Congratulations!!!
Let’s take a moment to applaud the incredible Sofonie Dala, a proud Chevening Scholar, as she reaches a stunning 207 hours of volunteering in the UK—from October 2024 to May 20, 2025. This milestone isn’t just a number. It’s a living, breathing story of grit, grace, and green growth.
Sofonie’s journey began with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), but quickly expanded into a rich mosaic of action—feeding the homeless, planting trees, building insect hotels, raising awareness, and mentoring others. Each act, no matter how small, was a seed for sustainability.
From Nature to Nations: One Volunteer, 17 Global Goals
Yes, you read that right—all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are represented in her journey. Whether it was fighting hunger (SDG 2), advancing quality education (SDG 4), promoting gender equality (SDG 5), or supporting life below water (SDG 14) and life on land (SDG 15), Sofonie was there—boots on the ground, sleeves rolled up.
Her work is a dynamic expression of human, natural, and financial capital in motion. Every tree planted nurtured natural capital. Every skill learned—teamwork, leadership, environmental science—expanded human capital. And yes, these green skills are convertible into income, entrepreneurship, and opportunity—fueling financial capital in a world that desperately needs sustainable innovation.
And now, to commemorate this journey, a special short film has been released. This cinematic reflection captures her most impactful days—over 200 hours of volunteering distilled into one powerful visual story. A time machine of sorts, the film takes viewers back to her first days on campus in the UK, tracking the evolution of a global citizen fueled by purpose, resilience, and green ambition.
As eight months pass, and with so many milestones behind her and more queued up in the future, Sofonie's work serves as an inspiring reminder that individual action can ripple out into systemic change.
Green is the New Smart
Volunteering, Sofonie says, “has made me feel like one of the greenest students in the world.” And she might be right. Few others can say they’ve lived the SDGs so fully. With several short films produced—and more in the queue—her story is both cinematic and scientific, a time machine of hope reflecting the 8-month evolution of a changemaker.
A Gentle (and Powerful) Call to Action
Join a volunteer program. It could be the most relaxing thing you do—and the most radically transformative. You’ll meet friends, gain experience, boost your CV, and be part of something bigger: the movement to shape a Wealth Economy where no form of capital is wasted—especially not your own potential.
Planting Trees, Planting Hope: A Sustainable Journey Continues
Click here to learn more: https://sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com/2025/02/a-wild-friday-adventure-birdwatching.html
Click here to learn more: https://sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com/2025/02/empowering-change-volunteering-for.html
Empowering Communities: A Path to Zero Poverty and Hunger
Congratulations, Sofonie!
As we proudly celebrate Sofonie Dala's incredible milestone of 207 volunteer hours, we honor not only her dedication, but also her unshakable commitment to people, planet, and purpose. From her very first steps in the UK in October 2024 to May 20, 2025, Sofonie’s journey has been nothing short of transformative—not just for herself, but for the communities and ecosystems she has served.
A proud Chevening Scholar and sustainability advocate, Sofonie began her volunteering journey with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and quickly expanded her reach across a diverse range of causes and organizations. Whether it was planting trees, constructing insect hotels, or distributing food to the homeless, Sofonie gave her energy, compassion, and intellect to build a better world—one act of kindness at a time.
Her efforts align powerfully with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—especially:
SDG 13: Climate Action — by restoring ecosystems and encouraging biodiversity.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — through greening urban spaces and promoting inclusivity.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger — by supporting food distribution for vulnerable populations.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — through her collaboration with a range of civic organizations, charities, and environmental groups.
Sofonie often refers to herself as “one of the greenest students in the world,” and it’s easy to see why. Her journey is not just about numbers—it’s about the narratives of change she helped write: lives touched, habitats restored, and hope rekindled.
Sofonie Dala's Inspiring Volunteering Journey
Total Volunteering Hours: 207 hours
Hello, everyone! My name is Sofonie Dala, and I’m a proud Chevening scholar from Angola, currently studying in the UK. Since my arrival in September 2024, I’ve embarked on an incredible volunteering journey that I want to share with you all!
October 2024: A New Beginning
- Sunday, 27th: 6 hours
- Monday, 28th: 7 hours
- Tuesday, 29th: 7 hours
- Wednesday, 30th: 7 hours
Total for October: 27 hours
As I settled into my new environment, I was eager to make a difference. Each hour spent volunteering was a stepping stone to building connections and understanding the community around me.
November 2024: Commitment to Service
- Wednesday, 13th: 7 hours
- Sunday, 24th: 6 hours
Total for November: 13 hours
My dedication didn’t waver. On these days, I contributed 13 hours, further deepening my commitment to serving those in need.
December 2024: Spreading Joy
- Sunday, 8th: 6 hours
- Sunday, 15th: 6 hours
- Wednesday, 18th: 7 hours
Total for December: 19 hours
With the festive season approaching, I focused on spreading joy and kindness by planting trees, distributing resources to those less fortunate, promoting environmental awareness, travelling and studying hard for my exams.
January 2025: New Challenges
- Tuesday, 14th: 7 hours
- Wednesday, 23rd: 7 hours
- Thursday, 30th: 3 hours
- Friday, 31st: 2 hours
Total for January: 19 hours
Entering the new year, I faced new challenges but remained steadfast in my volunteering efforts, continuing to learn and grow through each experience.
February 2025: A Week of Giving
- Thursday, 6th: 3 hours
- Sunday, 9th: 6 hours
- Thursday, 13th: 3 hours
- Friday, 14th:2 hours
- Tuesday, 18th: 7 hours
- Friday, 21st: 2 hours
- Friday, 28th: 2 hours
Total so far in February: 25 hours
From February 10 to 16, I participated in Student Volunteering Week, a time when students across the UK come together to make a positive impact. My commitment during this week was a testament to my belief in the power of community service.
March 2025 - New vibes
Thursday, 6th: 5 hours
Friday, 7th: 2 hours
Thursday, 13th: 4 hours
Friday, 14th: 2 hours
Chevening - Ouseburn charity trust, Newcastle
Wednesday, 19th: 6 hours
TCV - Hull road park
Friday, 21st: 2 hours
TCV -Practical trip
Thursday, 27th: 6-7 hours
Friday, 28th: 2 hours / TCV - Hull road park
Total volunteering hours for March: 29 hours
Extra Volunteering Hours:
- Thursday, 31st October 2024: Kilburn Grange Park - 5 hours
- Saturday, 8th February 2025: Christian Community (Food Distribution to homeless people) - 2 hours
GREEN IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITOR
-Issued by: Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS-UK)
Date: November - December 2024
Total hours: 10 hours
Volunteering internship
- Issued on: January 2, 2025
April 2024
Revitalizing Nature: Volunteering with TCV to Renew a Footbridge in Wheldrake”
On April 3rd, 2025, I had the privilege of volunteering with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) in Wheldrake. Our task was to repair and renew an old footbridge, bringing it back to life just in time for the spring season. As April symbolizes renewal, new beginnings, and nature’s awakening after winter, our work reflected this essence perfectly. By restoring the footbridge, we helped ensure that it could continue to serve the community and connect people to nature during this vibrant time of year.
Total hours: 6
Team: Tang hall
TCV - Hull road park
Thursday, 10th April - 2 hours - Planting and growing food.
Friday, 11th April - 3 hours - building comfortable houses for insects.
Clearing vegetation - Westfield Fen
This Thursday, April 17th, I had the amazing opportunity to join The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) for a hands-on conservation experience at Westfield Fen, Grange Lane in Acomb.
Total volunteering hours: 7
The celebration of Earth Week is on going
This Earth Week, I had the privilege of joining The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) for another fulfilling day of community service. Our mission? To maintain and improve the cycle routes crossing The Stray in York, ensuring they remain accessible and safe for all cyclists.
Cycling has seen a remarkable resurgence in the UK, especially since 2020. The cycling market was valued at £2.31 billion in 2020, marking a 45% increase from the previous year. This surge was driven by a combination of factors, including the pandemic, which led to a 62% increase in cycling distance compared to 2019.
As we worked to clear the land of weeds, something fascinating caught my eye: long, shimmering earthworms emerging from the soil. They twisted and curved, almost like snakes, their bodies glistening in the light. Earthworms are not just essential for healthy soil; they’re also nature’s unsung heroes.
Did you know that earthworms can consume up to half their body weight in organic matter every day? They help break down material into nutrients, which benefits plant life and improves soil structure. Their burrows also aid in water filtration, making them crucial for sustainable ecosystems.
It’s essential to recognize that volunteers like us are ordinary citizens dedicating our time to enhance our community. We’re not paid for our efforts, yet we find fulfillment in contributing to a greener, more sustainable environment.
So, the next time you ride your bike along these paths, remember that behind their upkeep are individuals like you, working towards a better future.
If you have the opportunity, consider joining us. Your involvement can make a significant difference in preserving our green spaces for generations to come.
⸻
Thursday, 24 April 2025
York, TCV practical day out
Total hours: 7
Gallery
A Wild Sunday at Tang Hall: Sowing Seeds of Change
Cultivating Change: A Sunday of Seeds, Pollinators, and Community at Tang Hall
There are Sundays that pass by in a quiet haze, and then there are Sundays that leave your hands covered in soil, your heart full, and your spirit buzzing with the joy of community. This was one of the latter.
At Tang Hall Community, alongside the incredible folks from TCV, we stepped into the wild, embracing nature with every action we took. The mission of the day? Tansy seeds. Small, but mighty, these little golden dots held the promise of vibrant blooms and pollinator-friendly spaces.
The process was simple yet beautifully meditative. We carefully planted and sowed the tansy seeds, each one a tiny hope tucked into the earth, waiting to grow. As we worked, laughter and conversation flowed as freely as the breeze. It was more than gardening; it was connection—connection to the land, to each other, and to the future we were cultivating one seed at a time.
Packing dozens of these seeds into their pouches, we felt a quiet satisfaction—knowing that soon, these small beginnings would transform into something greater. Wildflowers weaving their own magic across the community, attracting bees, butterflies, and perhaps even inspiring the next wave of nature lovers to continue this work.
But our adventure didn’t end there. After planting the tansy seeds, we immersed ourselves in flower surveys, studying the vibrant colors and delicate structures that dotted the landscape. The real magic unfolded as we turned our attention to the buzzing and fluttering creatures that surrounded us. Bees, bugs, butterflies, and countless other insects moved tirelessly, each playing their role in the intricate web of biodiversity. Observing them up close reminded us just how vital they are—not just to the ecosystem, but to humanity itself.
Days like these remind us why we come together: to share knowledge, to build something lasting, and to honor the wild beauty that surrounds us. This work aligns with global efforts towards sustainability, directly contributing to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
SDG 13: Climate Action – Our conservation efforts help mitigate climate change by fostering biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
SDG 15: Life on Land – Planting native species, encouraging pollinators, and protecting local habitats all contribute to healthier ecosystems.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – By enhancing green spaces within urban environments, we create healthier, more sustainable communities for all.
One seed, one Sunday, one step closer to a greener world.
Date: 27/04/2025
Total volunteering hours: 5
Location: Tang Hall
TOTAL HOURS IN APRIL =27
Total Volunteering Hours: 207 hours
Throughout my journey, I’ve dedicated hundreds of hours to volunteering with various community initiatives, completing multiple sessions. Have you ever volunteered with such dedication in such a short span?
Join me in this fulfilling endeavor!
Together, let’s inspire each other to give back and create a brighter future.
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Clearing vegetation - Westfield Fen
This Thursday, April 17th, I had the amazing opportunity to join The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) for a hands-on conservation experience at Westfield Fen, Grange Lane in Acomb.
We spent the day clearing invasive vegetation to help prepare the space for a beautiful wildflower meadow. There was a peaceful little stream, unfortunately choked with overgrowth, and a large sports field near the local school where the vegetation had started to affect how the space could be used and enjoyed.
It was hard work, but so rewarding. As we worked, locals passed by, smiling, thanking us, and saying how much they appreciated our efforts. Moments like that remind me how small actions can make a real difference for a community and the planet.
Discovery of Fossilized Snails Near Water Source: A Glimpse into the Past
The activity focused on controlling the spread of invasive wildflowers and plants, such as dock and scramberry.
The most fascinating discovery was the identification of fossilized snails near the water source. We also found there abandoned items such as bike and other house objects.
Here’s to more green days ahead – and to a greener, brighter Earth Day!
Gallery
The celebration of Earth Week is on going
This Earth Week, I had the privilege of joining The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) for another fulfilling day of community service. Our mission? To maintain and improve the cycle routes crossing The Stray in York, ensuring they remain accessible and safe for all cyclists.
Cycling has seen a remarkable resurgence in the UK, especially since 2020. The cycling market was valued at £2.31 billion in 2020, marking a 45% increase from the previous year. This surge was driven by a combination of factors, including the pandemic, which led to a 62% increase in cycling distance compared to 2019.
As we worked to clear the land of weeds, something fascinating caught my eye: long, shimmering earthworms emerging from the soil. They twisted and curved, almost like snakes, their bodies glistening in the light. Earthworms are not just essential for healthy soil; they’re also nature’s unsung heroes.
Did you know that earthworms can consume up to half their body weight in organic matter every day? They help break down material into nutrients, which benefits plant life and improves soil structure. Their burrows also aid in water filtration, making them crucial for sustainable ecosystems.
It’s essential to recognize that volunteers like us are ordinary citizens dedicating our time to enhance our community. We’re not paid for our efforts, yet we find fulfillment in contributing to a greener, more sustainable environment.
So, the next time you ride your bike along these paths, remember that behind their upkeep are individuals like you, working towards a better future.
If you have the opportunity, consider joining us. Your involvement can make a significant difference in preserving our green spaces for generations to come.
⸻
Thursday, 24 April 2025
York, TCV practical day out
Total hours: 7
TANG HALL
FLOWERS SURVEY, PLANTING TANSY SEEDS
Thursday, 25 April 2025
York, TCV practical day out
Total hours: 5
Date: 02/05/2025
Total volunteering hours: 2
Activity: Building Cosy houses for insects: The case study of the snail that played dead.
Location: Hull Road Park
Team: Hull road park team
The Snail That Made the Scholar Jump Out of Bed!
Friends, you won’t believe what happened to me!
On Thursday, April 17th, I had the incredible opportunity to join The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) for a hands-on conservation day at Westfield Fen, Grange Lane in Acomb. While exploring the site and observing nature, I came across two old-looking brown snails that weren’t moving at all. Their shells looked dry, aged, and lifeless—I genuinely thought I had discovered fossilized snails.
Excited by the find, I brought them home, thinking they’d be a great addition to a small fossil collection I was building to support a personal research idea.
Weeks passed.
One quiet, dark night, I decided to move my "fossils" to a more comfortable display space. To my absolute shock, one of the snails stretched out its long tentacles and tiny eye stalks—IT WAS ALIVE! I literally jumped out of bed in surprise.
The snail had been playing dead for weeks!
I was stunned—and a bit afraid. I didn’t want the poor creature to die under my care, but I wasn’t sure what to do. The next morning, I made the responsible choice: I carried both snails to Hull Road Park, where the TCV team has been building beautiful insect habitats near the beck (stream). It was the perfect environment—lush, natural, and safe.
What made the moment even more special is that over a month ago, I had started building small insect homes there myself. That day, I upgraded one of the shelters to make it more comfortable, adding water and food for the snail, creating a welcoming habitat.
This experience reminded me how astonishing, delicate, and surprising nature can be. A creature I thought was long gone came back to life and inspired me to act with even more care and curiosity for the living world.
🌱 Every small discovery can lead to a powerful story. And sometimes, a snail can remind a scholar why we protect the planet.
Tree Watering Volunteering Activity
Activity Description:
Joined the Tang Hall Team in a full-day environmental stewardship effort to water 100 oak standard trees that were planted last winter as part of a local reforestation project.
Tasks included:
Transporting and distributing water across a large planting site
Caring for young trees to promote their survival and resilience
Contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and natural beauty along the Derwent River
🌳 It was a rewarding and inspiring day spent protecting local ecosystems and connecting with nature.
Volunteering Activity – York St. John University Allotment Field
Activity Description:
Participated as part of a team of student volunteers in sustainable gardening activities, including:
Growing and planting seasonal crops
Watering and maintaining food plants
Supporting local food sustainability and green space engagement
The Seeds of Hope and Action Exhibition
🗓️ Date: Monday, 12 May 2025
📍 Location: University of York, Department of Environment and Geography, Campus West
🕒 Total Volunteering Hours: 5 hours
Activities:
Campus Engagement (1.5 hours):
Conducted live interviews and distributed educational flyers across the campus to raise awareness about environmental justice and community action.
Media Production (3.5 hours):
Created on-demand video content and managed social media materials to amplify the exhibition’s message and reach a wider audience online.
Campus Engagement (1.5 hours):
Conducted live interviews and distributed educational flyers across the campus to raise awareness about environmental justice and community action.
Media Production (3.5 hours):
Created on-demand video content and managed social media materials to amplify the exhibition’s message and reach a wider audience online.
Tuesday, 20th May – TCV Tang Hall Team: Joined the team for maintenance work on native trees and hedges at Boothferry Golf Club, Spaldington Lane, Howden.
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