ANGOLAN SCHOLAR SHINES IN BATH: A JOURNEY OF KNOWLEDGE, CULTURE, AND CONNECTIONS

Chevening Conference 2025 - University of Bath 

Chevening Star Sofonie Dala Explores the Best of Bath and Shares a Powerful Vision for a Sustainable Future

BATH, UK – April 16, 2025 — The historic streets of Bath buzzed with inspiration as Chevening scholars from across the globe gathered at the University of Bath for the 2025 Chevening Conference. Among them stood a remarkable voice for change — Sofonie Dala, a talented Chevening scholar from Angola placed in York, UK. With poise, purpose, and an unshakable belief in global collaboration, her journey to Bath became a chapter worth telling.

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Arriving Early to Soak in the Soul of Bath

Sofonie arrived in Bath on the 15th of April — a day ahead of the official conference — not just to get a head start, but to immerse herself in the magic of the city. From the moment she stepped into the cobbled streets lined with golden-hued Georgian architecture, Bath's charm wrapped around her like a warm shawl.

She wandered through UNESCO-listed heritage marvels, paused to marvel at the ancient Roman Baths, and found herself swept into the cinematic romance of locations featured in Bridgerton and Les Misérables. Her city tour turned into an enriching adventure, capturing the rhythm of the city and its storied past — a perfect prelude to a day of intellectual discovery.

 A Global Tapestry of Ideas at the University of Bath

On the morning of April 16th, the University of Bath welcomed scholars to its stunning School of Management. The event kicked off with opening remarks by Emma Hennessey of the FCDO, followed by a powerful keynote from Dr. Margaret Heffernan, who emphasized the urgency of collaborative problem-solving in an unpredictable world.

Sofonie joined hundreds of fellow scholars across disciplines, exchanging insights on environment, education, development, health, technology, human rights, and policy. The energy in the rooms was electric — a melting pot of dreams and dedication. Each session was not just an academic presentation, but a spark that lit up new paths for impact.

 Connection, Inspiration, and Unbreakable Bonds

Whether during lunch in the vibrant café or the closing reception filled with laughter and clinking glasses, the atmosphere throughout the conference was joyful and empowering. For Sofonie, this wasn’t just another event. It was a life-changing experience — a meeting of minds that reaffirmed the purpose of her journey: to amplify unheard voices, to act for the planet, and to lead with compassion.

As she networked with scholars from over 150 countries, new friendships blossomed, future collaborations took root, and her vision of a greener, more equitable world felt more attainable than ever before.

A Legacy of Leadership and a Future of Impact

With her roots firmly planted in Angola and her branches reaching out to the world, Sofonie Dala continues to be a beacon of resilience, innovation, and global citizenship. Her journey to Bath is just one chapter — a vibrant reminder that leadership doesn’t begin or end in a classroom, but flows through every encounter, every city walked, and every story shared.

 We were sharping 

The city tour was fantastic