In the hero's journey, the hero or heroine is called to adventure. 

Often in the form of a quest, a challenge, or an adversity,

And often in unexpected ways.

One of the things that’s interesting about the hero's journey is that shortly after the call a helper enters the picture.

A mentor, sage, guide, or a coach of some sort.

They help the hero:

• Navigate the adventure
• Strengthen themselves
• And ultimately transform in ways that allow them to meet their life from a wiser, more skillful, and more responsive place. 

As we looked at starting a new series featuring everyday heroes, the role of the helper was striking.

And we couldn’t help but think this new series would be incomplete if we didn’t include episodes featuring helpers.

So here we are.

Launching our next episode in this new adventure.

Conversations featuring inspiring stories from everyday heroes and the helpers who walk beside them.

Today I am honored and excited to share another beautiful helpers conversation, with Hayley Philander.

Hayley is a Lawyer who co-founded an organization called IseeU.

On the organization's website they share:

Every morning young women from the Cape Flats face an overwhelming challenge – they wake to a community with some of the highest rates of gangsterism and drug addiction in South Africa. They also face an epidemic of gender based violence alongside a failing education system. It is from this environment that our young women begin to formulate their identity, their sense of potential and their dreams for the future.

IseeU was launched eight years ago and offers a three-year mentorship programme supporting young female students from Grade 10 to 12, who are from the Cape Flats.

The name IseeU was inspired by one of the young women participating in the programme – who shared that she felt seen, for the first time in her life.

Building a future starts with feeling seen.

Today, we’ll explore some of Hayley’s journey in co-founding IseeU, including:

• Growing up in Apartheid South Africa and the story of a mentor who saw her potential, believed in her, and helped her to feel deeply seen. 
• More about the mission of IseeU and the incredible work they are doing
• Tools and practices that have helped young women in their program move from reactivity, to responsiveness, dream about their future and find hope in the face of immense challenges. 

For more on Hayley and ways to get involved and support IseeU please visit iseeu.org.za

Did you find this conversation inspiring? Here are other Heroes and Helpers episodes we think you'll love:

• Becoming your own inner ally with Alfreda McCray
• Embracing the journey from 'doing' to 'being' with Amy Dong

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