Millions of Americans travel internationally each year. Whether we're overseas for a week, a month, a season, or a school year ("study abroad," anyone?), we come back changed. Sometimes that change is for the worse. Sometimes it's for the better. Rarely, however, does it convert a 26-year-old into a social entrepreneur on the scale of Justin Zoradi.

Don't miss the fact that These Numbers Have Faces works. It's growing. And it's poised for much more growth. Why? These Numbers Have Faces empowers African young adults to pursue a university degree, land a good job, and then turn around and fund a full-year scholarship for another person in their same community. Those new scholarship recipients later fund still other full-year scholarships.

Potential downside? So far, none. www.thesenumbers.org

These guys not only have their hearts in the right place, but their understanding of what the needs are in South Africa - and how those needs can be met by members WITHIN the community - is astounding and inspiring. I will give my support to These Numbers Have Faces for as long as they accept it.

This organization has a true passion and heart for the people of South Africa. Their belief in helping all to gain access to furthering their education and producing strong community leaders is unmatched.

These Numbers Have Faces had such an important impact on my and my husband's life. For years, we've donated to different non-profits but TNHF was changing the world in ways we could relate to. As a soccer player, dancer and advocates of education, we are overjoyed that the things we love are making a difference in the lives of others. As military members, time is not something we can give like TNHF can, so being able to help despite where we're stationed means the world to us. We are so proud to be part of such a great organization and love telling everyone (or showing thanks to our book!) about These Numbers Have Faces. We can't wait to be able to more with you guys:)

I have been impressed with this organization and their long-term partnership in South Africa. The vision and execution of that vision make this organization very effective. Great people with a great vision can do great things.

The foundation that I am a board member of chose to support TNHF for the incredibly tangible results they deliver. We believe that fostering higher education is one of the more sure fire ways to create long-term sustained economic development. As financial supporters, we also greatly appreciate the high-level of communication, appreciation, and interaction that TNHF's leadership has provided.

i went with TNHF to south africa in 2008 and documented their interaction with the people they exist to serve. it was awesome to see, and capture and learn the stories behind the "numbers".

TNHF is a fantastic organization. They are using creative ways to empower South Africans. I loved that they had a world cup bracket this summer and was excited that it became one of the biggest espn brackets in the world (#20 I think). They are excited about their work and have worked hard to develop a in country staff as well.

These Numbers Have Faces is an exemplary organization that performs its mission with integrity and fierce dedication. As a finance intern, I have had the privilege of working for Executive Director Justin Zoradi, whose inspirational leadership and visionary brilliance are the keystones of the organization. Justin’s commitment is so inspiring that the professional staff of TNHF are willing to pour their heart and soul into the organization for minimum-wage pay, while the intern staff are willing to work for free. In their modest office in Portland, Oregon, the walls are bare except for poignant photos of South African scholarship recipients and a tribute to Nelson Mandela. What the office lacks in frills, it more than makes up for in goodwill, laughter, and cooperative productivity. TNHF is a healthy, lean, ethical organization where every possible dollar is used to further the mission of helping South African youth attain education and empowerment.

It's the holistic approach of These Numbers Have Faces that I love. Yes, getting a scholarship is great, but if a student does not have encouragement, support, accountability, or practical life skills, the money is wasted. TNHF understands that. I am completely on board with the mission of the organization and the staff is just the cherry on top. I work with genuinely caring, supportive individuals. We are driven towards a common goal and believe in working together to accomplish our best work. It is this community effort that allows us to effectively impact South Africa. These Numbers Have Faces is truly the embodiment of the quote by Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." It's a blessing to be a part of that small group.

I first found out about These Numbers Have Faces in 2008. I had come across their website from some mutual friends that were supporters of the organization and decided to look into them and see what they were about. I was pleased with their mission and with their interactions with me, answering any questions I had. I offered my services as a Video Production Professional and we stayed in touch. Earlier this year (2010), I had edited a few videos for them and was informed by Justin (founder) that TNHF was going to start an internship and he wanted me to apply. So I did, and the Board agreed to bring me on the TNHF team as the Video & Media Intern. As of writing this, I've worked for the organization for over 5 months and have grown even more pleased with the organization since getting more involved. One area that has greatly pleased me is the efficiency with which money is distributed. So much of the funds donated goes to South Africa and that really encouraged me that I was working for someone with integrity, an organization that truly cares for the people it's helping. I am also happy that it's not basic charity but that the organization is built upon a model that can be taken anywhere and can be sustainable in the area that adopts that model, eventually without the help of These Numbers Have Faces. To have an exit strategy is not common among many non-profits and for that, I commend TNHF and it's founders, for wishing to bring more than charity to the people of South Africa. They seek to help them build a foundation for their future and for those who will come after the students currently in the program. They hope to one day hear that the organization itself isn't needed anymore, as the program has become a fully South African model that is sustaining itself. The organization is very personal with it's donors (it's how I ended up working for them) and is responsible with their resources and donations.

I first heard about TNHF from a friend of mine while I was describing my struggles to get in touch with a different local nonprofit in the Portland area. She mentioned that she had heard great things about this organization, that it was small, but extremely effective. One glance at their website and I was enthralled. I loved the mantra that called for TNHF to work themselves out of business, by helping to create sustainable change through South African youth in their communities. I immediately emailed the volunteer address and was shocked to receive a personal email from Justin a few hours later, thanking me for my interest. That personal touch is apparent through out the website and in the videos with interviews and speeches given by the scholarship recipients. The humility and dedication of our scholars inspired and motivated me and I am very excited to be a recent member of the TNHF team.

TNHF strives to provide education opportunities in South Africa through unique methodology that I find inspiring. Students are not simply given money to go to school. They are holistically taking care of via financial literacy programs, mentorship, and of course, their collegiate educations. The staff is fully dedicated to this cause.

This organization has grown as organically and sustainably as they intend to develop communities in South Africa. I met Justin Zoradi, the director, in college and have kept up with his work over the years only to be constantly amazed at the genuine compassion and intelligence exhibited by this non-profit. They have created something that few non-profits can do: a project that will end if all goes well. As such, I am proud to represent their work in my classroom. I recently taught a lesson to a Public Speaking class at Arizona State University dealing with the use of language and the use of ethical messages to communicate and persuade about big ideas. As a class, we examined this group's webpage and had a discussion about how this group's communication is making a difference. My students were excited to see a direct example of the principles that we discussed and, more importantly, an example of what young people can do for and with each other to change the world. TNHF is doing that, and doing it well.

I know a number of people involved with TNHF from volunteers to the chair of the board. I am continually impressed with their attention to detail that is coupled with their laser-sharp focus on the long-term vision - which is to go out of business! That really should be the goal of any development organization... that they help reduce poverty to the point that they are no longer relevant. TNHF is well equipped to handle the messy process that is development. They have the relationships, resources and vision to do some real good, long-term work in South Africa and be a catalyst to empower local leaders to change their communities forever.

I am a long time friend of the founder of TNHF. This is one of the best organizations I have ever had the pleasure of being involved in. The biggest strength of TNHF is their clarity of purpose. Whne you walk into their office in Portland it is clearly written on the wall. As a donator I know exactly were my money is going. TNHF also does an incredible jod of connecting with their contributors. Whether it is a weekly newslater, posts of facebook, or even a friendly hand written thank you note, you always feel invovled and like you are making a difference. TNHF also connects their contributors with the people they are working with. They attatch faces with the work they are doing. I have worked with other non profits and NGO's in the past, but my experience with TNHF has been so much more rewarding then anything else.

TNHF is a grass-roots organization committed to sustainable change in S. Africa through education and community development. It has been inspiring to observe the consistent enthusiasm by young people for those living across the globe. That passion is complemented by hard work on a daily basis to advance the goals. And it's paying off: beginning with funding the college education for one student in 2008, TNHF now has placed 8 students in 2010 with plans to increase the number to 20 in 2011. One specific fundraising goal this year is to enable 10 women to attend college. Small donations fund the project, which seeks to change the world, one face at a time. And it's happening. I'm proud to do my small part for such an impressive, visionary organization.

I heard about These Numbers Have Faces through Facebook, and thought it sounded cool. When checking it out I noticed they had an awesome t-shirt design and so I bought it. I get a ton of compliments on the shirt, I know the money went to a good cause, and so I bought a bunch as gifts for friends. Now I pay attention to the charity, know about the cause and the need for education in the townships, and am really impressed by the methods These Numbers Have Faces uses to reach the public and help get education opportunities to youth and thus help a whole community.