Empower women in Africa through higher education!

These Numbers Have Faces believes strongly women are the secret weapon to fighting poverty. We work hard to make sure that at least half of the students in our University Leadership Program are women. Currently, 57% of our students are female. These young women are poised to lead their communities and countries to a new era of peace and prosperity. Through access to a university education, Leadership Development Workshops, and our women's mentorship program, we empower Africa's brightest young women to cultivate thriving communities. We also recognize that, if we are working to empower strong female leaders in a culture where gender roles remain very traditional, we must also work with the young men to learn how to work well with and alongside strong, empowered women. Doreen is a wonderful example of the young women in our program. 

Doreen is the third child in a family of nine kids. Due to the1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, and as the oldest daughter, she took on caring for her younger siblings as other family members were no longer around. Doreen carried many extra responsibilities as a child because she was left in charge of her family. For Doreen, African cultural expectations meant that, even with two older brothers, she should be in charge of the household. Doreen didn’t see this as a problem, as it helped her develop a sense of responsibility and maturity. While Doreen developed some good traits from this experience, she also became reserved and anti-social. At school Doreen was shy, but it made her work harder because she didn’t want to disappoint her family. She tried to be brave and independent. Doreen excelled, and she worked hard to balance school and home responsibilities. She earned good marks and was able to continue her studies. Now, Doreen is studying Information Technology at the University of Rwanda. Doreen wants to fight Genocide ideology as she watched her parents experience a lot of pain related to the Genocide. She doesn’t want the next generation to grow up with incomplete families. Doreen wants to be an influencer and politician. 

Doreen is now in her final year of undergraduate studies. She was recently admitted to Carnegie Mellon University Africa's graduate program, including their prestigious Bridge Program! This six-week program prepares outstanding undergraduates for graduate studies by immersing them in advanced technology projects. Her admission is a testament to her determination and academic excellence. We are so proud of her growth!

Currently, Doreen and the rest of the young women in our University Leadership Program are busy with their fall semester. Doreen and her fellow TNHF students are also finalizing their Community Impact Projects for this academic year.

These Community Impact Projects are a key element of our success. These projects require our students to take what they are learning in their classrooms and what they are learning in our Leadership Development Workshops and then apply it to real-life needs within their. We ask all of our students to identify, plan, and then devote at least 50 hours each academic year completing a Community Impact Project that will make a transformational difference in their communities. Over the past 5 years, our students have impacted significantly the lives of almost 30,000 people!

Here are just six examples of last year’s projects: 1. Eradicating malnutrition in Rwanda.   2. Teaching female secondary students the importance of social justice through debates designed to encourage public speaking and critical thinking skills. 3. Teaching computer skills to young girls. 4. Teaching reproductive health to female secondary students to reduce the risk of early pregnancy and dropping out of school. 5. Working with vulnerable families to improve their nutrition through kitchen gardens. 6. Teaching female secondary students how to build an excellent career profile, including an effective CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile, as well as teaching effective interviewing skills.

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• Learn more about These Numbers Have Faces

These Numbers Have Faces believes strongly women are the secret weapon to fighting poverty. We work hard to make sure that at least half of the students in our University Leadership Program are women. Currently, 57% of our students are female. These young women are poised to lead their communities and countries to a new era of peace and prosperity. Through access to a university education, Leadership Development Workshops, and our women's mentorship program, we empower Africa's brightest young women to cultivate thriving communities. We also recognize that, if we are working to empower strong female leaders in a culture where gender roles remain very traditional, we must also work with the young men to learn how to work well with and alongside strong, empowered women. Sonia is a wonderful example of the young women in our program. 

Acqueline is the last-born in a family of four children. She lost her father at the age of thirteen. She believes everything happens for a reason, which helps her always to be optimistic and stay strong, ready to fight for the best of her family, the community, and the world at large.  

She was born and raised in the Gakenke district of Rwanda’s Northern province. Like other people in her community, her family’s basic needs are supported through domestic animal farming and crop cultivation. Despite her family’s financial difficulties, Acqueline and two of her three siblings were able to complete secondary school with the aid of scholarships. 

Aqueline is the only one in her family able to attend university. She’s working hard to make sure her whole family will have a better future. She says she won’t let the trust they put in her go in vain, so she stays very focused on achieving her goals. Having observed the gaps in Rwanda’s healthcare system, she aspires to become a dental surgeon to help fill these gaps.  She’s now studying for her Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Surgery at the University of Rwanda. As an advocate who believes in the abilities of people and the power of education, Acqueline encourages youth to love education because it’s the key to success.

Acqueline loves seeing people around her happy.  She enjoys telling stories and joking with people. She also engages in different extracurricular activities crucial to the community. In her free time, she listens to music and watches football games. Together as one and FC Barcelona are her favorites. 

Recently, Acqueline was hired for a great summer job. She was so excited to share this news with our staff in Rwanda. Here’s what she said:

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to update you on my recent professional endeavors and to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support and empowerment I have received from These Numbers Have Faces over the past two years. I am thrilled to share that I have secured a position as a Communications Associate at KOSMOTIVE on a contract for the summer holidays. In this role, I am responsible for managing communications, and specifically managing its social media platforms aimed at empowering young women and promoting health in our community by breaking the taboos around menstruation. The Leadership Development Workshops and mentorship I have received through These Numbers Have Faces have been instrumental in preparing me for this role. The skills and confidence I gained have enabled me so far to excel in my position and contribute meaningfully to my team. Thank you for your continued support and for providing me with the tools and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally

Acqueline

Currently, Aqueline and the rest of the young women in our University Leadership Program are on their summer holiday. Classes will begin again in September. Acqueline and her fellow TNHF students are also finalizing and submitting their Community Impact Project Reports.

These Community Impact Projects are a key element of our success. These projects require our students to take what they are learning in their classrooms and what they are learning in our Leadership Development Workshops and then apply it to real-life needs within their. We ask all of our students to identify, plan, and then devote at least 50 hours each academic year completing a Community Impact Project that will make a transformational difference in their communities. Over the past 5 years – even with a two-year pause because of COVID, our students have impacted significantly the lives of almost 30,000 people!

Here are just five examples of last year’s projects: 1. Teaching female secondary students the importance of social justice through debates designed to encourage public speaking and critical thinking skills. 2. Teaching computer skills to young girls. 3. Teaching reproductive health to female secondary students to reduce the risk of early pregnancy and dropping out of school. 4. Working with vulnerable families to improve their nutrition through kitchen gardens. 5. Teaching female secondary students how to build an excellent career profile, including an effective CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile, as well as teaching effective interviewing skills.

Links:

• These Numbers Have Faces