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

Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing Campaign: Webisode 8 - Amateur fishermen can't get enough

 Good evening ladies and gentlemen,

Welcome to another marine life webisode!

It seems that these amateur fishermen can't get enough.

They remain with their line at the edge of the sea for long hours. Unfortunately they are only catching fingerlings but they do not despair.

We asked them if they haven't been bothered by the taxmen, they said no. The taxmen only fine fishermen who own yachts, they continued...

But why? we asked.

Because they are the ones who make a lot of money here, they catch very big fish, and the police like big fish and money too! they replied.

Africa as a continent is famously known for safari game drives through the vast savannah plains, but that is not all it has to offer; there are a number of destinations with amazing fishing spots and to the travelers interested in sport fishing.

Angola offers up a continent’s worth of fishing opportunities. Now over to you! Have you ever been fishing in Angola?

Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing Campaign: Webisode 7 - What happens in the sea with fish?

 Ocean Documentary: What Happens in the Sea with Fish?

Human activity is driving marine life toward the brink of extinction. Overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change have led to the loss of nearly half of the world's marine mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish in just one generation.

Today's documentary highlights the grim fate of fish once they are caught by human hands. Young fishermen spend entire days at sea, hoping to catch enough fish to ease their hunger. Size doesn't matter—small or large, they catch them all. Often, the fish are kept alive in torment to prevent them from struggling.

Seafood is a crucial food source for the world's growing population, and maintaining healthy fish populations is vital for sustaining healthy oceans. It is our shared responsibility to contribute to sustainable solutions, as the resilience of marine ecosystems and coastal communities relies on responsible fishing practices.

By understanding the life cycles, habitats, and relationships within marine ecosystems, we gain insight into the health of the planet. Human actions and changing environmental conditions will ultimately shape the future of these marine species.

Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing Campaign: Webisode 6 - Why an International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture?

  It's another day of hope in the lives of these fishermen. In the fight for survival, they abandon their homes for long days, and stay here in the sea to catch fish that serve for their daily food.

In these tents around the beach, we can find men, women and children camping and fishing.

The subsector of artisanal fishing continues to be the driving force behind the economic and social progress of communities, contributing to food and nutritional security, creating more jobs and raising household incomes in Angola.

The global food system faces many complex challenges, including hunger, malnutrition and diet-related diseases, an ever-growing global population that needs sufficient and healthy food, the need to reduce food loss and waste, the depletion of natural resources and effects of climate change, as well as the effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

Fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants are fundamental, essential and indispensable foods eaten by people around the world as part of healthy diets, cultural heritage and culinary tradition. Small-scale artisanal fishers and fish farmers produce a large portion of this food, and as such, IYAFA 2022 is an opportunity to highlight the importance of small-scale artisanal fisheries and aquaculture for our food systems, livelihoods, culture and the environment.

IYAFA 2022 aimed to raise awareness on the role of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture, strengthen science-policy interaction, empower stakeholders to take action, and to build new and strengthen existing partnerships.