Welcome to the Tanzania University Students Wikimedians community—a vibrant collective of knowledge enthusiasts, digital explorers, and cultural custodians. Our mission transcends pixels and bytes; it’s about preserving heritage, amplifying its voices, and weaving narratives that resonate across borders. As we delve into this quarterly report, join us on a journey where words become bridges, and pixels transform into stories.
Our journey began with a spark—an idea ignited by the desire to contribute, collaborate, and curate. Over the years, our community has grown, fueled by the passion of students from universities across Tanzania. We’ve danced with words, sculpted articles, and celebrated the magic of open knowledge. From dusty libraries to virtual edit-a-thons, we’ve left our digital footprints on Wikimedia projects, each keystroke echoing our commitment to enlightenment.
Events and Conferences
1. Wiki Student Summit 2023: Connecting, Collaborating and Creating on Wikimedia.
Wiki Student Summit 2023 transcends mere gatherings—it’s was a symphony of knowledge, a digital agora where student voices resonate across Wikimedia projects. Imagine a virtual crossroads where pixels become bridges, and ideas flow like tributaries into the vast ocean of open knowledge. Our purpose was to bring together students from diverse schools and universities, inviting them to share wisdom, wield keyboards, and contribute to Wikimedia projects.
Statistics:
- Attendees: 150
- Speakers: 15
- Topics covered: 20+
- Tanzanian Regions represented: 6
Read More about the summit via this link.
2. Wikimania 2023 Conference.
The Wikimania 2023 conference was a dynamic convergence of minds, bridging geographical gaps through both in-person attendance in Singapore and virtual participation. Our community, represented by a dedicated delegate on-site, and others joining remotely, experienced a rich tapestry of knowledge exchange. Amid captivating sessions on technology’s future, gender equity, and cultural heritage preservation, we forged partnerships with organizations like Open Foundation West Africa, and Kiwix. These connections extend beyond pixels, amplifying our commitment to free knowledge and propelling Wikimedia projects toward a more inclusive and collaborative future.
Read More about the summit via this link.
3. Tukuze Kiswahili.
The Tukuze Kiswahili editathon served as a vibrant gathering, drawing together a diverse cohort of language enthusiasts, writers, and cultural advocates. Their shared mission? To elevate the Swahili language across Wikimedia projects. Through collaborative efforts, participants breathed life into articles, bridging gaps in knowledge representation. They meticulously translated materials, ensuring that the richness of Tanzanian and East African heritage found its rightful place in the digital realm. Beyond mere content creation, this event became a catalyst for community building—a space where contributors celebrated their collective achievements, fostering a sense of pride and shared purpose.
Statistic:
- New & Edited Articles: 350+
- Editors Involved: 25.
- Commons Upload: 24
- Wiki Projects: Wikipedia & Wikidata
4. Kahawa Edit-a-thon
The Kahawa Edit-a-thon unfolded within the cozy confines of Kahawa Cafe in Dodoma, where language enthusiasts, writers, and cultural advocates converged. This collaborative event was characterized by its unique approach: participants focused on editing mixed articles based on their individual preferences and interests. Whether delving into Tanzanian history, biodiversity, or contemporary art, contributors diligently expanded existing entries, ensuring accurate representation. Amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the editathon fostered a sense of community pride, celebrating the richness of Swahili culture and knowledge.
Statistics:
- New & Edited Articles: 184+
- Editors Involved: 10
- Wiki Projects: Wikipedia & Wikidata
5. International Youth Day
This edit-a-thon aimed to contribute to a more comprehensive representation of youth-related content on Wikipedia, focusing on issues and perspectives relevant to Tanzania and the broader global youth community. Organized by the Tanzania University Students Wikimedians Community, the event attracted a diverse group of participants, including students, academics, and other contributors, who collectively worked to improve and create Wikipedia articles pertaining to youth in Tanzania, their achievements, challenges, and societal impact.
The edit-a-thon fostered an environment of knowledge exchange and cross-cultural collaboration, aligning with the principles of International Youth Day and reflecting the commitment of the Tanzania University Students Wikimedians Community to enhance the accessibility and accuracy of information related to youth issues.
Statistics:
- New & Edited Articles: 350+
- Editors Involved: 15
- Wiki Projects: Wikipedia & Wikidata
Strategies.
– Training Workshops: We conducted regular workshops to enhance technical skills.
– Peer Support: Experienced Wikimedians mentored newcomers.
– Collaboration: Partnered with other Wikimedia communities for joint initiatives.
Challenges:
– Technical Barriers: Some participants faced challenges with wiki markup and formatting.
– Time Constraints: Balancing academic commitments with Wikimedia activities.
What’s Next?
As we step into the next quarter, our focus remains on growth and impact:
• Content Expansion: We plan to create more articles on Tanzanian history, geography, and biodiversity.
• Community Building: Strengthening our community bonds through meetups and virtual events.
• Outreach: Engaging with local schools and colleges to encourage student participation.
Thank you for being part of our journey! Let’s continue to contribute, learn, and celebrate the spirit of open knowledge together. feel free to reach out via hello@openspacetanzania.org