DAY 2|| Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing: Ocean Campaign with Sofonie Dala, Angola

 Spotlight on young fishermen

The harder the challenge, the greater the achievement, and for some anglers that’s the perfect fishing experience. If you manage fisheries cleverly, you can create outcomes with happy people and limited overfishing. Today we will learn about the different experiences that these young fishermen will tell us.

Interview with Sebastião

Do you always fish?

No, not always.

How old are you?

I'm 14 years old

What is your name?

Sebastião.

Can you show what you caught today?

Yes, here are the fish.

Are they alive?

Yes, Yes

What do you use to attract fish?

We use fishnet.

What challenges do fishermen face in the sea?

Here in the sea, there are lots of broken bottles and garbage. The shards tear the nets, which makes fishing very difficult.

What can we do to eliminate this?

It is necessary to eliminate all the irons and all the garbage to make fishing easier.

Another interview

Hi guys. Are you okay?

Yes we are fine.

Are you fishermen?

Yes we are Fishermen.

How many fish have you caught today?

We haven't caught any fish yet.

Have you been at sea for a long time?

Yes.

So, is the fishing very difficult today?

Yes, difficult.

What product do you use to attract fish?

We use baits.

Where can we find these baits?

We can find baits in the sea.

What material do you use to fish?

We use the line, bait, hook and bucket to get the fish.

Do you buy this material very expensive?

Not so much. 1 meter of line costs 20 kwanzas

And the hook?

The hook we buy 3 hooks for one hundred kwanzas.

Who sells these instruments?

It's the Fishermen.

Wouldn't you like to have a fishing net and canoe?

We'd really like to have it, but it's too expensive. And we need to have money.

But if a sponsor appears, would you take advantage?

Yes. Let's get this opportunity.

How old are you?

We are between 14 and 15 years old.

Have you been in the fishing world for many years?

Yes, a long time since our childhood. He used to go fishing with his father who is now retired.

When you catch fish, what do you do with the fish?

Some fish we sell and others we consume.

Do you come here everyday?

Yea

When you sell, do you manage to collect a large amount of money?

yes we make a lot of money

OK, very good.

Don't you study?

We're studying, but we're on vacation now, so we're here every day.

Demonstration of the use of fishing equipment.

What is this?

This is the hook.

How do you use this little thing?

We put the line with the bait here, when the fish comes to eat, this needle sticks to the fish, and we grab it.

What's in that bag of yours?

This is buoy.

What did you put there inside this buoy?

Styrofoam.

How many people can fit up there?

3 people.

Using this hook how many fish can you catch?

It depends on the hook you are going to use, you can hook 4, 3 or 2 fish

Hammm, ok, can we take many fishes at once?

Yes.

REMEMBERING|| Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing: Ocean Campaign with Sofonie Dala, Angola

  WEBISODES FROM 2021

Promoting Women’s Leadership in Fisheries:

 A Campaign with Sofonie Dala - Day 1

Why Focus on Angola?

Angola, a country with vast marine resources, faces significant challenges due to insufficient marine data, a lack of environmental conservation awareness, and limited policies on conservation and fisheries management. These issues disproportionately affect women, who often struggle to access resources and opportunities in this sector.

The idea of promoting women’s leadership in fisheries caught my attention as a critical pathway to economic empowerment and sustainable development. By increasing economic returns for women, improving training and information access, implementing a quota system, and directing financial resources toward female fishers, we can transform the fisheries sector. Empowering women in this field is closely tied to broader issues like access to water, land, credit, technology, and markets.

Our primary challenge today is addressing the question: "How can we make fishing more profitable and sustainable for future generations of fishers?"

In this article, we explore the story of Claudia, an amateur angler from Angola, whose daily struggles shed light on the harsh realities faced by women in this sector.

Claudia's Story: A Struggle for Survival

Claudia is a vulnerable single mother who depends on fishing to support her children. Every day, she faces persecution from state agents—police and inspectors—who prevent her from fishing peacefully. To avoid being caught, Claudia often hides her fishing gear in public trash cans. Despite her efforts, when the authorities find her, they confiscate her catch, leaving her and her children without food. In these moments of desperation, she is forced to beg on the streets to provide for her family.

This is the reality for many women in Angola’s fishing industry—constant harassment, lack of resources, and the struggle to survive.

Interview with Claudia

Interviewer: Good afternoon, ma'am. How are you?

Claudia: Good afternoon, I'm fine, thank you.

Interviewer: What is your name?

Claudia: My name is Claudia.

Interviewer: Claudia, what are you doing here?

Claudia: I fish here.

Interviewer: Are you a fisherwoman?

Claudia: Yes, I'm a fisherwoman in this area, and I also beg here from people who come to relax.

Interviewer: Tell me a little bit about fishing. Did you catch anything today?

Claudia: I haven’t fished yet, but I’m about to. You can watch me.

Interviewer: Did you bring your fishing gear?

Claudia: Yes, I'm ready.

Interviewer: How has fishing been? Is there a lot of fish?

Claudia: There are plenty of fish, but the biggest challenge is the police. We suffer a lot. Every time I come to fish, they tell me to take my line out of the water and order me to go home. When I return home empty-handed, who will feed my children? I am both a mother and father to them. My husband passed away, and the father of my youngest child was abusive, so I left him. Fortunately, some kind-hearted people rented a house for me and my children.

Interviewer: Do you depend on fishing for a living?

Claudia: Yes, fishing is how I survive and support my children.

Interviewer: What materials do you use for fishing?

Claudia: I use a line, bucket, hook, bait, and a drum.

Interviewer: Why do you keep your gear in the garbage bin?

Claudia: To avoid the police throwing it away.

Interviewer: How do you fish?

Claudia: I wrap the line around the hook, put bait on it, and throw it into the sea. When the tide is low, the fish don’t bite. We have to wait until the tide rises. If there are fish, we catch them and put them in the bucket.

Interviewer: If someone offered you sponsorship, what would you need to make fishing easier?

Claudia: I would love to have a net. With a net, I could fish more efficiently. The police forbid us from using nets close to shore, so I would need to go further out to sea.

Interviewer: Would you like to have a canoe?

Claudia: I don’t know how to operate a canoe.

Interviewer: You could hire someone to do it for you.

Claudia: Yes, that’s true.

Interviewer: Is the fishing net expensive?

Claudia: Yes, it’s very expensive. The one I want costs around 30,000 to 25,000 kwanzas.

Conclusion

This article highlights the struggles of fishers in Luanda, Angola, through the lens of Claudia's story. Despite the abundance of fish in the sea, financial constraints and a lack of fishing gear make it difficult for people like Claudia to thrive. The informal fish market remains expensive, as fishers cannot catch large quantities due to resource limitations and constant harassment by authorities.

Moreover, women in the fishing industry are often marginalized, with their roles typically limited to selling fish on the streets rather than leading in the sector. It is crucial to address these challenges and promote women’s leadership in fisheries to create a more equitable and sustainable future.

Sofonie Dala - Young Talents from Africa : Promoting women´s leadership in fisheries. Campaign with Sofonie Dala

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT 2024

 

31 August 2024

Story: My Years in Russia: A True Story of Sofonie Dala 

On this International Day for People of African Descent, we honor the remarkable achievements and relentless dedication of individuals who have tirelessly fought for justice, equality, and recognition. Among these inspiring figures stands Sofonie Dala, a young African leader whose journey embodies the resilience and courage of people of African descent.

From a young age, Sofonie has been deeply committed to promoting human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. Her path has not been easy. Growing up in Angola, Sofonie faced the harsh realities of systemic racism, social exclusion, and the lingering impacts of colonialism. Yet, she refused to be defined by these challenges. Instead, she transformed her experiences into a powerful force for change.

Sofonie's journey took her to Russia, where she encountered profound racial discrimination and witnessed the exploitation of African students. Despite these obstacles, she persevered, using her voice to raise awareness about the injustices faced by people of African descent. Her advocacy extended to South Africa, where she confronted xenophobia and the struggles of African migrants, and back to Angola, where she championed the rights of vulnerable communities, including indigenous women and migrants from Congo.

Through her unwavering dedication, Sofonie has become a beacon of hope for many. Her innovative initiatives, such as empowering women through education and addressing climate change, have had a profound impact on her community and beyond. She is not just a leader but a symbol of what can be achieved when one dares to dream and fights for a better world.

As we reflect on the contributions of people of African descent today, let us draw inspiration from Sofonie Dala’s story. Her life reminds us that true change is possible when we stand united against racism and discrimination. Together, we can build a world where equality, opportunity, and justice are not just aspirations but realities for all.

Sofonie Dala’s past and present endeavors showcase her exceptional ability to lead and execute programs that promote human rights. Her work continues to shine a light on the path toward a more just and inclusive future for people of African descent globally.

Breaking Barriers: The First African Woman to Host Russia's Navruz Party

In 2012, I became the first black woman and the first African to host the "Navruz Party," a Central Asian celebration held in the republics within Russia. By doing so, I paved the way for many other Africans, who were subsequently invited to present at similar events.

During our time in Russia, we made significant strides in showcasing our culture. We celebrated African festivals and the independence days of our home countries, singing, dancing, and sharing the rich traditions of Africa with others.

My Years in Russia: A True Story of Sofonie Dala

Hello everyone! I'm Sofonie Dala, and today I want to share a personal reflection on the International Day for People of African Descent, observed every August 31st. This day, established by the United Nations, honors the rich heritage and significant contributions of people of African descent.

As members of a unified human family, we must confront and eliminate the outdated stereotypes and prejudices rooted in unfounded ideas of racial superiority. These biases continue to inflict pain on millions of people of African descent globally.

Now, let me share my own story about living in Russia and what it meant to be black in a country where I often felt isolated.

I moved to Russia in 2005 at the age of 13 to pursue my studies. The initial experience was overwhelming. I noticed people staring at me constantly—women, in particular, seemed fixated on me. I couldn't understand why everyone was so intensely focused on me. I wondered, "Why are they looking at me like that?"

Some greeted me as if I were a celebrity, while others seemed fearful and apprehensive. Over time, I realized that my skin color was the reason for their attention. I was the only black person in the city where I initially lived, which made the experience particularly challenging.

Yes, there was a significant amount of racism. Racism is pervasive everywhere, not just in Russia but also in Africa, where nationalism can sometimes manifest in similar ways.

Despite the racism and prejudice I faced—where even simple outings required careful consideration—I persevered. I did not allow these challenges to deter me. I achieved my educational goals and earned a master's degree, proving that resilience can triumph over adversity.

Sofonie Dala Interviewed by Russian Press on Africa Day, 2013

Today is May 25th, African Liberation Day, an incredibly important day for us, and we have come together to celebrate it. This celebration isn't just happening here in Russia; it's happening all across Africa as well.

I’m wearing my African costume, which I brought from Angola, my homeland. This traditional attire represents our national pride and culture. Today, all the African students in this city are dressed in their national costumes, showcasing our rich heritage here in Europe. We want everyone to see how deeply we cherish our culture and how proud we are to be African.

Back home in Africa, we celebrate as families, gathering together to decorate the streets and spend time outdoors. We share meals, adorn everything beautifully with African beads and ornaments, and even paint our faces for carnivals. We also observe African rituals, taking time to rest on these special days because they hold great significance for us.

It was on a day like today, August 31, in 1920, that the first declaration of the rights of people of African descent was adopted in New York. Commemorating this historic event, in 2020 the General Assembly, under the initiative of Costa Rica, declared this as the International Day for People of African Descent. International day celebrations invite governments, civil society, the public and private sectors, schools and universities, and citizens of the world to reflect on values that unite humanity and to take concrete actions to advance them.

International days reflect the values that society shares. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies. Any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust, and dangerous and must be rejected, together with theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races.

REMEMBERING|| Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing|| World Water Week 2024

 World Water Week theme, "Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future"

Opening Remarks:

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this special occasion as we celebrate the 4th anniversary of our startup, Talentos Multiplus! Over the years, we have embarked on a journey filled with creativity, innovation, and impactful campaigns that have touched lives and inspired change. Today, as promised, we continue to feature our past successes, reminding ourselves of the strides we've made together.

In honor of World Water Week 2024, we are excited to present another remarkable campaign: "Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing." This campaign is more than just an environmental effort; it is a call to action for all of us to protect our oceans, reduce plastic waste, and promote sustainable fishing practices.

This year's World Water Week theme, "Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future," highlights the importance of water cooperation for peace and security. It reminds us that water connects communities and nations, and through collaboration, we can build a future that is both peaceful and sustainable.

As we celebrate this milestone for Talentos Multiplus, let us also celebrate our shared responsibility to protect our planet's most precious resource—water. Together, we can create a world where our oceans are free of plastic, our fisheries are sustainable, and peace flows through every community.

Thank you for being part of this journey, and let's continue to make waves for a better future!

The grand finale: Congratulations! We are celebrating the successful completion of the fight against climate change through music!

SHOW 5  - ART IN DEFENSE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Harmony for the Earth: Music Against Climate Change

Welcome everyone to our creative and fantastic channel!

Ending Remarks:

Ladies and gentlemen, as we bring this incredible journey to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of art and music in defending our environment. Music has the unique power to transcend barriers, touch hearts, and inspire action. Through the rhythms and melodies of our sustainable and innovative project, we’ve shown that ordinary citizens—young people, talented children, and even housewives—can come together to make an extraordinary impact.

Our fight against climate change through music doesn't end here. This campaign might be concluding, but the movement continues. The songs we've sung, the stories we've told, and the awareness we've raised will resonate far beyond this grand finale.

To everyone who believed in us and supported this cause, thank you. Let’s continue to use our voices and talents to protect our planet. The journey doesn’t stop here; it’s just the beginning.

See you soon!

Good evening everyone from Angola. My name is Sofonie Dala, I am the founder of this project,

Welcome everyone to the grand finale of our innovative show of sustainable music that inspires people to fight against climate change.

Guess who will be today's artist?

It is me!

I will be the artist of today's show, I will sing a top song.

The end of the campaign is not the end of the movement, thanks to all  of you who believes and supports our work, we hope to see you soon! 

Here’s a glimpse of what singing sustainable in order to fight climate change looks like for people in Angola.

SHOW 1 - Joining the fight against climate change through music! 

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But Since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

https://sustainablelifestyle-angola.blogspot.com/2023/02/joining-fight-against-climate-change.html

SHOW 2

Climate change is the biggest health threat facing humanity, threatening the progress in development, global health and poverty reduction made over the past 50 years.

Today we have joyful people and children who sing promoting sustainable actions in the agriculture and food sector, oceans, social life and Child Protection!

https://sustainablelifestyle-angola.blogspot.com/2023/03/show-2-joining-fight-against-climate.html

SHOW 3 

Climate change threatens the future stability of the planet. Our artists are using their talents to sound the alarm. 

Today we have a sybercafe manager, he sings in his church choir. Today he accepted the invitation to sing encouraging people to take care of the environment.

https://sustainablelifestyle-angola.blogspot.com/2023/03/show-3-art-in-defense-of-environment.html

SHOW 4

This show outlines the likely consequences of climate change on child health and wellbeing and identifies policies that could mitigate negative impacts. 

Today's children and future generations will bear a disproportionate share of the burden of climate change, which will affect child wellbeing through many direct, indirect, and societal pathways.

https://sustainablelifestyle-angola.blogspot.com/2023/03/show-4-joining-fight-against-climate.html

Here are the titles for our next shows

1. "EcoTunes: Melodies for a Greener Tomorrow"
2. "Voices for the Planet: Music in Action"
3. "Sounds of Sustainability: Music’s Role in Climate Defense"
4. "Green Harmony: Songs of Climate Action"
5. "Rhythms of Change: Music for Environmental Justice"
6. "Melodies of the Earth: Fighting Climate Change through Music"
7. "Sing for the Planet: Music as a Tool for Change"
8. "EcoBeats: The Soundtrack of Climate Awareness"
9. "Harmony with Nature: Musical Movements for the Environment"
10. "Chords of Conservation: Music in Defense of the Earth"

Show 4 - Joining the fight against climate change through music

  SHOW 4  - ART IN DEFENSE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

This show of The Future of Children outlines the likely consequences of climate change on child health and wellbeing and identifies policies that could mitigate negative impacts.

Good morning ladies and gentlemen,

Welcome to the 4th show of the most energetic climate program in the world!

Today, the artists in our program are children and teenagers. 

Today's children and future generations will bear a disproportionate share of the burden of climate change, which will affect child wellbeing through many direct, indirect, and societal pathways.

We are showcasing sustainable and innovative music-related project that fights against climate change. The performers of our show are Angola's most ordinary citizens.

Don't miss the upcoming shows!

If you missed the previous shows click here:

1. Openig show https://sustainablelifestyle-angola.blogspot.com/2023/02/joining-fight-against-climate-change.html

2. Show 2 https://sustainablelifestyle-angola.blogspot.com/2023/03/show-2-joining-fight-against-climate.html

3. Show 3 

https://sustainablelifestyle-angola.blogspot.com/2023/03/show-3-art-in-defense-of-environment.html

Show 3 - Art in defense of the environment

 Joining the fight against climate change through music! 

Climate change threatens the future stability of the planet. Our artists are using their talents to sound the alarm. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Welcome to the 3rd webisode of our climatic show!

Today we have a cybercafe manager, he sings in his church choir. Today he accepted the invitation to sing encouraging people to take care of the environment.

We are showcasing sustainable and innovative music-related project that fights against climate change.

The performers of our show are Angola's most ordinary citizens.

Don't miss the upcoming shows!