Gungbe Wikimedians User Group/Annual Report 2023

This is the annual report for the Gungbe Wikimedians User Group. It details activities from 16 January 2023 to 15 January 2024.

Major highlights of the year is the approval and creation of language editions of Wikinews (Gungbe Wikinews) in gungbe language by the Language Committee after several months of sustained activities in Wikimedia Incubator by members of the user group.

Events

• February 1, 2023 — March 31, 2023: The user group organized the "Feminism and Folklore 2023" event in Gun Wikipedia. This event aimed to promote gender equality and highlight the role of folklore in the Gungbe culture. Participants were encouraged to contribute articles related to feminism and folklore, and the progress of the event could be monitored using the Fountain tool.

• April 4, 2023: After months of dedication and effort from the user group members in the Wikimedia Incubator, the Language Committee of the Wikimedia Foundation approved the creation of Gungbe Wikinews. This was a significant accomplishment as Gungbe became the first indigenous African language to have its own subdomain on Wikinews. The approval recognized the importance of preserving and promoting African languages and culture through the Wikimedia platform.

• November 3, 2023— November 5, 2023: The user group actively participated in the WikiIndaba 2023 conference. One of the members delivered a presentation titled "Unlocking the Potential of African Languages: The Impact of Wikinews in Gungbe and Beyond". This presentation shed light on the significance of Gungbe Wikinews and its potential to enhance the visibility and representation of African languages and stories on the global stage. The recording of the presentation is available for viewing.

Collaborations and Partnerships

• National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Badagry Chapter: The user group plans to collaborate with NAPPS, Badagry Chapter to organize workshops and training sessions on Gungbe Wikipedia editing for teachers and students. The partnership is aimed to foster language preservation and enhance digital literacy among the younger generation.

• Ogu General Assembly (OGA): The user group plans to establish a partnership with Ogu General Assembly to promote Gungbe language and culture. We are working on creating awareness about Gungbe Wikimedia projects to encourage participation from the local community.

These collaborations and partnerships would be instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of the Gungbe Wikimedians User Group's activities.

Membership and Future

Looking ahead, the user group has set objectives to increase its membership base and undertake new initiatives. One of the main goals is to create a Wikibooks in the Gungbe language. This project aims to compile and publish educational resources in Gungbe, contributing to the availability of learning materials in the indigenous language. Additionally, the user group will continue its content creation and promotion efforts across various Wikimedia projects in the Gungbe language. By expanding its membership and undertaking new projects, the Gungbe Wikimedians User Group aims to further its mission of preserving and promoting Gungbe language and culture on the Wikimedia platform.