After-school program teaches children to love and respect themselves

WASHINGTON (Aging Untold) — An after-school program in Washington is using affirmations, art and storytelling to help children build confidence and a strong sense of self.

The program is run by a nonprofit called FAN! Josephine Mazych said it stands for Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso, which means “safe places, linked hearts.”

“I don’t think that you can do anything for anybody else unless you love yourself and have a true understanding of who you are,” Mazych said.

She said many people in the community do not have others affirming them.

“But we are here. We’re going to affirm you. We’re going to tell you how great and how amazing you are because you have to hear it in order to begin to believe it,” she said.

The organization began in 2005 as a safe haven for children who were indirectly involved in the child welfare system, Mazych said. Since then, the nonprofit has grown and now offers an after-school program that provides stability, meals and mentoring to hundreds of children.

The program’s approach includes writing and reading affirmations. Children shared statements about themselves, including: “I love myself because I’m nice and cool,” “I’m good at football,” “I like doing math,” and “I’m brave and will do anything, even if it’s hard.”

How storytelling fits into the program

A professional storyteller known as Auntie Oye said storytelling is important.

“It is important because it’s about you. It’s about your vulnerability, it’s about the inner you that most people don’t know and can’t see,” she said.

Auntie Oye said writing affirmations and reading them helps children internalize what they are saying about themselves.

Oye said she wants the children to be confident. Self-esteem can help children avoid negative influences, she said.

Mazych said the goal is for children to learn a strong sense of self.

“They get to learn that their voice matters,” she said.