From Learner to Leader: Sparking Collective Action for our Planet with Climate Fresk

Green greetings, everyone!

My name is Sofonie Dala, a proud Chevening scholar here in the UK. And today, I want to share with you a story of transformation — not just of knowledge, but of purpose, passion, and action. It was just last year when I walked into my very first Climate Fresk workshop as a learner. I had no formal background in climate change — like many of you — I had heard the buzzwords, the headlines, but I didn’t truly understand the full scope of what was happening to our planet. The workshop was like a veil being lifted from my eyes. I left with a mixture of emotions: a deep sense of knowing — and at the same time, a feeling of being overwhelmed by the unknown.

But it wasn’t just about learning. It was about feeling the science — truly understanding the causes and consequences of climate change, and more importantly, realizing that we are not powerless. That feeling of realization is what drove me to become a facilitator. I was given the opportunity to attend the facilitator training — an experience that transformed me into a guide, someone who could help others make the same awakening. And so, in February of 2025, I found myself standing in front of an international class of seven learners, all with no background in climate change. Fresh faces, open minds, and a shared willingness to learn.

It was an exhilarating feeling. These were learners who hadn’t yet experienced the weight of the climate crisis, but the energy in the room was electric — driven by curiosity, frustration, hope, and the desire to make a change. As we laid down the cards, piece by piece, the puzzle of our planet’s future began to take shape. Through this process, we saw how the choices we make — from deforestation to carbon emissions — shape our world. And just as importantly, we saw the way forward. We saw hope, not in the abstract, but in real, actionable steps we could all take to make a difference.

What struck me most in that room was the emotional journey we took together. From the weight of the facts to the recognition of our personal responsibility, there was a deep sense of unity — a collective commitment to change. We weren’t just learning about climate change; we were feeling it. And together, we were building a plan to take action.

This is what Climate Fresk does — it doesn’t just inform; it empowers. It turns knowledge into action, transforming despair into hope. It’s not about fear — it’s about empowerment. And it is through the collective efforts of each and every person that we can rewrite the story of our planet’s future. When I reflect on that first workshop, I’m filled with immense pride. We were not just fresh facilitators and fresh learners. We were the beginning of something much bigger — a movement, a ripple of change. And I am so incredibly blessed to have been a part of it.

The journey of tackling climate change is not easy. But it is a journey we must take, together. And through workshops like Climate Fresk, we’re not just creating a better understanding — we are sparking the change that the world so desperately needs. Together, we can create the future we want to see. Together, we can act. Together, we can make a difference.

Climate Fresk has given me the platform to not only learn but also to teach, inspire, and drive meaningful change. Every facilitator, every learner — together, we have the power to make a lasting impact on the planet. And I believe that impact begins with knowledge, but it thrives through action.