The child who has stolen half a million thirsty Africans.

An unforgettable day of winter 1998 in Kemptville (Ontario) Ryan's hometown, the professor of the College of St. Michael, Mrs Nancy loans were giving a little talk to her first grade class about the condition and safety of the students in her same age who lived in Africa. Asked the students if they knew who was the leading cause of death among African counterparts. Every child was convinced that food shortages were surprised to learn that it is the poor quality of drinking water that decimated their classrooms 'antipodes'.

Ryan Hreljac was very surprised by the lack of 'clean water' and asked Nancy as a tap cost in Africa. Mrs Perst, bewildered, he predicted a figure that Ryan had read in a document: $ 70 by an extractor pump. That same day when he got home, Ryan, who was still learning about the monetary value of things, he asked his mother the money to buy a tap and mail it.
Susan, the first person who suffered the 'Ripple Effect', ignored between the bull and confusion concerns his son. But Ryan insisted all week about money and even suggested him do chores for a whole year to earn the opportunity to decide what to do with a first salary.

"Mama do not understand," he said, tears filling his eyes. "Children are dying simply because they have no clean water!"

His mother, accepted the challenge, knowing the lack of consistency in a child his age. Ryan vacuuming, cleaning windows and with much determination, he worked patiently and saved every coin in an old tin of biscuits. His mother, an accomplice of the game not the purpose, he anticipated the coins won on task. His two brothers were involved in the project but soon capitulated to such holy stubbornness. Ryan did all the work that allowed her short stature from January 1998 until late April.

Susan then accompanied his son to the office of the Watercan to deliver savings. The executive director explained to Nicole Bosley encorbatado child with only $ 70 you can purchase a hand pump. To drill a well would require about 2000. To which Ryan replied:

I have to do more chores then.?

Nicole Bosley, our second captive of the 'Ripple Effect', convinced his superiors and the International Development Agency of Canada to pay the bill half well with Ryan. What kept the figure at $ 700 'forced labor' in the home of the Hreljac. A family of lower middle class with money to spend.

Arrival and welcome of Ryan Otwal, Uganda.

Immediately the wave of 'Ripple Effect' spread through the community and neighborhood soon Ryan who collect enough money for the investment of its first well. The Watercan then granted an interview with Gizaw Shibru Ryan, director for Uganda of all their programs. Both chose the school in Otwal Angolo as the destination of the well, a village north of the country stricken by AIDS and drought where 1 in 5 children die before reaching the age of Ryan.

But Ryan's ambition was not at the expense of adult desires. When he learned that the wells are drilled by hand became his obsession renewed in a new wave for engaging in the $ 25,000 price of a mobile drilling. His mother caught between pride and devotion secured an interview through his friend Derek Puddicombe journalist for the newspaper "Ottawa Citizen" that resulted in a documentary for TV and the arrival of checks and donations from all over the country.
While in his class, the professor Nancy began an exchange of letters with students from the school of Uganda:

... Dear Ryan, my name is Akana Jimmy. I have 8 years. I like football. Our house is made of grass. How are in the U.S.? Your friend, Akana Jimmy.
Ryan replied:
.. Dear Jimmy, It must be great to have a house made of grass. I have 8 years. Do you drink water from my well every day? What is your favorite subject in school? I will go to Uganda when I have 12 years. My house is made of bricks [...] Write soon. Your friend Ryan

The letter enclosed a photograph of Jimmy

. A student with a captivating story also had escaped from the clutches of the Lord's Resistance Army or LRA
. For weeks, Ryan has adopted as his image of his new friend. Can you meet him?. He wondered. Susan and her husband thought that maybe, someday, could afford a trip. Maybe when Ryan met the 12. But Ryan could not wait that long. Soon, the rebound effect from the next wave attracted a wealthy executive who donated to neighborhood Hreljac card air points, collected in its endless travel, which allowed Ryan to travel to see her new soul mate

In July 2000, Ryan arrived in the city of Otwal with his parents. 5000 children were waiting for him, chanting his name.

"They know my name!?. He amazed. "All who live 100 miles know your name, Ryan? Shibru Gizaw said.

Down the hall waiting for him man his friend Jimmy. He grabbed Ryan's hand and led him to 'it's well so he could cut the ribbon
.
Then opened the first of the 432 wells across 15 countries (mainly in Africa) has drilled to the investment of its Foundation.

Automatic drilling well in school in Angola, Otwal, Uganda.

The future.

A beautiful and heartwarming story rooted in the dreams of a child and consolidated in the concerns of a teenager. Ryan has not stopped since that January morning in 1998. Their achievement, which is its constant blindness by wearing a good parent to all corners of the world, has led to its foundation to the collection of several million dollars.
The collection of awards and of Ryan meritaje is enormous. Re-investing wisely in their meetings and famoseo paper money. In addition, Ryan has participated in many conferences including the World Water Forum held in Kyoto in March 2003.
View the story I would tell him that you felt upon meeting. If the consolation of its precocity exemplary or humiliating sense of loss of wisdom with age

[...] The great people never understand anything by themselves and it is tiresome for children to have to explain again and again. "The Prince"