From Angola to the UK, one woman’s passion for sustainability, culture, and community shows how small acts can grow a greener, more inclusive world

 

Roots Across Borders: Sofonie Dala’s Green Journey in York

Hello everyone,

Let me take you on a little green journey, one that belongs to Sofonie Dala—a young woman whose heart beats in harmony with sustainability, solidarity, and the global call for change.

Lately, everything green attracts Sofonie. This passion to eco-friendly living, has made her part of a much larger family of organizations in York. Though she comes from Angola, here in the UK people see her not as a stranger, but as someone deeply woven into the fabric of community life. 

Many still wonder: how is it possible that in such a short time, in a foreign land, she contributes, collaborates, and connects with thousands—both in person and online? Maybe the secret lies in her search for fraternity, warmth, and affection. In every photo she takes, she looks like she has always belonged.

One May morning in 2025, Sofonie joined the Refugee Action York (RAY) coffee meeting at York St John University. After the session, students invited the RAY attendees to volunteer in their allotment fields. Sofonie, with her usual joy, rolled up her sleeves and joined in. 

For two full hours, they watered plants, tended the soil, and nurtured life. Simple acts, yes—but powerful. They embodied SDG 2: Zero Hunger through sustainable food growing, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by strengthening local bonds, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration across cultures and institutions.

After the activity, she strolled through the city center. There, the unusual beauty of York greeted her: lions and bears sculpted from artificial grass as part of the York BID “Grass Animal Safari” project. These eco-inspired displays reminded her of the SDG 15: Life on Land, showing how even urban art can inspire respect for nature and spark conversations about greening our cities.

As if the day wasn’t already magical, she came across indigenous men from the Equator, singing and dancing in the streets. Their voices carried stories of resilience and identity, reminding Sofonie—and all of us—that sustainability is not just about the environment, but also about cultural sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. This links to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, as cultures meet, respect is built, and humanity is celebrated.

Conclusion

Sofonie’s story is more than just about watering plants or walking past green sculptures. It is a call to see how small acts—whether planting seeds, embracing art, or honoring cultural voices—connect to a larger vision of the world we want. A greener, fairer, more inclusive world. Her journey shows us that sustainability is not a distant dream; it is a daily practice of belonging, of giving, and of reimagining community—wherever we find ourselves.

✨ If one young woman from Angola can plant roots in York, collaborate across continents, and inspire through both action and presence—then what excuse do we have not to join in? The future is green, and it starts with us.

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