Short biography

My name is Ángel López Fernández and I have dedicated my life to social education, a journey in which I have had the good fortune to accompany many young people with very complex life stories. This passionate journey has led me to discover, learn and understand a fundamental issue: People need connection and bonding to feel safe and to grow to their full potential. 

My story of Empowerment

John Dewey once said, "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself".

Throughout my career, I have seen first-hand how a safe and nurturing environment can transform lives. The Pedagogy of Affection, a method that promotes empathy and mutual respect, has become the foundation of my educational approach. Emotional security is nurtured through connection and bonding with others, so it is essential to create environments in both daily life and educational contexts that foster these connections to facilitate learning and personal growth. At Acercando Realidades we have adopted this method as one of our fundamental pillars, understanding that learning goes beyond formal education. It is about creating a space where young adults feel valued and understood, building restorative relationships and allowing them to develop not only their skills but also their confidence and self-esteem.

The importance of these safe and friendly environments cannot be underestimated. They are the foundation upon which trust and effective learning relationships are built. By feeling part of a supportive community, young adults can face their challenges with greater resilience and hope. This supportive environment gives them the emotional stability they need to dream and plan for their future, knowing that they are not alone in their journey.

Let me introduce you to the story of Hamza Serrouch, a clear example of how the pedagogy of affection and a safe environment can change lives. Hamza arrived in Spain at the age of 13 after a dangerous journey in the engine of a lorry with a Spanish number plate, which he had seen and decided to jump into. Without fear, but with the hope of a better life, he arrived in La Línea de la Concepción, where the truck had stopped. He thought the police would arrest him, but they did not. Hamza then started walking until he met other Moroccans who had arrived in similar circumstances. The journey was hard, but his determination kept him going.

After many changes and a period of insecurity, uncertainty and loneliness, he moved to the TESEO home for young people leaving care, run by the association Acercando Realidades (ACRE), where he now lives. In his current place, Hamza feels safe, protected and cared for. His needs are met, which allows him to relax and plan his future. It is in this environment that he has found the emotional stability to dream and make plans for a hopeful future. ACRE's support has been not only practical but also emotional, giving him a sense of belonging and community.

Hamza is very grateful for the support. In about five years, he dreams of working as a mechanic and being able to support himself. Although there are not many opportunities in Seville, he is considering moving to another city to improve his working conditions. Hamza values the importance of sharing and learning from this experience, not only from formal education or training, but from all his experiences and the care, affection, understanding and empathy he has received from ACRE staff and the other young people he lives with every day.

Hamza Serrouch's story is a powerful testament to how a safe and nurturing environment can transform lives. Since arriving in Spain at a young age and overcoming many challenges, Hamza has found in ACRE the support he needs to thrive. Thanks to the security and stability of this environment, Hamza has been able to focus on his mechanical training, overcome language barriers and adapt to a new culture. The care, understanding and empathy of the ACRE team, as well as living with other young people, gave him the emotional support he needed to dream and plan for a promising future. Today, Hamza not only has technical skills, but also the confidence and self-esteem to face the world with hope. His story highlights the importance of creating safe and nurturing environments to enable young people's learning and personal development.