Affiliations Committee/Candidates/2024/Din-nani1

Abdul-Rasheed Yussif (Din-nani1)

Din-nani1 (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Preferred name	Abdul-Rasheed Yussif
What languages do you speak, and at what fluency level? (Please include your English proficiency.)	I am a native speaker of Dagbani, and proficient in English language
What region(s) of the world do you have experience with, and what kind of experience do you have? (“Experience” can mean you have lived or worked there or are currently living or working there; you’re familiar with the culture and language; etc.)	I live in Ghana, a country in West Africa. It's found in the Sub-Sahara and Africa region. I actively contribute to cultural and educational initiatives. My familiarity with the culture, languages, and socio-economic context of West Africa enables me to work effectively within the community, addressing local challenges while aligning with global Wikimedia goals. Additionally, my professional background as a teacher and my involvement in various cultural and educational projects have deepened my understanding of the region’s dynamics and its potential for growth in open knowledge initiatives.
What Wikimedia project(s) do you actively edit? And in what language(s)?	Wikidata, Dagbani Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons and English Wikipedia
What affiliate(s) are you actively involved with? In what capacity are you involved? Do you serve in a leadership role or have you in the past?	I am actively involved with the Dagbani Wikimedians User Group, where I play a central role in advancing the mission of Wikimedia. In my capacity as the Project Manager for the User Group, I oversee and coordinate activities aimed at promoting the Dagbani language and other underserved Mabia languages on Wikimedia platforms. My leadership responsibilities include organizing workshops, building partnerships with educational and cultural institutions, mobilizing community members, and driving strategic initiatives to expand content contributions. Previously, I have served in other leadership and advisory roles within these community, where I focused on capacity building, fostering collaboration, and advocating for digital inclusion. My experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing affiliates, particularly in contexts where digital resources and representation are limited. These roles reflect my commitment to promoting local content, supporting community growth, and aligning affiliate activities with Wikimedia’s broader mission of knowledge equity.
Have you served on any committees (movement-related or otherwise)? And what was your role on the committee(s)?	I have not previously been a member of any committee outside of the Dagbani Wikimedians User Group. Outside of Wikimedia I currently serve an advisory board member of Read To Change Initiative Ghana, A non-profit organization based in Ghana.
Please describe any experience you have with conflict resolution and/or consensus building.	As an Educational Psychologist and Curriculum Lead/Teacher, I have accumulated significant experience in conflict resolution and consensus building, which I have applied within educational settings and can translate effectively to the Wikimedia movement. In my capacity as a teacher, I regularly encounter conflicts among students, whether related to classroom behavior, group work dynamics, or differing viewpoints. My approach to conflict resolution is rooted in a collaborative process, where I ensure all parties are heard and understood. I prioritize active listening and create an environment where students feel comfortable expressing their concerns. I then facilitate dialogue to help them identify common ground and work towards mutually beneficial solutions. This often involves developing empathy for others’ perspectives and using restorative practices to encourage responsibility and relationship rebuilding. As a Curriculum Lead, I often engage with colleagues who may have differing approaches or priorities in implementing curriculum guidelines. In these instances, I employ consensus-building strategies, such as group discussions and collaborative planning sessions, to ensure all voices are considered in decision-making processes. I facilitate open communication, working towards collective solutions that align with our educational objectives, while respecting diverse professional insights. This mirrors the Wikimedia movement’s need for collaboration and the integration of diverse perspectives across various affiliates and community members. In my role as an Educational Psychologist, I work with parents, teachers, and students to address learning challenges and emotional issues. I lead discussions among stakeholders to develop comprehensive support plans, ensuring all perspectives are considered and a consensus is reached on the best strategies for supporting students. This experience in balancing diverse viewpoints and fostering collaboration aligns closely with the Wikimedia movement’s focus on building partnerships, listening to diverse voices, and reaching consensus in decision-making processes. In all of these roles, I have found that a transparent, empathetic, and solutions-focused approach is essential in both resolving conflicts and building consensus. These skills are directly applicable to the Wikimedia movement, where collaboration, mutual respect, and shared goals are crucial for driving success and advancing the movement’s mission of open knowledge. My experience in conflict resolution and consensus building has enabled me to contribute effectively to diverse teams, ensuring that decisions are made collaboratively and in the best interest of all stakeholders involved.
In your ideal world, what does the affiliate model and ecosystem look like?	In an ideal situation, the Wikimedia affiliate model would be inclusive, collaborative, and adaptable, enabling Wikimedia affiliate model would be inclusive, collaborative, and adaptable, enabling affiliates to thrive and contribute effectively to Wikimedia's mission. The model would prioritize inclusivity and equity, ensuring marginalized communities and underrepresented languages receive adequate support. It would focus on capacity building and knowledge sharing, providing training, mentorship, and accessible resources for affiliates to grow. Collaboration and partnerships would be central, encouraging affiliates to work together on shared challenges while fostering mutual respect and innovation. The model would also emphasize sustainability and autonomy, offering clear paths to long-term funding and reducing administrative burdens so affiliates can focus on impactful activities. Finally, the ecosystem would align around a shared vision for impact, emphasizing global knowledge equity. Clear communication and qualitative measures of success, such as community empowerment and cultural preservation, would ensure affiliates feel supported, connected, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to the Wikimedia movement.
In your ideal world, what are AffCom’s roles and responsibilities in relation to the movement and affiliates?	The Affiliates Committee serves as a vital link between Movement entities and Wikimedia Foundation. Its primary roles should include supporting the emergence of new groups, Its primary roles should include supporting the emergence of new groups, ensuring the sustainability of existing ones, and providing comprehensive peer support to movement entities. Additionally, the Committee should actively advocate for the growth of these entities by representing their needs and priorities to the Wikimedia Foundation, ensuring their voices are heard and their requirements addressed.
What role within AffCom are you most interested in: advisory or voting member?	Voting member, but I do not wish to decline the advisory role when granted.