schools
After-school program teaches children to love and respect themselves
By Debra Alfarone, LeAnne Gendreau at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· 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 Midland
In Midland , where community support for local youth is a longstanding priority, the approach taken by FAN! in Washington offers a compelling model for after-school programs. By focusing on affirmations, art, and storytelling, FAN! helps children develop a strong sense of self, a crucial foundation for navigating life's challenges. This emphasis on self-confidence and self-worth could be particularly beneficial in Midland, where students face unique pressures and opportunities in the Permian Basin region. As local educators and community leaders consider ways to support the social and emotional well-being of Midland's students, they may draw inspiration from FAN!'s holistic approach, which recognizes the importance of nurturing children's inner lives and helping them develop a positive sense of identity. By exploring similar initiatives in Midland, the community may be able to provide its young people with the tools and support they need to thrive.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Debra Alfarone, LeAnne Gendreau at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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