What is F.A.Y.E.S?
Family And Youth Empowerment Services
Mission Statement
F.A.Y.E.S. (“Family and Youth Empowerment Services, USA, Inc.”) is a non-profit organization designed to assist families and communities in the academic, social and cultural development of young people.
Vision Statement
We envision a global village of parents, educators and community stakeholders cooperating to improve the conditions of underprivileged youth.
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Value Statement
Our values are deeply rooted in the rich tradition of West African communal life, where the success of every individual – regardless of age – is intertwined with the well-being of the entire community. This shared mindset emphasizes that no one stands alone; instead, collective effort and mutual responsibility are the cornerstones of growth and prosperity. By embracing this interconnected spirit, we foster a culture where everyone’s contributions are vital to building a stronger, more resilient community for all.
History and Purpose
FAYES was founded by Dr. Selina Ahoklui, a dedicated educator and youth advocate. With a career spanning from Ghana to New York City, including such schools as Bedford Stuyvesant’s P.S. 258 and Flatbush’s Erasmus Hall High School, Dr. Ahoklui was named 1998 New York State Teacher of the Year.
Recognizing the challenges faced by students in high-risk environments, she created programs offering academic support, safe spaces, personalized resources and meals. Her daughter, Dorothy, at the time a teacher at Erasmus, joined her in these efforts, helping many students progress academically and into higher education.
The impact that they were able to make in the lives of their students prompted them to establish a body that they hoped could reach deeper into the community and beyond that of traditional institutions. In 2003, they conceived Family and Youth Empowerment Services, aka FAYES.
Traditional Ideology
Before assuming roles as a teacher, regent, mother, or youth advocate, Dr. Selina Ahoklui was a proud West African woman. Her cultural identity profoundly shaped her approach to education and leadership.
She intentionally integrated West African traditions into her teaching style by speaking local Ghanaian languages in the classroom, wearing traditional attire, and decorating her classrooms and offices with West African artwork.
Raised in Ghana’s Volta Region, Dr. Ahoklui’s youth was spent under the care and supervision of many benefactors, including her parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, mentors, educators and churches. Her communal upbringing embodied the deep-rooted West African belief that “It takes a village to raise a child.”
She firmly believed that this adage was more than just a saying; it was a tradition that entrusted the community with the responsibility of fostering the well-being and development of its youth. This philosophy continues to influence FAYES’ mission and approach to empowering others.
Educational Initiative
FAYES is dedicated to transforming the educational landscape in underserved communities by addressing their most pressing needs. Our initiative focuses on enhancing the conditions of school systems through provision of essential resources such as school supplies, backpacks, uniforms and recreational equipment. These basic necessities are vital for fostering a conducive learning environment and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Recognizing the importance of technology in modern education, FAYES aspires to make a lasting impact by establishing a comprehensive computer center in the rural community of Tsibu, located in Ghana’s Volta Region. This computer center will serve as a hub for digital literacy, skills development and access to educational resources, empowering students and teachers alike with the tools they need to thrive in a digital age.
Our initiative aims not only to meet immediate educational needs but also to create sustainable pathways for community development. By investing in infrastructure, resources, and technology, FAYES seeks to inspire long-term growth and opportunity, helping to bridge educational gaps and build a brighter future for the children of Tsibu and similar underserved communities.
Fundraising Initiative
Today, FAYES relies on the generous support of a dedicated network of benefactors who share our belief that together, we can create meaningful change. We humbly welcome donations of funds, school supplies, uniforms and recreational gear. Each contribution, no matter the size, has a profound impact on the lives of the students we serve.
While our resources are still modest, the difference we make is undeniable, visible in the face of each student who we are able to reach. Your support can help us expand our reach and deepen our impact; together we can transform futures and communities.
Community Initiative
While FAYES’ community service initiative initially began in New York, today we continue our work in Ghana, West Africa, where Dr. Selina Ahoklui carried her legacy of generosity before passing. United by the devotion of our late benefactor, we are committed to extending support to underprivileged communities abroad.
Here at home our shared experiences in community service foster a deep sense of strength and solidarity. They serve as a foundation for our own community, creating a close-knit family built on mutual support, compassion and commitment.