Dear Wiki Loves Africa community
With deep sadness, Wiki In Africa <https://www.wikiinafrica.org/> announces
the passing of our esteemed colleague, Wilson Kelechi Oluoha. As the
project and community facilitator of Wiki Loves Africa
<https://www.wikilovesafrica.net/>, Wilson was a dedicated team member
and, as a Wikimedian, a passionate advocate for open knowledge and African
representation in the digital space.
Wilson joined Wiki In Africa as the Wiki Loves Africa facilitator in 2023,
bringing his expertise as a multilingual information and media scientist to
our organization. His contributions to the Wikimedia movement began in 2018
through the Wikimedia Igbo Usergroup, a language affiliate in Nigeria. He
went on to found the IG Wiki Commons Hub in 2022, demonstrating his
commitment to building sustainable knowledge communities.
As the Wiki Loves Africa Community facilitator, Wilson was crucial in
organising and promoting Wiki In Africa’s flagship project, the annual
continental photo contest. His efforts in community engagement,
particularly in facilitating training and support sessions and workshops
and coordinating with local organisers across Africa, were instrumental in
the success of the Wiki Loves Africa project in the last two years. He was
a valued and beloved member of the Wiki In Africa team, and it is in his
honour that a Wiki Loves Africa prize in 2025 will be given in his name as
a tribute to him, ensuring that his memory lives on in the work that he so
passionately advocated for.
Wilson’s passion for open access to knowledge, his skills as an amateur
photographer, and his dedication to the Wikimedia movement have left an
indelible mark on our organisation and the broader Wikimedia community.
Beyond Wikimedia, he was a passionate cyclist, public speaker, and lover of
jazz and the music of yesteryear.
His loss is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside
him.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Wilson’s wife, family, friends, and
colleagues. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we continue the
missions of Wiki Loves Africa and Wiki In Africa.
Wilson’s family has set up a memorial website for Wilson
<https://www.forevermissed.com/wilsonoluoha/about> where those who wish to
can leave a message of condolence or share a tribute.
[1]
https://www.wikiinafrica.org/2024/09/30/wiki-in-africa-mourns-the-death-of-…
Wilson was part of the larger Wikimedia movement in Africa. Read a joint
statement from the Wikimedia communities he was part of here
<https://www.wikiinafrica.org/2024/09/30/joint-statement-africas-wikimedia-m…>
.
--
*Isla Haddow-Flood*
UTC+2
Skype: Islahaddow | Twitter: havingaflood
Wikimedia <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Islahaddow> | LinkedIn
<http://za.linkedin.com/pub/isla-haddow-flood>
Hear my name <https://namedrop.io/islahaddowflood>
RAPID GRANT : For those who may need funding to organize group
activities as part of Wiki Loves Africa, you may ask a Rapid Grant from
the Wikimedia Foundation.
You may do so on this page (see all details over there) :
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Project/Rapid
There are two possible cycles :
- Cycle 2 (for early comers who want to anticipate) with a deadline for
submission on October 1st.
- Cycle 3 (for later comers who did not anticipate) with a dealine for
submission on December 1st.
Please be aware that schedule published by WMF is sometimes delayed
RAPID GRANT : Pour ceux et celles qui auraient besoin d'un financement
pour organiser des activités de groupe lors de Wiki Loves Africa, vous
pouvez demander un financement Rapid Grant à la Wikimedia Foundation.
Tous les détails peuvent être trouvés sur cette page :
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:Project/Rapid
Vous pouvez solliciter le financement à un de ces deux cycles :
- Cycle 2 (pour les précoces qui veulent anticiper) date limite de
soumission de la demande 1er octobre
- Cycle 3 (pour les retardataires) date limite de soumission de la
demande 1er décembre
Soyez conscient que le calendrier proposé par la WMF est parfois un peu
extensible
Flo
Hello everyone. Bonjour à toutes et tous
The voting for the theme is now closed. With a near overwelming voice,
the chosen theme will be
FROM FARM TO PLATE !
Plan accordingly :)
Le thème retenu pour l'année 2025 est : DU CHAMP A L'ASSIETTE !
Prévoir en fonction :)
Inspiration :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2025/Theme_vot…
Flo
Hello
Reminder that the vote for next year theme is still ongoing. It will be
closed at the end of the week.
We would like the theme to be decided early on, so that participating
communities have the time to anticipate
* set up their budget,
* plan next year activities,
* submit a rapid grant (there is a first deadline on October 1st for
those who want to anticipate)
There are 4 themes proposed. Find out more here :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2025/Theme_vot…
And please vote if not done yet :)
Flo