more than 745,000 people in 17 countries

Ryan didn’t just build wells.

He built hope. He built futures. He built possibility.

Still Growing. Still Giving.

Ryan later earned a degree in political science and international development.

He now leads the Foundation, speaks across the world, and remains deeply connected to his mission.

He grew older.

He grew wiser.

But he never grew out of the question that started it all.

What If… You’re Next?

Maybe your “assignment” isn’t written on paper.

Maybe it’s that idea you keep putting off.

That child you can’t forget.

That injustice you can’t unsee.

Ryan’s story isn’t here to impress you.

It’s here to remind you: You’re already carrying something world-changing.

What if your “small task” is really your life’s invitation?
What if your compassion isn’t random—but a clue?
What if your purpose is closer than you think?

Final Reflection

Ryan’s story isn’t about charity.

It’s about choice.

He chose to care.

He chose to act.