schools
After-school program teaches children to love and respect themselves
By Debra Alfarone, LeAnne Gendreau at KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo
In Laredo , where community support is crucial for the well-being of its young residents, a program like FAN! could have a significant impact. The city's schools could benefit from similar initiatives that focus on building confidence and self-esteem in children. By incorporating affirmations, art, and storytelling, local after-school programs could provide a safe and nurturing environment for kids to express themselves and develop a strong sense of self. This, in turn, could help them navigate the challenges of growing up and make positive choices. As Laredo continues to grow and evolve, it's essential to prioritize programs that support the emotional and mental health of its children, setting them up for success and empowering them to become active and engaged members of the community. By learning from initiatives like FAN!, local educators and community leaders can work together to create a supportive network that fosters the growth and development of Laredo's young people.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo 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 .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Debra Alfarone, LeAnne Gendreau at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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