When the final bell rings in schools around the region, another kind of teaching gets underway. That’s when the action revs up at FAN, Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso, in Ward 8. The after-school program is open to any 9 to 17 year-old from the surrounding neighborhood, but it has a special focus on young people who are or may be impacted by the child welfare system, according to executive director Josephine Mazyck.

Every Thursday, these students practice storytelling, learn to write their own stories and nurture their creativity. They are guided by professional storyteller, Vera Oyé Yaa-Anna, or “Auntie Oyé,” as she is known. Born and raised in Liberia, Auntie Oyé has made D.C. her home for decades. She runs workshops across the area, and says that she has taught thousands of students. “I do everything pertaining to Africa. I do the food, the culture, the music, the drums, everything. And I’ve been doing that since Jesus was a baby,” laughs Auntie Oyé.

In her brightly colored West African fabrics, Auntie Oyé helps the students write their own stories, trying to help them achieve more self-knowledge. “The more you write, the more familiar you become with you, because it’s an inner journey. You’re journeying inwardly to come to that core of you. That thing that makes you happy. The thing that makes you sad. That’s what we’re trying to get to,” says Auntie Oyé.

Once a month the students write special love letters to themselves. Here are portraits of some of them.

I am funny. I love to read books, a lot of books. I love meeting new people. I love vegetables. When I grow up, I would like to become a medical doctor and a basketball player like Michael Jordan. I love big ole houses and I love eating ice cream.

You’re smart. You’re pretty. You’re amazing. Your smile is nice. I love the way you carry yourself at the young age you are. I love the fact that you speak up for yourself when no one else will. You’re so intelligent. I love to see it because not all black girls have the confidence that you have. The way you walk in a room and people will smile or be happy to see you is so beautiful. You’re 13 years old and you won’t settle for less. You’re so ambitious and resilient. Even when others don’t see it. You are driven to success and want the best for yourself.

I love myself because every day when I wake up, I go in the mirror in my bathroom, and I tell myself that today is going to be a good day. And I’ll make sure that I will get good grades in school and make sure I follow directions the first time. And also I am a strong person and I can put my mind to anything I could do. And I can be lovable and true to anybody I see in the whole universe.

Dear Serenity, what I like about myself is my hair and my face and my hands and my body and I’m beautiful and I like my clothes.

Dear John, I love myself. I am perfect the way I am. I am nice and kind. I’m handsome. I love my personality. I love my mom’s personality. I love my family. I love the way I am. And I help others.

Dear Lauryn, I wish you a happy life. Your hair is so beautiful. I love you, Lauryn.

Dear Emari, you are important and nice, kind, and you are smart, hardworking and care for others like your mom and grandparents and your siblings.

Dear Nevaeh, I love you because you are beautiful and amazing. I love everything that you do. You are amazing. I am grateful about yourself. You love, I love about you that you know how to dress. I also love about you that you can do your edges. You are pretty with and without stuff that people need to be pretty. You are kind and loving to yourself. Your hair always looks cute. You know how to dress and you love food and you are a beautiful young lady.

Dear Henry, I love myself and I want to be special about myself. And even I live on earth just because it’s so beautiful. Number three, like on Earth is just best. And four, I’m funny sometimes.

I am a protective person because if anyone messes with my friends or siblings, I will fight and protect them because I’m a protective and loving person…and I love myself because I’ll make my family’s day and I make them happy.