Fellow Wikimedians,
Next week is Wikimania HK 2013. As you know I am the only one that applied this year for a
scholarship. I got it and I was issued a visa at the 11th hour because of some lateness
and misinformation.
HK has no embassy in Ghana so you transact through the Chinese. The Chinese as you all
know were dealing with repatriation, embassy relocation, closure for weeks etc it has been
hectic and it took mighty lot of effort and emails from Rex, WMF and WM HK to get my visa
early enough to go next week. Even a personal phone call from WMF to immigration had to
come in.
Long story short Wikimania London 2013 is coming. I thought a year was far off and it
almost cost me my attendance. Don't let it happen to you. If you know you are
interested, get your membership and contribution in good standing. Start thinking of the
scholarship application but most importantly, familiarise yourself with what it takes to
get a visit visa to the UK. Luckily they have an embassy here. But regardless, issues like
bank statement is something you need to sort out on your own and WMF can't cover that
in your scholarship. UK immigration determines such things.
I am glad to go discuss Africa and also paid editing among other things. If possible, I
will get souvenirs for all of you like Oral did at Washington DC. Most importantly, I will
pay attention to how already established chapters' representatives conduct themselves
and any lessons they have to offer so I can share. Our group is still working for
chaptership, such sharing experience is very critical.
When I arrive at the conference in good time to catch the issues applicable to us, I will
share accordingly.
Do you have Wikimania London on your mind? Start preparing your case why you should be
allowed to go, and start thinking about UK immigration requirements Because you can a get
the scholarship and not get a visa. Without right positioning, you might not even get the
award at all.
Regards,
Sandister Tei
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Writer | CEO @ Tei Ink | Wikimedian W:
sandistertei.com | Planning Wikimedia Ghana
| Tei Ink | TiP magazine
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