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Thursday, 20 March 2025

Empowering Communities and Celebrating Diversity: A Volunteering Journey in Ouseburn Valley

Chevening Scholars Unite for Sustainability and Neurodiversity in Ouseburn Vall


Cheerful greetings!


My name is Sofonie Dala, a proud Chevening scholar in the UK.


On March 19, 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer alongside fellow Chevening scholars at the Ouseburn Trust Charity in Newcastle. It was a day that not only allowed us to make a positive impact on the environment but also helped celebrate the importance of neurodiversity during Neurodiversity Celebration Week.


As we arrived in the Ouseburn Valley, we were greeted by the vibrant street art and colorful murals that adorn the walls, showcasing the artistic spirit of this wonderful city. The atmosphere was warm, filled with a sense of community and shared purpose.


The tasks for the day, led by the volunteering instructor, were clear: gardening, litter-picking, and maintaining the footpaths. Despite the hard work, the energy was high as we joined together to care for the area.


Discovering Chondrostereum purpureum

One of the most fascinating moments of the day came when the instructor led us to a cut tree. It was infected with Chondrostereum purpureum, a fungal plant pathogen that causes silver leaf disease. 




This disease primarily affects the rose family and can cause a striking silvery discoloration of the leaves. Learning about how the Ouseburn Trust monitors and prevents the spread of this pathogen to other plants was an eye-opener, showing the depth of care and knowledge required to maintain the health of the local environment.


March, being both Sustainability Month and Neurodiversity Week, added a special layer of significance to the day’s activities. Neurodiversity Celebration Week, running from March 17th to 23rd, encourages us to recognize and celebrate the talents and strengths of neurodivergent individuals. It’s a reminder to appreciate those who think differently and often produce exceptional, out-of-the-box solutions.


I couldn’t resist the opportunity to introduce the Climate Fresk cards to my fellow Chevening scholars. These scholars, from diverse countries and backgrounds, were studying various subjects at universities across the UK. The setting was perfect—playing the climate change game in the vibrant, green environment of Ouseburn.



After volunteering in the Newcastle upon Tyne area and taking a leisurely walk through Ouseburn Farm, where we enjoyed watching playful animals, we made our way to the Church Burial Ground in Ballast Hill Park. 


There, we met a team who shared fascinating stories about the church and the burial of its members. We also helped them with clearing the park, contributing to the maintenance of the local heritage.


As the day came to an end, and we were wrapping up our volunteering work, my fellow scholars and I reflected on how lucky we were to contribute to the Ouseburn community. 


While working, we also took the time to admire the natural beauty of Newcastle—the mix of lush greenery, artistic spaces, and local culture that made it such an inspiring place to be. 



The feeling of making a tangible difference in such a beautiful city was fulfilling, but it was also a chance to recognize how volunteering brings people together, celebrates diversity, and helps build stronger, more connected communities.




Our journey back to York was peaceful, but the impact of the day stayed with us. It was more than just about volunteering—it was about the joy of coming together for a cause, appreciating the environment, and recognizing the diverse ways in which we all contribute to the world around us.

As we reflect on the day’s activities, it’s clear that our volunteering aligns with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscoring the broader impact of our efforts.



1. SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities: By volunteering in the Ouseburn Valley, we contributed to enhancing the physical, social, and economic environment of the area, helping create a more sustainable and inclusive community.

2. SDG 13 - Climate Action: Through tasks like gardening, litter-picking, and maintaining footpaths, we actively supported the preservation of local green spaces and contributed to combating climate change at the community level.

3. SDG 15 - Life on Land: The work we did in managing the health of trees and plants, including addressing the spread of the Chondrostereum purpureum fungus, directly supports biodiversity and the sustainable management of natural resources.

4. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities: Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a key opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate the talents of neurodivergent individuals, helping to reduce inequalities and promote inclusivity in all spheres of society.


Our volunteering experience, marked by collaboration, environmental care, and celebration of diversity, exemplifies how small actions can have a lasting impact on advancing these important global goals.



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Sunday, 1 December 2024

Apelo por Escolas Seguras e Sustentáveis no Âmbito Climático || Call for Safe and Climate-Friendly Schools in Angola

Assunto: Apelo por Escolas Seguras e Sustentáveis no Âmbito Climático



Excelentíssima Senhora Vice-Presidente da República de Angola, Esperança da Costa,

Venho por este meio cumprimentá-la e expressar minha profunda preocupação com o estado atual das infraestruturas escolares e a falta de educação climática nas escolas do nosso país. Gostaria de solicitar o seu apoio na defesa de um aumento de financiamento tanto para a reabilitação das escolas quanto para a implementação de uma educação climática de qualidade.

As escolas em Angola encontram-se em condições alarmantes, necessitando urgentemente de reparos. Muitas delas estão degradadas, com infiltrações, sem acesso adequado à água potável, saneamento básico precário, falta de carteiras e banheiros em condições inadequadas devido à ausência de funcionários de limpeza. Estas condições inseguras estão prejudicando significativamente a capacidade de aprendizagem dos nossos alunos.

Há uma necessidade urgente de agir e uma oportunidade única de reconstruir as escolas de forma sustentável e adaptada às mudanças climáticas. Todas as escolas em Angola deveriam comprometer-se com a neutralidade de carbono até 2030. No entanto, o financiamento atual é insuficiente, e à taxa atual de investimento, levará décadas para que as escolas sejam modernizadas e adaptadas às exigências climáticas.

Investir na reabilitação e retrofitting das escolas é essencial para criar ambientes de aprendizagem seguros, reduzir os custos energéticos e contribuir para os objetivos de neutralidade de carbono do país. As políticas atuais apresentam barreiras para que as escolas façam essa transição, mas mudanças imediatas podem ser implementadas para descarbonizar as escolas.

Além disso, as escolas devem ser espaços de ensino prático sobre como o ambiente construído precisa ser adaptado para responder à crise climática e à emergência ecológica. As crianças precisam ser ensinadas sobre as realidades da crise climática e as soluções para combatê-la. A implementação de um currículo que inclua educação climática não só ajudará a preparar as futuras gerações para empregos verdes, como também promoverá o crescimento sustentável do país.

Um programa ambicioso de ação climática e investimento nas escolas é urgente e necessário. Investir nas infraestruturas escolares e no currículo não é apenas uma questão de segurança, mas também de assegurar um futuro sustentável e promissor para os nossos jovens.

Assim, apelo ao seu compromisso e liderança para defender esta causa e garantir que o governo disponibilize os recursos necessários para transformar as nossas escolas em ambientes seguros e sustentáveis.

Diante do nosso compromisso conjunto de melhorar a educação em Angola, gostaria de convidá-la a refletir sobre as ações recentes do governo do Reino Unido para enfrentar desafios semelhantes.

O Reino Unido comprometeu-se recentemente com um investimento de £1,4 bilhão para reconstruir escolas, com um foco especial em criar ambientes de aprendizagem seguros e resilientes ao clima. Este compromisso destaca a importância de investir tanto na infraestrutura quanto na sustentabilidade, garantindo educação de qualidade para todos.

Pode encontrar mais detalhes sobre esta iniciativa aqui: Programa de Reabilitação de Escolas no Reino Unido.

Acredito que Angola poderia beneficiar-se de uma abordagem semelhante, assegurando que nossas escolas não sejam apenas seguras, mas também alinhadas com os esforços globais para combater as mudanças climáticas. Isso pode servir como um modelo inspirador enquanto trabalhamos juntos para garantir um futuro mais sustentável e promissor para nossos estudantes.

Agradeço pela consideração desta sugestão e mantenho a esperança de que Angola possa implementar soluções inovadoras que impactem positivamente nosso sistema educacional.

Agradeço a atenção dispensada a esta questão crítica e coloco-me à disposição para colaborar no que for necessário.

Atenciosamente,
Sofonie Dala
Angola, UK


Monday, 18 November 2024

Cheerful greetings!

 Greetings from your CEO



Dear all,

I hope this message finds you all in great spirits. It’s been a while since we last connected, and I want to take a moment to express how much I appreciate each and every one of you. Your support has been invaluable to our journey.


I’m excited to share that the main board and I are currently abroad, participating in a qualification training program designed to enhance our leadership skills and ensure we can steer our company towards a sustainable future. This training is a vital step as we aim to lead Talentos Multiplus effectively in this ever-evolving digital landscape.


As you may know, our startup has fully transitioned to a digital model, aligning our work with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals represent long-term solutions that will guide us until 2030, and I encourage you to explore them through the links provided. Discover what resonates with you and how you can contribute to this meaningful journey.


Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Together, we can make a significant impact!


Warm regards,  

Sofonie Dala  

CEO, Talentos Multiplus 

https://linktr.ee/sofoniedala


Saturday, 2 November 2024

🌍 Join "Sustainable Futures: A Chevening Scholar’s Journey in Environmental Sustainability in the UK"! 🌱

 

https://sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com/


JOIN NOW

Hello, everyone! I'm Sofonie Dala, a Chevening Scholar pursuing an MSc in Environmental Sustainability Education and Communication at the University of York. I’m excited to invite you to join my journey in exploring sustainable practices, environmental education, and impactful initiatives here in the UK!

In this channel, we'll dive into topics on sustainability, share insights from my studies and field experiences, and discuss global efforts to build a greener, more equitable future. Whether you're an advocate for the environment, a student, or just curious, there's something here for you!

Let's create a community for learning, collaboration, and positive change. I look forward to connecting with you all and hearing your ideas on how we can make a difference!

Click to join and be part of the journey!

Chevening Changemaker: Dala’s Sustainability Diarie - From Angola to York, UK (sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com)

Monday, 14 October 2024

KEEP CALM: Angolan Researcher and Scholar Sofonie Dala Awarded Prestigious Chevening Scholarship to Study in the UK

 I cannot keep calm, I have been chosen for chevening 



Ladies and Gentlemen,


My name is Sofonie Dala, and today, I stand before you with immense pride and joy. I am thrilled to share that I have been chosen for the Chevening Scholarship, a remarkable achievement that fills me with boundless enthusiasm.



Chevening is not just a scholarship; it is a transformative experience that offers the opportunity to study at prestigious institutions across the UK, develop leadership skills, and foster global connections. This program embodies the spirit of inclusivity and empowerment, aligning seamlessly with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 10.


SDG 4, Quality Education, emphasizes the importance of education in driving progress and equality. Chevening epitomizes this goal by providing world-class educational opportunities without discrimination. Regardless of race, disability, religion, gender, or age, Chevening stands as a beacon of hope for those eager to expand their horizons and make a meaningful impact.



Similarly, SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities, advocates for the reduction of disparities within and among countries. Chevening is a testament to this commitment. It offers a platform where diverse voices can be heard and where individuals from various backgrounds can collaborate, innovate, and drive positive change.



Since June, when I learned that my interview was successful, I have passionately advocated for Chevening, sharing my journey with every community I encounter. I have spoken to large audiences, encouraging women and people with disabilities to apply. I have also reached out to the PALOP community—referring to the Portuguese-speaking African countries of Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe—emphasizing the importance of learning English, which opens numerous doors and opportunities.



I am deeply grateful to the Chevening team for their belief in me and for making this opportunity possible. I urge everyone here to consider applying for Chevening. It is not merely a chance to study; it is an invitation to become a leader, to break barriers, and to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world.


Thank you.



------Read in Portuguese --------


Senhoras e Senhores,



Meu nome é Sofonie Dala, e hoje, eu me apresento diante de vocês com imenso orgulho e alegria. Estou radiante em compartilhar que fui escolhida para a Bolsa Chevening, uma conquista extraordinária que me enche de entusiasmo.



Chevening não é apenas uma bolsa de estudos; é uma experiência transformadora que oferece a oportunidade de estudar em instituições prestigiadas no Reino Unido, desenvolver habilidades de liderança e promover conexões globais. Este programa reflete o espírito de inclusão e empoderamento, alinhando-se perfeitamente com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) 4 e 10.


O ODS 4, Educação de Qualidade, enfatiza a importância da educação na promoção do progresso e da igualdade. Chevening personifica esse objetivo ao oferecer oportunidades educacionais de classe mundial sem discriminação. Independentemente de raça, deficiência, religião, gênero ou idade, Chevening é um farol de esperança para aqueles que desejam expandir seus horizontes e fazer um impacto significativo.



Da mesma forma, o ODS 10, Reduzir Desigualdades, defende a redução das disparidades dentro e entre os países. Chevening é um testemunho desse compromisso. Oferece uma plataforma onde vozes diversas podem ser ouvidas e onde indivíduos de diferentes origens podem colaborar, inovar e promover mudanças positivas.

Desde junho, quando soube que minha entrevista havia sido bem-sucedida, tenho defendido apaixonadamente o Chevening, compartilhando minha jornada com cada comunidade que encontro. Tenho falado para grandes audiências, incentivando mulheres e pessoas com deficiência a se inscreverem. Também alcancei a comunidade PALOP, que se refere aos Países Africanos de Língua Oficial Portuguesa (Angola, Moçambique, Cabo Verde, Guiné-Bissau e São Tomé e Príncipe), ressaltando a importância de aprender inglês, que abre inúmeras portas e oportunidades.



Estou profundamente agradecida à equipe do Chevening pela confiança em mim e por tornar essa oportunidade possível. Incentivo todos aqui a considerar se candidatar ao Chevening. Não é apenas uma chance de estudar; é um convite para se tornar um líder, quebrar barreiras e contribuir para um mundo mais inclusivo e equitativo.


Muito obrigada.


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Empowering Communities and Celebrating Diversity: A Volunteering Journey in Ouseburn Valley

Chevening Scholars Unite for Sustainability and Neurodiversity in Ouseburn Vall Cheerful greetings! My name is Sofonie Dala, a proud Cheveni...