schools
After-school program teaches children to love and respect themselves
By Debra Alfarone, LeAnne Gendreau at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· June 25, 2026
· 2 min read
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 pl...
Key takeaway Josephine Mazych said it stands for Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso, which means “safe places, linked hearts.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
In Atlanta , where community programs often play a vital role in supporting local youth, initiatives like the one described in Washington can serve as a model for similar efforts. The use of affirmations, art, and storytelling to build confidence and self-esteem in children is a approach that could be particularly effective in Atlanta's own after-school programs. Many Atlanta students face challenges that can impact their self-perception, from socioeconomic disparities to lack of access to resources. A program that focuses on helping children develop a strong sense of self could have a lasting impact on their ability to succeed in school and beyond. As Atlanta continues to invest in its education system and community programs, it will be worth watching to see if similar initiatives emerge, and how they might be tailored to meet the unique needs of local students. This could involve partnerships between schools, nonprofits, and community organizations.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: schools ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? 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 pl...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Debra Alfarone, LeAnne Gendreau at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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