CALL FOR HELP: Sofonie Dala's Journey: From Angola to the UK — A Tale of Triumph, Transition, and Digital Caution

SOFONIE DALA — A JOURNEY OF COURAGE, TRANSITION, AND AWAKENING

1. The Beginning: Angola, Quatro de Fevereiro Airport — 8 September 2024, 7:00pm

On the cool evening of September 8th, 2024, Sofonie Dala stood inside Aeroporto Internacional 4 de Fevereiro in Luanda, surrounded by the warm presence of her family. Their faces carried a mix of pride, hope, and the unspoken ache that always comes with farewell.

She was leaving Angola not just to pursue a dream—but to pursue a future she had earned through remarkable effort. Winning the Chevening Scholarship was a triumph that symbolized both her personal achievement and the trust that her nation placed in her potential.

As she moved through the airport gates, she recorded photos and videos—capturing her mother’s embrace, her family’s waves, the final glance at home. 

When she stepped onto the plane, the sky outside greeted her with its deep blue promise. It was the beginning of a new chapter.

2. In the Sky — Between Angola and the United Kingdom

Once inside the aircraft, Sofonie felt the rare mix of nervousness and exhilaration. She recorded short clips of the clouds, the peaceful hum of the engines, and her own reflections.

She knew she was crossing more than geography—she was crossing into a new identity:

from an independent researcher in Angola to an international scholar in the United Kingdom.

 

3. Arrival in the UK — 9 September 2024, Manchester International Airport

The moment the plane touched down at Manchester International Airport, Sofonie felt an indescribable wave of emotion. Relief. Gratitude. Anticipation. And a quiet, sacred joy.

This was the United Kingdom—a place she had seen only in books, screens, and dreams. Now she was here, physically standing on the ground of a new world.

Outside the arrival area, she was met by student ambassadors from the University of York, holding signs, smiling warmly, welcoming international scholars. Among the group of students arriving that day was another Chevening scholar, Cynthia.

4. The Unexpected Incident and a Joyful Delay

After collecting their luggage, Sofonie and the other students made their way toward the transport arranged by the University. But just as they arrived, the bus had already left.

They had to wait—for a long time—for the next one.

Yet this waiting did not become stressful or disappointing. Instead, it turned into a lighthearted bonding moment. They chatted, laughed, exchanged stories of their flights, and took in the cool British breeze. For Sofonie, this moment became one of the first reminders that sometimes delays carry blessings.

5. Arrival at the University of York Campus

When the next bus finally arrived, they were driven safely to campus. The bus stopped near the Biology building, where students were guided to pick up their room keys.

This day marked the beginning of her academic and cultural integration. It was also part of one of the major welcome events organized for international students.

Sofonie was assigned to Wentworth College—a peaceful, friendly, postgraduate community at the University of York.

First Purchases and New Beginnings: Sofonie Dala’s Early Days at the University of York

After settling in, Sofonie took full advantage of one of the University’s traditions: the charity second-hand shopping event held at the beginning of each academic year.

 The event offered refurbished or gently used items—everything from kitchenware and bedroom essentials to clothes, shoes, handbags, and more—all at incredibly affordable prices. As she had traveled without many personal belongings, this was the perfect opportunity for Sofonie to furnish her room with the essentials she needed to feel at home. 

She bought everything from a cozy duvet to a stylish handbag, stocking up on items she had left behind in her rush to travel. 

First classes used to be like this

Even now, back in Angola, she still holds onto some of the bags she purchased, each one carrying a memory of her early days in the UK.

6. New Friendships — Nana and Alicya

Soon after settling in, Sofonie met her first friend, Nana, an amazing young woman from Japan.

They went grocery shopping together, explored campus, took pictures, and supported each other through the early days of adjusting to a new country.

She also met Alicya from Nigeria, another bright and kind soul.

Together, these early friendships became pillars of comfort and companionship in a foreign land.

7. A Critical Lesson for International Students: Protect Your Digital Life

In the excitement of her arrival, Sofonie innocently shared a photo taken at Manchester Airport in a WhatsApp group that she believed was for Chevening applicants, alumni, University staff and chevening field coordinators.

The group appeared legitimate—agents and representatives were asking students to share photos and videos of their chevening journey. She trusted the process, as most newcomers would.

But shortly after, she became a target of cyberattacks and online harassment.

A Message to All International Students:

Do NOT share personal photos, videos, arrival details, or travel documents publicly or in unofficial groups until you are completely safe, settled, and certain of the people you are interacting with.

Your digital footprint is part of your safety.

Document everything—but share selectively.

Your records can protect your reputation, your scholarship, and even your life.

Sofonie sometimes feel like Her account was hacked, and some of her memories were nearly erased. It became a frightening reminder that not everyone who appears helpful online is genuine.

She did not know that some of these memories would later be targeted by dishonest people—but she recorded them anyway, and luckily many survived.

Sofonie’s Resilience

Despite the adversity, Sofonie preserved what mattered.

She held onto her memories, rebuilt what was lost, and continued her academic journey with strength.

Her transition from Angola to the UK is not just the tale of a scholarship scholar—it is the story of courage, adaptation, self-protection, and personal rebirth.

CONFIDENTIAL – FORMAL COMPLAINT AND REQUEST FOR URGENT INVESTIGATION

I am writing to request urgent and confidential assistance regarding a series of extremely serious incidents that occurred during my time as an international Chevening Scholar at the University of York. While international scholarships can be a source of pride, they can also become detrimental when misconduct, abuse of power, and violations of student rights occur. Unfortunately, this has been my experience.

1. Background

I, Sofonie Dala, was awarded a Chevening Scholarship for postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. I had an established professional trajectory and arrived enthusiastic to pursue academic excellence and fulfil the responsibilities expected of a Chevening Scholar.

2. Harassment, Retaliation, and Invasion of Privacy

My period of study was marked by a series of alarming events, including:

• Persecution and intimidation by individuals associated with both the Chevening programme and the University of York.

• Intrusions into my digital and physical privacy, including what I believe to be unauthorised access to my mobile phone and personal accounts.

• Cyber-attacks and continued harassment, even after my return to Angola.

These actions severely affected my physical safety, emotional wellbeing, and academic performance.

3. Theft of Scholarship Funds, Benefits, and Award

In April 2024, after participating in the Chevening Conference in Bath, I stopped receiving my scholarship stipend and student financial benefits. From that point onward, I did not receive a single cent, despite the stipend being my only means of survival in the UK.

I later received communication dated 20 May 2025 from the Chevening Secretariat informing me that I had been selected for the Chevening Gold Volunteering Award, based on my exceptional contribution of over 200 verified volunteering hours. This is significantly higher than other awardees, some of whom reportedly recorded fewer than 25 hours.

However:

• I never received the Gold Award,

• I never received the accompanying monetary prize, and

• I was excluded from events and communications, apparently in retaliation after I shared confidential information about my achievements when they requested it.

I strongly believe that individuals within Chevening administration and university staff were involved in fraudulent appropriation of my award and financial benefits.

4. Human Rights Violations and Immigration-Related Misconduct

During my time at the University of York, I also experienced:

• Violations of my basic human rights,

• Interference with my visa and CAS documentation,

• Manipulation of my student records and benefits.

Evidence suggests coordinated misconduct by certain staff members from the Jen Wotherspoon dirty academic registar who canceled my CAS and Visa to not pay my student benefits, Department of Education and the International Office.

5. Current Situation and Ongoing Threats

The persecution did not stop after I left the UK. I continue to experience:

• Cyber-attacks targeting my devices and data,

• Harassment in Angola,

• The loss of my iPhone 15, which contained irreplaceable documentation of my UK experience, volunteering evidence, and personal information.

I no longer have access to this phone. If anyone attempts to communicate or perform activities using a device appearing to be mine, please be informed that it is not in my possession.

6. Request for Immediate Assistance

I respectfully request:

1. A full independent investigation into:

   • the disappearance of my scholarship funds,

   • the misappropriation of my Gold Award,

   • the violations of my digital and physical privacy,

   • the handling of my immigration documentation,

   • the actions of Chevening agents and University of York staff.

2. The recovery of all financial resources and benefits that were withheld or stolen.

3. The retrieval of my iPhone 15 and protection of my personal data.

4. Immediate protection from ongoing cyber and physical harassment.

The situation has caused me deep distress, hardship, and long-lasting damage. I appeal to international authorities to intervene to ensure justice, accountability, and the restoration of my rights.

Attached: Chevening Gold Award Notification (Unclaimed)

(This was the official communication confirming my selection for the Gold Award, which I was never allowed to receive.)

“They also gained unauthorised remote access to my Samsung device. Although the phone is physically with me, it has been effectively ‘kidnapped’—the screen is permanently locked and remains completely black, making the device unusable.”

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