Wikimedians of Arusha/Activity Reports 2023-24/Swahili Month
Swahili Month, organised by the Wikimedians of Arusha, is an annual initiative aimed at celebrating and promoting the Swahili language and culture through Wikimedia projects. Held in July 2023, the event focuses on expanding the coverage of Swahili content on Wikipedia, Wikidata. This year's Swahili Month was an exceptional showcase of community engagement, cultural enrichment, and knowledge sharing.
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Goals
Swahili Month was guided by the overarching strategic goals of the Wikimedians of Arusha:
- Expand Content Coverage: Promote the creation of high-quality, underrepresented Swahili content on Wikimedia projects.
- Grow and Engage the Community: Foster community engagement and participation through meaningful activities and collaborations.
- Strengthen Capacities: Provide training and development opportunities to enhance the skills of contributors.
- Address the Gender Gap: Increase the participation and representation of women in Wikimedia projects.
- Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with organizers for skills sharing.
- Raise Awareness and Promote Inclusiveness: Conduct outreach to highlight the importance of open knowledge and inclusivity.
Number of Participants
The event attracted 28 participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, educators, language enthusiasts, and Wikimedia volunteers. This diverse group contributed significantly to the success of the event, enriching the Swahili content on Wikimedia platforms.
Event Outcomes
- Content Creation:
Over 221 new articles were created and 417 existing articles were improved on Swahili Wikipedia. Significant contributions were made to Wikidata, with 111 new entries related to Swahili culture and heritage.
- Community Engagement:
10 new members joined the Wikimedians of Arusha community, expanding our reach and influence.
- Capacity Building:
Participants received training on Wikipedia editing and Wikidata entry, enhancing their contribution skills. Educational resources and tutorials were developed and distributed, supporting ongoing learning and participation.
- Gender Gap Addressing:
Special sessions focused on encouraging women’s participation, resulting in 50% increase in female contributors. Articles highlighting notable Swahili-speaking women and their achievements were created and enhanced.
- Strategic Partnerships:
Collaborations with 3 local international organizations were established, providing valuable resources and support.
- Awareness and Inclusiveness:
Outreach activities, including social media campaigns and community events, raised awareness about the importance of open knowledge and inclusivity.
Event Learnings
Swahili Month provided several valuable insights and lessons:
- Community Engagement is Key:
Active engagement and meaningful activities are essential to attract and retain participants.
- Training and Support Enhance Contributions:
Providing training and educational resources significantly improves the quality and quantity of contributions.
- Inclusivity Requires Deliberate Efforts:
Targeted initiatives are necessary to address gender gaps and include marginalized communities.
- Partnerships Amplify Impact:
Collaborating with like-minded organizations enhances resource availability and project impact.
- Measuring Progress Drives Improvement:
Tracking contributions and progress helps in assessing impact and refining strategies for future events.
Conclusion
Swahili Month by the Wikimedians of Arusha was a resounding success, contributing to the expansion of Swahili content on Wikimedia projects and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. The event underscored the importance of collaboration, training, and inclusivity in achieving our vision of a world where open knowledge is accessible and beneficial to all. Moving forward, the learnings from Swahili Month will guide our efforts to sustain and enhance our community’s impact on the Wikimedia movement.