“The mind doesn’t know what the eyes has not seen.” African Proverb
Every book, every mentor, and every library that we create brings a child closer to possibilities.
Our Story
House of Être began with a simple but powerful question: What if every child had the chance to dream BIG and a village that believed in them while they did?
Founded by a U.S. Army officer and lifelong advocate for service , culture and and story telling, House of Être empowers youth through literacy, leadership, mentorship and love rooted in heritage.
At the heart of our name is the French verb “Être” = TO BE. But Être is more than a word. its a movement and connecting verb, a bridge between who we are and who we are becoming. It links identity to purpose.
We saw a need:
Young people without books that reflect their identity. Without mentors who understand their journey. Without communities that nurture their dreams.
So we began planting libraries, mentoring youth, and celebrating culture and igniting a movement of readers, builders, and dreamers.
Because to be is not enough. We must become and together as a village, we are House of Être.
Our Mission
To empower underserved children and youth through literacy, leadership, mentorship, and education—helping them dream boldly, grow in self-worth, and lead impactful lives. We provide the tools, guidance, and cultural exchange opportunities they need to bridge social and educational gaps, unlock their potential, and become changemakers in their communities.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every child and youth is uplifted by a supportive village, rooted in culture and community. A world where they have access to books, mentors, and the belief that they can dream boldly, lead with purpose, and rise through education, connection, and action. We believe that literacy is liberation, mentorship is transformative, and real change begins with service to others. Together, we build equity and move with intention because it truly takes a village to raise a visionary.
Our Core Values
The principles that shape every action we take.
Community
“ It takes a village.”
We believe in the collective power of people. Progress is built through connection, shared responsibility, and the commitment to uplift one another.
Empowerment
“Be encouraged to dream big.”
Every young person deserves access to tools, encouragement, and inspiration to become the fullest version of themselves—and to know their dreams matter.
Legacy
“Build with what you’ve been given.”
We honor the wisdom of our ancestors and the stories they carried. Through literacy, culture, & education, we preserve the past while building a stronger future.
Integrity
“What we do reflects who we are.”
We lead with honesty, transparency, and accountability. Our work is rooted in trust and a deep commitment to truth, justice, and authenticity.
Movement
“Être is a verb; always becoming.”
We are not static. Growth is a journey, and we embrace the process of becoming. We inspire continual learning, leadership, and forward motion in everything we do.
Access & Equity
“Opportunity should never be a privilege.”
We believe education, books, and mentorship are basic rights, not luxuries. We work to remove barriers and create systems where every child has a fair chance to thrive.
Meet Our Founder & President
Ema Agyapong,
B.Sc., M.PA.,A.A.
“A movement of readers. A movement of builders. A movement of becoming.”
House of Être was born from a desire to reimagine what’s possible when community, culture, and education come together. What started as a grassroots effort to donate books has grown into a platform that cultivates identity, literacy, and leadership in underserved youth.
We believe every child deserves to see themselves in the pages they read, the people who mentor them, and the futures they’re empowered to shape.
Read Ema's Story
Ema Agyapong is the Founder and President of House of Être, a global nonprofit championing literacy, mentorship, and educational equity for underserved youth. An African American of Ghanaian-Nigerian heritage and a U.S. Army Major with 13+ years of leadership, Ema fuses discipline, strategy, and cultural insight to create impactful, values-driven programs.
House of Être founded in honor of her parents serves as a cross-cultural bridge between the U.S. and Africa, offering free books, literacy programs, and mentorship that empower youth to thrive.
Grounded in the belief that literacy is liberation, this initiative addresses the urgent global need for equitable access to education, especially in communities where opportunity is limited by geography or socioeconomic barriers. Through knowledge, Ema aims to unlock bold futures.