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.
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Thursday, 24 April 2025
York, TCV practical day out
Total hours: 7
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