Sofonie Dala: Champion of Community Change – Student Volunteer of the Year
Sofonie Dala's Inspiring Volunteering Journey
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.
TCV - Hull road park
Thursday, 10th April - 2 hours - Planting and growing food.
Friday, 11th April - 3 hours - building comfortable houses for insects.
Total Volunteering Hours: 162 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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