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.

Galeria 

A Successful Conclusion to the Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing Campaign

By Sofonie Dala

September 25, 2022

Greetings from Angola!

I am Sofonie Dala, and today marks the completion of our #Plastic_Free_Oceans documentary, which was created in celebration of the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as the UN Ocean Conferences held in June and July 2022.

The aim of this documentary is to share best practices and solutions for the effective implementation of SDG 14, with a focus on inspiring action to address the environmental crises of climate change, pollution, and the degradation of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Through our initiative, we have equipped local fishermen with valuable knowledge and inspiration to continue their efforts in protecting the ocean. Their actions directly impact marine ecosystems, as certain fishing practices can lead to the extinction of species, threatening the entire food chain, including predators dependent on those species for survival.

“The experience was incredible, allowing me to witness firsthand the challenges and daily lives of fishermen. I gained a deeper understanding of their passion for this profession, which is deeply rooted in Angola’s cultural heritage. This documentary brings viewers closer to those who rely on fishing and its by-products for their livelihood.”

Today, we present the conclusion of this journey. To learn more, explore the links below, where you can watch the true stories of Angolan fishermen and discover what life is like beneath the waves:

1. Accelerating Plastic-Free Oceans (Part 1)
2. Ocean Documentary - Eating Fresh-Caught Fish (Part 2)
3. Why an International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture? (Part 3)
4. What Happens in the Sea with Fish? (Part 4)
5. SDG 14: Ocean Documentary (Part 5)

PART 1

Today, we present the conclusion of our documentary. If you wish to delve deeper into these powerful stories, please explore the links below, where you can watch the non-fiction accounts of amateur fishermen and uncover more:

• Day 1: The Story of Claudia - Female Fisherman
  Watch here

• https://formula-blue-sofonie.blogspot.com/2024/09/remembering-free-plastic-ocean-and.html

• Day 2: Spotlight on Young Fishermen
  Watch here

• https://formula-blue-sofonie.blogspot.com/2024/09/day-2-free-plastic-ocean-and.html

• Day 3: Spotlight on Amateur Fishermen
  Watch here

• https://formula-blue-sofonie.blogspot.com/2024/09/day-3-free-plastic-ocean-and.html

LEARN MORE: https://formula-blue-sofonie.blogspot.com/2024/09/part-1-free-plastic-ocean-and.html