Dear African Wikimedians,
As you may already know, this year's WikiIndaba
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiIndaba_conference_2023> is scheduled
for November 3-5, 2023, in Agadir, Morocco. In addition to the main event,
we're embracing a hybrid model that includes both virtual and localized
in-person gatherings across Africa. To foster community engagement on a
local level, we are pleased to offer micro-grants to Wikimedia communities
across the continent.
Wikimedia communities across Africa are warmly invited to apply for
micro-grants of up to $300 <https://w.wiki/7V3W>. These funds are intended
to support the organization of local events or meet-ups where participants
can virtually attend and interact with live-streamed and pre-recorded
sessions of the main WikiIndaba conference. Whether you plan to set up a
community meet-up, a workshop, or even a hackathon mirroring the larger
event, the choice and format are yours—feel free to innovate or draw
inspiration from successful projects in other communities
Who is eligible?
Applications and subsequent reports can be submitted in Arabic, French, or
English. While we welcome applications from all African locations,
underrepresented communities or groups will receive priority consideration.
What should your application contain?
Each application should feature a detailed event schedule, a list of
prospective local partners, biographies of your organizing team, and a
thorough budget outline. A review panel will evaluate applications on a
rolling basis, with decisions based on the overall quality of the
proposals. Successful applicants will need to sign a formal agreement,
specifying grant deliverables and outcomes, and provide essential contact
and banking details.
When to apply, and how funds are allocated?
Micro-grants will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until
the fund is fully exhausted. After the fund is depleted, we will not be
able to consider further applications. Early submissions stand a better
chance of approval, with the final application deadline set for October 8,
2023.
What expenses can the micro-grant cover?
Your micro-grant could typically cover costs related to:
-
Rental of an event venue
-
Internet connectivity fees and data vouchers
-
Projector rental
-
Minor transportation expenditures
-
Certificates of attendance
-
Custom printed materials and promotional items
-
Light refreshments for attendees
We eagerly anticipate your active involvement to make WikiIndaba 2023 a
ground-breaking success!
Warm regards,
Wikimedia Morocco User Group
Organizing Committee, WikiIndaba Conference 2023
Dear Wikimedians,
We are thrilled to invite you to join us for our forthcoming *WIR
Anglophone and Francophone conferences,* alongside a series of engaging *WIR
webinars*.
CfA WIR Anglophone Conference 2023
🗣️ Theme: "Empowering a Sustainable African Presence on Wikipedia:
Capacity Building and Collaborative Approaches "
Join us for the September edition of the Code for Africa #WIR international
conference. Distinguished Speakers *Oby Ezeilo (Founder, Wiki for Senior
Citizens Network, Nigeria) and Romeo Ronald (Team leader, Wikimedia
Community User Group, South Sudan)* will share insights on how to empower a
sustainable African presence on Wikipedia.
-
Language: English
-
Date: Monday,18th September 2023
-
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM UTC
-
Zoom Link: Join here
<https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81304556344?pwd=QUY5MnV6RXJMRk4ra25KbFJMVy9ZUT09>
(No registration required)
-
Meeting ID: 813 0455 6344
-
Passcode: 765006
Conférence WIR Francophone CfA 2023
🗣️ Thème : "Renforcer une présence africaine durable sur Wikipedia :
Renforcement des capacités et approches collaboratives"
Rejoignez-nous pour l'édition de septembre de la conférence internationale
Code for Africa #WIR. Nous accueillerons *Ceslause Ogbonnaya (Chef de
projet, Wiki in Africa) et Aristide KOUAME (Chef de projet, Wikimedia
Community User Group Côte d'Ivoire) *qui partageront leurs stratégies et
expériences sur le renforcement d'une présence africaine forte sur
Wikipedia grâce au renforcement des capacités et aux approches
collaboratives.
-
Langue : Français
-
Date : Mardi, 19 septembre 2023
-
Heure : 12h00 - 13h30 UTC
-
Lien Zoom :
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82428943014?pwd=VjdCYkhnamZiRDgzV3RxREJuRGtJQT09
-
ID de réunion : 824 2894 3014
-
Code secret : 952570 (Aucune inscription requise)
Upcoming CfA Anglophone Webinars
Join us for more insightful webinars:
Topics
-
Wed. 20th September: Customising Wikipedia, Wikidata, and Meta-Wiki Page
by Rhoda James
-
October 13: Categorisation on Wikipedia and Wiki Commons by Iwuala Lucy
-
October 25: Mastering Info-boxes & Enhancing Articles with Short
Descriptions by Daniel Obiokeke
Registration: Register now
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPOQ3Rg18Rd3v8VQkyavjHT2EJe216PYZ…>
- Time: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM UTC. (Kindly adjust the time according to
your local time zone)
- Note: All registered participants will receive a Google calendar
invite for the webinars.
Happy Weekend,
Bukola James <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Bukky658>
Community Coordinator,
Code for Africa <http://codeforafrica.org/> (Knowledge Team/ WiRs
Initiatives)
Hello everyone,
The African Knowledge Initiative
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Africa_Knowledge_Initiat…>
(AKI), seeks to leverage the Wikimedia tools and platforms to breed
innovative solutions to bridging the content gap on global digital
knowledge networks.
This year Open Foundation West Africa’s <http://ofwafrica.org> annual
writing contest the Africa Wiki Challenge was used as an avenue to help
achieve AKI’s goal.
The campaign was named the Africa Day Campaign
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Africa_Day_Campaign_2023> and themed "Africa
Free Continent Trade" to align with the Africa Union Day 2023 theme.
From the Campaign's Program Dashboard
<https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/campaigns/africa_day_campaign_2023/ov…>,
we tracked a total of 20 Programs, with 473 editors, from 13 countries
contributing to 4000 articles
After months of intense and rigorous reviews by the Africa Day Contest
Jury, we are elated to announce the winners of the Africa Day Campaign 2023.
Congratulations to the winners of the campaign.
Winners
Winner- User:Muhammed Idriss Criteria from Nigeria- 502 new articles in
Hausa Wikipedia
2nd Winner - User:Gwanki from Nigeria- 183 new articles in Hausa Wikipedia
3rd Winner- User:Charbel1719 Benin - 75 new articles in French Wikipedia
Top Female Contributor- User:Mercyjamb123 - 66 new articles in Igbo
Wikipedia
We are super grateful to our international jury team who worked
effortlessly to ensure that the winners were identified.
International Jury
User: Azogbonon - Benin
User: Yaw Tuba - Ghana
User: Anani A. George- Ghana
User: Bile_rene - Cameroon
User: Justine Msechu -Tanzania
User: Memoriesghana -Ghana
User: Kwaku Berko- Ghana
To all our partners, local organizers, and editors, we appreciate your
efforts in making this campaign a success.
[image: Africa Day Campaign 2023 (2).png]
[image: AFRICA DAY CAMPAIGN STATS.png]
Kind Regards,
Eugene Masiku
--
Eugene Makafui Masiku,
Communications Officer
Open Foundation West Africa
*Tl;dr:* Want to learn how to effectively organize editing campaigns and
events in the movement? Join the beta 2 version of Organizer Lab on
WikiLearn to understand how to organize a global campaign around a topic
for impact area! This year’s Organizer Lab will focus on upskilling
organizers with tools and tactics to run effective campaigns related to
gender and sustainability. Applications
<https://wikimedia.yul1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/previewId/7db03f8a-f9a3-4e…>
are
open from *6* - 17 Sep.
Dear Wikimedians,
The Campaign Programs Team
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Campaigns/Foundation_Programs_Team> at the
Wikimedia Foundation is excited to announce Version 2 of the Organizer Lab
<https://diff.wikimedia.org/2022/09/22/join-the-organizer-lab-beta/>. This
call is open to all Wikimedia community organizers with local organizing
experience who embrace the potential of the Wikimedia movement to mobilize
around Topics for Impact
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Strategy/Wikimedia_movement/2018-20/Recomme…>
and
are ready to enhance their international organizing skills.
Why an Organizer Lab?
Campaigns and other topic-based calls to action have greatly influenced the
Wikimedia movement. However, organizers consistently report challenges in
designing programs that effectively engage and retain new and experienced
contributors who meaningfully address knowledge gaps and continue
participating in movement activities.
In 2022, during the Beta version of the Lab, we tested the curriculum for
the course to better understand how to train organizers to run events that
fill knowledge gaps related to topics for impact. We know that training and
access to organizing skills help organizers become more involved and
effective at building Wikimedia communities through tactics like campaigns.
Initial evaluation of the Beta version of the Course was positive:
Participant feedback described the course material as very helpful in
building confidence in their organizing practices and ability to support
other organizers. Furthermore, analysis of the organizing activity from our
first 21 graduates indicates that Lab graduates are running more effective
content-creating events.
What’s new?
The Organizer Lab provides a structured path for organizers to enhance
their abilities, and learn how to design campaigns and effective calls to
action that address two strategic knowledge gaps: namely climate &
sustainability, and gender (new addition). Importantly, participants can
apply these skills to other topics for impact areas.
This year we are further testing the learning material with a second,
larger cohort and an additional topical focus on Gender. The goal is to
refine and strengthen the learning so that we can make public the course
materials in the future for use across the movement, as part of larger
Learning and Development opportunities on WikiLearn. We are also offering
the course in one additional language (Spanish!) and expanding our target
audience beyond Sub-Saharan Africa to Latin America.
What can I expect from the Lab?
The Organizer Lab is a 12 week online learning experience that will run
from early October to mid-December 2023. Participants will refine their
skills in designing strategic calls to action for prioritized knowledge
gaps, along with general Wikimedia organizing and campaign/event design
skills.
Participating organizers will leave the course with:
-
A strong understanding of how to develop a locally relevant topic list
for a knowledge gap-focused campaign.
-
A process for identifying suitable local audiences and organizations for
activation and recruitment.
-
Familiarity with effective event design tactics, tools, and newcomer
engagement strategies.
-
A scalable project proposal for events or projects related to global
campaigns on Earth Day and Women’s History Month, as well as other regional
and international campaigns.
Only 50 spots are available for the course, and not all qualified
applicants can be accepted. While movement and organizing experience will
help determine qualification, we will use a lottery system to ensure that
factors such as geographic representation (with a focus on Africa and Latin
America, although other regions may also be considered based on certain
criteria), and gender diversity in order to create a more equitable and
diverse cohort.
Apply now or learn more
To apply to join the cohort, please read the instructions on Meta
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Campaigns/Organizer_Lab>, where you will
find: an application form
<https://wikimedia.yul1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/previewId/7db03f8a-f9a3-4e…>,
important dates, and general guidance. You are also invited to read about
the projects of the grantees
<https://diff.wikimedia.org/2023/04/13/inaugural-edition-of-the-organizer-la…>
from
the last cohort. If you missed our session at Wikimania you can watch the
recorded version here. For any queries reach out to the team at
campaigns(a)wikimedia.org.
Best,
--
Felix Nartey
Senior Program Officer, Campaigns
Wikimedia Foundation <https://wikimediafoundation.org/>
Hello everyone
- Français plus bas -
The season for submitting Rapid Grant requests to participate to Wiki
Loves Africa 2024 *will open soon*. We wanted to provide you some
information ahead of time for you to better plan and anticipate
Wiki Loves Africa is the annual media contest opened on the entire
african continent and beyond.
The website (for promotion) : https://www.wikilovesafrica.net
On Commons (for participation) :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2023
And on meta (for organization) :
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Africa
The next edition of the contest will take place in March and April 2024
(same than last year).
The 2024 theme will be communicated within the next 10 days
Some of you need some funding to organize activities during the contest.
Two situations
- Your organization is already covered by a Wikimedia Foundation one
year or three year grant. In that case, WLA is probably somehow included
in your general grant.
- You are not covered by a year-long grant ---> continue reading
Different funding sources are available to support individuals or teams
accross Africa organize activities.
The three main ones for the next edition are
1) the Rapid Grant system : proposed by the Wikimedia Foundation
2) the WikiFranca microfunding system : proposed by WikiFranca and
opened to French speaking participants
3) some Wikimedia affiliates may propose micro-funding to their members.
For example, Wikimedia Nigeria has a microgranting system opened to
Nigerians.
*This message aims to address the general case of rapid grant requests
to the Wikimedia Foundation. *
*LINK : **https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Project/Rapid*
According to the calendar of the rapid grant system, *the next cycle you
need to submit your request to is Cycle 3, with an application deadline
on November 1st.*
This cycle would allow you to receive the funding in time for the
organization of activities.
Should you miss the november deadline, you can join Cycle 4, with an
application on January 15.
If you choose cycle 4, you will be informed of the approval before the
launch of WLA, but the funding will get to you after the launch. This
might be a problem, but can be an option for late comers.
If you are interested, I highly recommand you take the next couple of
weeks to
1) think of your plans for WLA 2024
2) check the eligibility criterias :
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Project/Rapid
3) make sure you are compliant (eg, finish those due reports...)
4) review last year applications :
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Africa_2023/Participating_commun…
Wilson (currently super busy finalizing the announcement of
international winners ;)) will get in touch with you shortly for support
in October.
Thanks
Florence
-------
La saison pour soumettre des demandes de subvention pour participer à
Wiki Loves Africa 2024 ouvrira bientôt. Nous souhaitions vous fournir
quelques informations à l'avance pour que vous puissiez mieux planifier
et anticiper.
Wiki Loves Africa est le concours médiatique annuel ouvert à l'ensemble
du continent africain et au-delà. Le site Web (pour la promotion) :
https://www.wikilovesafrica.net Sur Commons (pour la participation) :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2023 Et sur
Meta (pour l'organisation) :
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Africa
La prochaine édition du concours se déroulera en mars et avril 2024
(comme l'année dernière). Le thème de 2024 sera communiqué dans les 10
prochains jours.
Certains d'entre vous ont besoin de financement pour organiser des
activités pendant le concours. Deux situations :
* 1. Votre organisation est déjà couverte par une subvention d'un an
ou de trois ans de la Wikimedia Foundation. Dans ce cas, WLA est
probablement inclus d'une manière ou d'une autre dans votre
subvention générale.
* 2. Vous n'êtes pas couvert par une subvention annuelle --->
continuez à lire.
Différentes sources de financement sont disponibles pour soutenir les
individus ou les équipes à travers l'Afrique dans l'organisation
d'activités. Les trois principales pour la prochaine édition sont :
1. 1. le système de subvention (rapid grant) : proposé par la Wikimedia
Foundation
2. 2. le système de microfinancement WikiFranca : proposé par
WikiFranca et ouvert aux participants francophones
3. 3. certaines associations Wikimedia peuvent proposer un
microfinancement à leurs membres. Par exemple, Wikimedia Nigeria a
un système de micro-subvention ouvert aux Nigérians.
*Ce message vise à aborder le cas général des demandes de subvention
rapide à la Wikimedia Foundation. LIEN :
**https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Project/Rapid*
Selon le calendrier du système de subvention rapide, le prochain cycle
auquel vous devez soumettre votre demande est le Cycle 3, avec une date
limite de candidature le 1er novembre. Ce cycle vous permettra de
recevoir le financement à temps pour l'organisation des activités. Si
vous manquez la date limite de novembre, vous pouvez rejoindre le Cycle
4, avec une candidature le 15 janvier. Si vous choisissez le cycle 4,
vous serez informé de l'approbation avant le lancement de WLA, mais le
financement vous parviendra après le lancement. Cela peut poser
problème, mais c'est une option pour les retardataires.
Si vous êtes intéressé, je vous recommande vivement de prendre les
prochaines semaines pour :
1. - réfléchir à vos plans pour WLA 2024
2. - vérifier les critères d'éligibilité :
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Project/Rapid
3. - vous assurer que vous êtes en conformité (par exemple, finaliser
les rapports dus...)
4. - examiner les demandes de l'année dernière :
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Africa_2023/Participating_commun…
Wilson (actuellement très occupé à finaliser l'annonce des lauréats
internationaux ;)) vous contactera prochainement pour vous apporter son
soutien en octobre.
Merci,
Florence
Greeting Wikimedians,
The CfA WiR community is sending a warm shout-out to budding Wikimedians
and is thrilled to announce a specially curated session to enhance their
wiki skills.
📌 *What’s on the Agenda?*
- Customising your Wiki Userpage
- Customising Wiki page
- Categorisation on Wiki
- Mastering Infoboxes & Enhancing Articles with Short Description
📆 *Date: starting 08 September 2023*
🎙 *Meet the Maestros*
- Popoola James: The Beacon of Open Future Africa
- Iwuala Lucy: Steering the helm at Igbo Wiki Fan Club, Alvan
- Rhoda James: The creative force behind Wikimedia Nigeria User Group
- Daniel Obiokeke: The brainpower founding Space Bar Africa
📝 *Registration is Just a Click Away!*
Secure your spot here
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPOQ3Rg18Rd3v8VQkyavjHT2EJe216PYZ…>
[
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPOQ3Rg18Rd3v8VQkyavjHT2EJe216PYZ…
]
Come, let’s make Wikipedia more vibrant, one edit at a time. We can’t wait
to see you there!
Warm regards,
Bukola James
Community Coordinator
Code for Africa WiR initiatives
*---P.S. Share with friends and colleagues who might benefit. Let’s grow
our Wiki community together!*