Empowered Father: Fernando Lopez

Fernando Lopez has been involved with Edu-Futuro (Educación Para Nuestro Futuro) for about four years now since 2007. When asked what inspires him to continue getting involved with our organization and continue volunteering, Fernando says that he wants his kids to get in touch with the Bolivian community here in the area because they were both born in the United States and it would be beneficial for them to be exposed to their culture. He believes that the Escuela Bolivia Program gives them the opportunity to do so. Fernando would also like to set an example and help his children realize that they too can give back to the community after seeing him do it. Fernando believes it is all about teaching through example, and we thank him for being such an example within our organization of how great a father's role can be if the initiative is taken. We asked Fernando some additional questions concerning his role as a father. 

Fernando Lopez with his wife and children receiving his Fatherhood Award at our Annual Gala Event.

• As a father, how do you balance work, volunteering, and time with your family?

My wife and I rely heavily on email because of work. So we just got used to the calendar tool that comes with our email. Everything we do is scheduled in our calendars, that's for all family activities during the week and some on the weekends. Volunteering happens after 8-9pm and only after the kids are sleeping. Family time is meal time, we try to spend dinner together every day with the exception of Thursdays because I have to be somewhere for a side project at 6:30PM. Friday night is movie night, we just get some popcorn, some chips and watch a movie new or old. My kids are growing up loving The Three Stooges, Thundercats and El Chavo del Ocho.

• Do you have any advice to other fathers on the importance of participating in their children’s
education?

Find the time, even if it is 20-30 minutes a day. Never push them to learn what they don't want to learn. If it is not fun for them they'll reject it and all your efforts will go to waste. Find creative ways to teach them the basics and also on how to connect things together, they'll figure out the rest. Kids like to discover things on their own, makes them feel independent and important, as such provide a path but don't provide all the answers. Internet is your friend, teach them to be inquisitive, if you don't know the answer then admit you don't know and find the answer along with them, whether by checking the Internet, reading a dictionary or going to a library.