Wikimedia Botswana School Adoption results and best practices 2024

Implementation Strategies on Projects/School Adoption

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  • Introducing Editing Using a Smartphone:We introduced editing Wikimedia projects using smartphones to our community, emphasizing the convenience and efficiency this method offers. This approach allows community members to contribute to Wikimedia projects from anywhere and at any time, breaking the barriers of needing a desktop or laptop. This accessibility has encouraged more frequent and spontaneous contributions, enhancing our overall productivity and engagement.
  • Video Tutorials for Community Training: To support and train our community members, we developed and introduced a series of video tutorials. These tutorials cover various aspects of editing across different Wikimedia projects, providing step-by-step guidance. This method of training has been particularly effective as it allows members to learn at their own pace and revisit the tutorials as needed, fostering a more in-depth understanding and skill set. Youtube link here.
  • Co-organizing Projects: I have successfully co-organized several key projects, including the Setswana Wikipedia, Wiki Loves Africa (WLA), and Art & Feminism campaigns. These initiatives were instrumental in my learning process and provided valuable hands-on experience in project management and community engagement. Each project had specific goals:
    • Setswana Wikipedia: Focused on expanding the availability of content in the Setswana language, thereby promoting linguistic and cultural diversity on Wikipedia.
    • Wiki Loves Africa (WLA): A photography contest aimed at documenting and celebrating African culture, heritage, and daily life through images.
    • Art & Feminism: An edit-a-thon series aimed at improving coverage of women and the arts on Wikipedia and encouraging greater female participation in editing.
  • Initiating and Leading the Wikimedia Limkokwing Club and Botho University: As part of our "Adopt a School" initiative, we initiated and led the Wikimedia Limkokwing Club ad Botho Wiki Club. The Limkokwing University and Botho University students and focused on training students in editing Setswana Wikipedia and Wikidata. Through workshops and regular meetups, We have guided students n creating and improving articles, thereby enriching the Setswana Wikipedia and fostering a new generation of contributors and items on Wikidata. This initiative has also helped build a strong community of young, enthusiastic editors who are committed to knowledge sharing and digital literacy.

Developing Effective Strategies to Retain Volunteer Editors:

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    • Recognition and Rewards: We implemented a system to recognize and reward active and high-quality contributors. This could include awards, certificates, public acknowledgments, and other incentives.
    • Training and Support: We offered regular training sessions, workshops, and resources to help volunteers improve their editing skills and stay motivated. Provide mentorship programs where experienced editors can guide newcomers.
    • Community Building: We fostered a strong sense of community by organizing meetups, virtual events, and social activities. To encourage collaboration on projects and create spaces for editors to share experiences and support each other.
    • Feedback and Improvement: We established a feedback mechanism where volunteers can share their experiences, challenges, and suggestions.
  • Developing New Projects to Increase Variety:
    • Partnerships and Outreach: Form more partnerships with educational institutions, cultural organisations, and other relevant groups to expand the scope of contributions and attract a diverse group of volunteers.

These points can serve as a roadmap for improving various aspects of our community, helping to enhance engagement, retention, and the overall quality and diversity of contributions.

Limkokwing University Stats (Setswana Wikipedia) Target Output
Editors 10 15
Pages Created 30 32
Pages Improved 30 41
Total Edits 88
Words Added 25.8K
References Added 216
Article Views 34.1K
Commons Uploads 63
Dashboard Here
Botho Wiki Club (Wikidata) Target. Output
Editors 10 15
Pages Created 50 97
Pages Improved 100 179
Total Edits 275
Words Added 1.97K
References Added 413
Article Views 3.01K
Commons Uploads 30
Dashboard Here