I was six years old and in Grade One. My teacher, Mrs. Nancy Prest, gave a lesson about people who were in need around the world. She mentioned people in Africa desperately needed clean water - especially children, and that got me thinking. I thought everyone in the world lived like me...if I only had to take a few steps to the water fountain, why should kids my age not have easy access to clean water too? I felt very sad and decided I would take this on as a project.

Well, first I went home and begged my mom and dad to help. After a few days, they told me I could do extra chores to earn the $70 I thought would build a well. I thought that’s all it would take to solve the world’s water problem. I worked for four months to earn my first $70. Then I learned that it was actually going to cost $2,000 to build a well in a place like Uganda. I also learned that the problem was way bigger than I realized. I started speaking to service clubs, school classes, to anyone who would listen to my story so that I could raise money for my first well at Angolo Primary School in Uganda. That’s how my little Grade One project became Ryan’s Well Foundation.

I went to University of King’s College in Halifax on the east coast of Canada and graduated in 2014 with a Double Major in International Development and Political Science. I returned to the Foundation as a Project Manager and I am now the Executive Director. I speak around the world on water issues and the importance of making a difference no matter who you are or how old you are. I'm also happy to schedule virtual visits and in-person presentations (where schedule and area permit).