Mentors Matter. Just ask Mom Hellen.
Young women from extreme poverty lack certainty about reaching their full potential. Such certainty precipitates a lack of motivation, feelings of hopelessness, a sense of worthlessness, and a tendency to give up. Those thoughts prevent an escape from the perils of poverty.
Hellen’s Heroes was introduced to help change those thoughts. The mentorship project was introduced in 2017 to connect successful women in the states with high school youth attending Seeds High School.
We named the project Hellen’s Heroes because of Hellen Makani, Co-founder, and Co-director of Seeds Ministry. Hellen and her husband, Pastor Richard, are heroes. They are the significant others who answered God’s call to rescue hundreds of orphans. The kids call her “Mom Hellen.” Without exception, the young women aspire to be like Mom Hellen.
The exchanges between mentors and young ladies continue today. The following represents abbreviated exchanges between a mentor, Claire, and Everyln, a high school student in the 12th grade at Seeds High School.
Dear Claire,
I send much greetings to you with lots of hugs. I am now at school struggling with all of the stressors to help me achieve what I need in life. I know success does not just come without struggling in life. All of my friends love to read your letters because it has a lot of encouragement. Without having you in my life, I could lose hope. But I know God has a purpose for everything.
Your lovely sister,
Everlyne
Dear Sweet Everlyne,
I am so incredibly proud of you and how hard you are working in school. I know this is a stressful and busy time in school, so know that I am praying that you always find the strength to push through. You are so smart and talented. I am so excited to see the great life that you are building for yourself!
I am incredibly happy that my words provide comfort and hope in your life. Just as your letters always lift my spirits and help me feel closer to you and to God, I am thankful that I can be there for you too! Through whatever you may struggle with, I hope that you know how loved you are beyond words. God is always with you. He is there during all the challenging times. Know that I am always praying for you sweet Everlyne.
Your Sister,
Claire
