Celebrating a Green Milestone: 207 Hours of Purpose with Sofonie Dala, Chevening Scholar

 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.

Here’s to many more moments of impact, empowerment, and environmental stewardship.

The world needs more leaders like Sofonie Dala—leaders who not only dream of change, but dig their hands into the soil and build it.

 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

To students: Looking for something more meaningful than scrolling your feed?

To professionals: Need a breather from the office or lab?

To everyone: Want to convert stress into strength, and free time into purpose?

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.

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“Volunteering is not a pause from life. It’s how we learn to live it deeply.”

— Sofonie Dala 

Relive the Journey: Real Stories, Real Change Across All 17 SDGs 

If you missed any of the previous webisodes, now is the perfect time to re-watch and relive the inspiring moments that brought sustainability to life—one action at a time. From building greener cities (SDG 11), to promoting clean and affordable energy (SDG 7), and taking bold climate action (SDG 13), each episode captures the heart of real change in motion. These stories aren't just educational—they’re uplifting, visually rich, and full of practical ideas that anyone can replicate. Sofonie is especially proud to have joined organizations that respect and celebrate diversity, where all people—regardless of background—are welcomed and treated with dignity (SDG 10). Whether you're a student, educator, activist, or simply curious, dive back in and see how small, consistent acts are powering a better, fairer planet for all. 

Explore what caches your attention most!

 A Sustainable Birthday in Kilburn Grange Park: A Chevening Scholar’s Journey to Environmental Restoration

Click here to learn more: A Sustainable Birthday in Kilburn Grange Park: A Chevening Scholar’s Journey to Environmental Restoration

 https://sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com/2024/11/a-sustainable-birthday-in-kilburn.html

Planting Trees, Planting Hope: A Sustainable Journey Continues

Click here to learn more: https://sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com/2024/11/planting-trees-planting-hope-my-journey.html

Roots of Change: My TCV Journey at Seaton Carew

Click here to learn more: https://sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com/2025/01/roots-of-change-my-tcv-journey-at.html

 A Wild Friday Adventure: Birdwatching and Conservation at Hull Road Park - My journey with TCV 

Click here to learn more: https://sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com/2025/02/a-wild-friday-adventure-birdwatching.html

Roots of Change: Planting for a Sustainable Future - My journey with TCV

Click here to learn more: https://sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com/2025/01/roots-of-change-my-tcv-journey-at.html

Empowering Change: Volunteering for Aquatic Conservation and Sustainable Education at Barlby Ponds - My journey with TCV

Click here to learn more: https://sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com/2025/02/empowering-change-volunteering-for.html

Revitalizing Nature: The Reconstruction of the Abandoned Pond at Fulford School

Click here to learn more: https://sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com/2025/02/revitalizing-nature-reconstruction-of.html

 Love in Action: Volunteering to Uplift Our Community

Empowering Communities: A Path to Zero Poverty and Hunger

Click here to learn more: https://sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com/2025/02/love-in-action-volunteering-to-uplift.html

 A Community's Legacy of Green Volunteering at Poppleton Road Memorial Hall

Click here to learn more: https://sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-communitys-legacy-of-green.html

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

Click here to learn more: https://sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com/2025/03/empowering-communities-and-celebrating.html

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 

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.

Gallery

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

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

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

 

https://sofoniegreenmission.blogspot.com/

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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)