WikiIndaba 2023/Report/Alvinategyeka

Report on the Participation of Alvinategyeka at WikiIndaba 2023 in Agadir, Morocco

Overview

Attending Wiki Indaba proved to be an enriching experience, particularly as it marked my inaugural in-person participation in this noteworthy event. One of the highlights was co-presenting a session titled "Nurturing the Spark: Unleashing the Power of Volunteerism and Community Growth - Insights from Wikimedia Community Usergroup Uganda" alongside my colleague Geoffrey Kateregga. This session not only provided a platform to share insights but also fostered collaborative discussions with fellow attendees.

The sessions I attended were equally impactful, with two standing out prominently. Firstly, the session on "How to Become a Wikipedia Administrator" was of great significance to me, as it addressed my longstanding aspiration to become a Wikipedia administrator. The detailed insights provided during this session clarified the processes involved, guiding my path toward achieving this goal.

Another noteworthy session was facilitated by Habib Mheni, focusing on "Wikipedia Newcomers Growth Editing Tools." This presentation proved invaluable, offering insights into tools that enhance the onboarding experience for new Wikipedia contributors.

Further, Joris' session from the Africa Wikimedia Technical Community on documentation resonated with my background in information technology. Exploring the intricacies of documentation in Wikimedia projects was both insightful and aligned with my professional interests.

Lastly, the session on "Kiwix for Schools" left a lasting impression, presenting a commendable initiative that I believe holds great potential for implementation in Uganda. The prospect of bringing Kiwix for Schools to Uganda aligns with my vision for enhancing educational resources in the region.

In essence, my participation in Wiki Indaba 2023 was not only marked by the joy of attending in person but also by meaningful contributions, valuable learnings, and the identification of initiatives that align with my professional and personal aspirations.

Outcome

My participation in Wiki Indaba 2023 yielded substantial learnings and outcomes that will undoubtedly shape my future contributions within the Wikimedia community. Firstly, the experience of co-presenting a session underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in driving community growth. Engaging with attendees during and after our session provided valuable insights into the diverse perspectives and needs within the Wikimedia community.

Meeting with Wikimedians from various communities, particularly those from larger communities like Nigeria and Ghana, proved enlightening. They generously shared strategies that have effectively propelled their communities, providing me with valuable insights on community building and contributing more meaningfully within the wider Wikimedia global community.

Attending sessions on Wikipedia administration and newcomers' growth tools equipped me with practical knowledge to navigate and contribute more effectively to the platform. Gaining clarity on the path to becoming a Wikipedia administrator was particularly enlightening and serves as a concrete step toward my professional goals.

The session on documentation by Joris from the Africa Wikimedia Technical Community reinforced the significance of clear and comprehensive documentation in supporting the technical aspects of Wikimedia projects. This insight aligns seamlessly with my IT background and will inform my approach to future contributions within the technical community.

Moreover, the introduction to Kiwix for Schools sparked a keen interest in me as an advocate for enhanced educational resources in Uganda. Exploring the potential implementation of this initiative in my home country became a key outcome of my participation, aligning with broader goals of educational development and accessibility.

Impact

The Wiki Indaba 2023 conference has left a profound impact on both my individual growth and our community plans in Uganda. Firstly, the exposure to diverse strategies employed by larger Wikimedia communities, such as those in Nigeria and Ghana, has significantly influenced our community's approach to growth and contribution. These insights have sparked a renewed vigor in our community plans, inspiring us to implement effective strategies that align with global best practices.

On a personal level, the knowledge gained from sessions on Wikipedia administration, newcomers' growth tools, and technical documentation has shaped my vision for contributing more meaningfully within the Wikimedia space. The prospect of becoming a Wikipedia administrator, coupled with a deeper understanding of technical aspects, positions me to make more informed contributions both locally and globally.

Moreover, witnessing the exceptional organization of Wiki Indaba by Wikimedia Morocco has provided invaluable lessons in event management. The meticulous planning and seamless execution, especially in the communication aspect, were noteworthy. I have gleaned insights into effective communication strategies that I plan to implement in our future community events. The responsiveness demonstrated by Wikimedia Morocco in handling queries and providing information was exemplary and is a model we aspire to emulate in our community.

To share these comprehensive learnings with our Uganda community, I plan to organize knowledge-sharing sessions. These forums will not only disseminate the strategies learned but also encourage collaborative discussions to tailor these insights to our unique context. Additionally, I aim to create online resources and documentation summarizing key takeaways, ensuring accessibility for community members who couldn't attend the conference.

In essence, the impact of Wiki Indaba 2023 resonates not only in my individual aspirations but also in the collective growth and development of our Uganda community. Through deliberate and inclusive actions, we aim to weave the conference learnings into the fabric of our community, fostering a more dynamic and engaged Wikimedia presence in Uganda.

Slides and Pictures:

I presented this Session at the Conference, "Nurturing the Spark: Unleashing the Power of Volunteerism and Community Growth - Insights from Wikimedia Community Usergroup Uganda,".

Here is the link to the slides; https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1iFhqn-Bq621qskmUXcd0Hh3oUNP4h5N_1rhu_3g98Hg/edit#slide=id.p1

Additionally, I have compiled a collection of pictures capturing key moments from the conference. You can view them below;

Feedback and Additional Thoughts:

I would like to commend the organizers for orchestrating a highly successful event. The meticulous planning, diverse sessions, and engaging discussions made Wiki Indaba 2023 a truly enriching experience. The exceptional communication and responsiveness demonstrated by the organizers, following the example set by Wikimedia Morocco, contributed significantly to the overall positive atmosphere of the conference.

As I reflect on the event, I am particularly excited about the potential collaborations and initiatives that may emerge from the knowledge gained. I look forward to further engaging with the wider Wikimedia community and implementing the strategies and insights acquired during the conference in our local context.

Once again, thank you for the opportunity to be part of this impactful event, and I am eager to contribute actively to the ongoing success of the Wikimedia movement.