WikiIndaba 2023/Submissions/Taking Wikipedia into African Universities

Indaba 2023 Logo ID :
Author(s): Minette L., Agnes E. Username(s): Serieminou, E82MAA Type of submission: Workshop
Affiliation: Wikimedians of Cameroon User Group Theme(s): Education, Partnerships
Abstract:

We recently organised in Cameroon a series of workshops within the Africa Environnement Wikifocus project, training Environment and geography students in three Cameroonian universities. Despite the challenges faced in getting access to those students and organise wikipedia trainings within their campus, the impact of the workshop brought to our attention the huge potential of universities students as contributors on Wikimedia projects. They are open to learn new skills, they are easy to bring together in large gathering, they are litterate and most of them have laptop computer and regular access to internet. The workshop will bring a discuss on strategies on how to introduce Wikipedia in Higher education in our community more effectively, what type of partnerships with the universities and schools, what type of content and topics to engage and train students and scholars to improve Wikipedia articles in their field of expertise, create and support Wiki Clubs within universities.

Level of advancement: basic
Special requirements: None
Extra information: 15 minutes - Etherpad
How will this session be beneficial for the communities in the region?

The workshop will focus will allow the participant to share our experience with other participants on how to tap into the potential of university students in growing the community and recruting new editors on Wikimedia projects. Participants will learn about the benefits and challenges of taking Wikipedia in Universities and learn from the experiences in other African countries, discover and hopefully join existing initiatives targetting University students or come up with a local or project targetting directed at Cameroonian universities.


Interested participants

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(register below and ask your questions now to the session organizer)