Activity Report Inauguration of Wiki Clubs in Rwandan High Schools

Activity Report

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Inauguration of Wiki Clubs in Rwandan High Schools

Event: Inauguration of Wiki Clubs and Launching of Wiki Vibrance Contest Date: 10th May 2024 Location: GS Gishari and GS Ruhunda, Rwamagana District, Gishari Sector, Rwanda

Objective:

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The primary objective of this event was to inaugurate Wiki clubs in Rwandan high schools and launch the Wiki Vibrance Contest. The initiative aimed to empower students to create knowledge, foster digital literacy, and encourage collaborative learning through Wikipedia.

Participants: - Students from GS Gishari and GS Ruhunda - Teachers and educators from both schools - Representatives from both schools - volunteers from Wikimedia Rwanda Activities:

1. Opening Ceremony: - Welcoming remarks by school administrators and local authorities. - Introduction to the purpose and significance of Wiki clubs in high schools. - Overview of the Wiki Vibrance Contest and its objectives.

2. Keynote Address: - A keynote speech by a guest speaker highlighting the importance of digital literacy, knowledge creation, and the role of Wikipedia in education. Opening remarks from the school Headteacher: Emilieu of GS Ruhunda pinned that “they are appreciating the impact made by Wikimedia Rwanda as a partner that the open knowledge is the way to grow minds and to set to the research so it’s unmeasurable opportunities to the education ecosystem but especially at GS Ruhunda”. Deputy headteacher at GS Gishari: welcomed us as usual and reminded us that we are doing a great job of shaping the future of education.

3. Inauguration of Wiki Clubs: - Official inauguration of Wiki clubs at GS Gishari and GS Ruhunda. - Distribution of club guidelines and resources to students and club moderators.

4. Wiki Vibrance Contest Launch: - Explanation of the Wiki Vibrance Contest guidelines, rules, and timeline. - Announcement of contest themes, categories and prizes.

- Registration of participants. (https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Wikivibrance:_Empowering_Rwandan_Students_in_Contributing_and_Accessing_the_Open_Knowledge)

https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Wikimedia_Rwanda/WikiVibrance_in_WikiClubs_in_Rwanda/home

5. Workshops and Training Sessions: - Interactive workshops on Wikipedia editing, sourcing, and citation techniques. - Training sessions on digital literacy, research skills, and critical thinking. 6. Hands-on Activities: - Hands-on practice sessions for students to create and edit Wikipedia articles under the guidance of mentors. - Group activities to brainstorm ideas for Wiki Vibrance Contest entries.

Outcomes: - Establishment of Wiki clubs in GS Gishari and GS Ruhunda, providing platforms for students to engage in knowledge creation and collaborative learning. - Successful launch of the Wiki Vibrance Contest, encouraging students to actively contribute to Wikipedia and showcase their research and writing skills. - Enhanced digital literacy and research capabilities among participating students. - Strengthened partnerships between schools, local communities, and educational authorities to support ongoing initiatives promoting digital education and knowledge sharing.

The inauguration of Wiki clubs and the launch of the Wiki Vibrance Contest mark the beginning of a new chapter in promoting digital literacy and empowering students to become active contributors to the global knowledge ecosystem. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of these initiatives on the academic and personal development of students in Rwandan high schools.

6. Hands-on Activities: - Hands-on practice sessions for students to create and edit Wikipedia articles under the guidance of mentors. - Group activities to brainstorm ideas for Wiki Vibrance Contest entries.


Outcomes: - Establishment of Wiki clubs in GS Gishari and GS Ruhunda, providing platforms for students to engage in knowledge creation and collaborative learning. - Successful launch of the Wiki Vibrance Contest, encouraging students to actively contribute to Wikipedia and showcase their research and writing skills. - Enhanced digital literacy and research capabilities among participating students. - Strengthened partnerships between schools, local communities, and educational authorities to support ongoing initiatives promoting digital education and knowledge sharing.

The inauguration of Wiki clubs and the launch of the Wiki Vibrance Contest mark the beginning of a new chapter in promoting digital literacy and empowering students to become active contributors to the global knowledge ecosystem. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of these initiatives on the academic and personal development of students in Rwandan high schools.

Summary:

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The inauguration of Wiki clubs and launch of the Wiki Vibrance Contest at GS Gishari and GS Ruhunda in Rwamagana District, Rwanda, marked a significant milestone made by Wikimedia Rwanda and schools in empowering high school students to create knowledge collaboratively. The event aimed to promote digital literacy and foster a culture of research and learning through Wikipedia. Activities included keynote speeches, workshops on Wikipedia editing, and hands-on practice sessions. The Wiki Vibrance Contest was introduced to encourage students to contribute to Wikipedia and showcase their research skills. With the establishment of Wiki clubs, students have access to platforms for ongoing collaboration and learning. The event facilitated networking among students, educators, and Volunteers from Wikimedia Rwanda, fostering partnerships to support digital education initiatives. This initiative represents a step forward in equipping Rwandan youth with the skills and resources to actively participate in the global knowledge economy