Wikimedia South Sudan AGM 2023

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Wikimedia Community User Group South Sudan: Annual General Meeting 2023 Recap

Date: 23rd December 2023 Location: Juba, South Sudan Participants: Members, Partners, Stakeholders, and Representatives from other Wikimedia User Groups Theme: Advancing Open Knowledge through Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Community Empowerment

Introduction

On the 23rd of December 2023, the Wikimedia Community User Group South Sudan held its highly anticipated Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the heart of Juba, South Sudan. This gathering marked a significant milestone in the group’s journey, bringing together not only our core members but also a diverse array of partners, collaborators, and supporters who share our vision of a world where knowledge is open, accessible, and free for all.

Since our founding in 2022, we have made considerable progress in establishing ourselves as a leading voice in South Sudan's open knowledge ecosystem. The AGM served as a vital platform for reflecting on our accomplishments, analyzing the challenges faced, and charting an ambitious course for the future. With 2024 on the horizon, our sights are set on new horizons, underpinned by a deeper commitment to inclusivity, community development, and knowledge dissemination.

Members of the Wikimedia Community User Group South Sudan after the AGM 2023
Engaged members during the presentations
Interactive sessions between attendees
Strategizing for the year ahead
Planning upcoming trainings and projects

Agenda Highlights

The AGM followed a comprehensive agenda designed to encourage maximum engagement, transparency, and collaboration among participants. The meeting was divided into the following segments:

1. Opening Remarks and Welcome Address

Delivered by the Chairperson of the Wikimedia Community User Group South Sudan, the welcome address set the tone for the meeting by acknowledging the hard work of members and partners while outlining the objectives of the AGM.

2. Review of 2023 Projects and Achievements

A detailed review of all projects undertaken throughout 2023, including highlights of our most impactful initiatives.

3. Open Discussion on Challenges Faced

A frank and open conversation about the hurdles encountered in 2023, particularly in the areas of member engagement, resource mobilization, and project execution.

4. Strategic Planning for 2024

This segment focused on the future, as members collectively discussed and shaped the group’s strategic priorities for the coming year.

5. Capacity-Building and Trainings Overview

Introduction to the upcoming trainings and capacity-building initiatives that aim to equip our members with critical skills for contributing to Wikimedia projects.

6. Closing Remarks and the Way Forward

The meeting concluded with an inspiring message from the leadership team, calling for continued solidarity, perseverance, and collective effort to push the boundaries of open knowledge in South Sudan.

Key Achievements and Milestones in 2023

2023 was a defining year for the Wikimedia Community User Group South Sudan. Since our formation, we have sought to bring the principles of open knowledge to the forefront of discussions in education, human rights, culture, and technology. Some of the standout achievements include:

Participation in Wikimania 2023 – Our community was proudly represented at Wikimania 2023, where we showcased South Sudan’s contributions to the global Wikimedia movement and connected with like-minded individuals from across the world.
WikiVibrance Project – This project focused on engaging young people in Wikimedia activities, encouraging youth participation in editing, contributing to Wikipedia, and championing open knowledge.
WikiForHumanRights Campaign – A crucial initiative that promoted awareness of human rights through Wikipedia, using Wikimedia platforms to spread knowledge about critical social justice issues affecting South Sudan and the broader region.
Wiki Loves Monuments – Through this initiative, we contributed to documenting and preserving South Sudan’s rich cultural and historical heritage by photographing and sharing images of important landmarks and monuments.
Wikieducation Initiatives – By partnering with local schools and universities, we’ve begun the process of integrating Wikimedia resources into the education system, promoting Wikipedia as a valuable tool for students and educators alike.

Each of these projects has played a role in positioning the Wikimedia Community User Group South Sudan as a key actor in the national and global open knowledge movement, while also promoting digital literacy, critical thinking, and cultural preservation.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

No journey is without its challenges, and 2023 presented its fair share of obstacles. Some of the recurring challenges discussed at the AGM included:

Resource Constraints: While the group has been fortunate to receive some funding, limited resources often hindered the full realization of planned projects.
Member Retention and Engagement: Keeping members actively engaged throughout the year has proven difficult, especially in the context of ongoing economic and social challenges.
Technical Capacity: Many members expressed the need for more advanced training in Wikipedia editing, Wikimedia Commons, and other tools, in order to contribute more effectively.

Despite these challenges, the community remains resilient, and each obstacle provided valuable lessons that will inform future strategies and initiatives.

Strategic Priorities for 2024

The discussions at the AGM culminated in the identification of key focus areas for the year ahead. These areas were chosen based on the pressing needs of our community, national development goals, and the overarching mission of Wikimedia. The priority areas for 2024 are:

Education and Knowledge Empowerment: Continue integrating Wikimedia resources into the formal education system by collaborating with schools, universities, and educational institutions.
Misinformation and Digital Literacy: Combat the spread of misinformation in digital spaces through targeted campaigns and workshops, ensuring citizens have the skills to critically evaluate online information.
Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution: Contribute to national peacebuilding efforts by promoting peaceful coexistence and using open knowledge to bridge divides in conflict-affected areas.
Economic Empowerment: Utilize Wikimedia platforms to promote entrepreneurship, small businesses, and economic empowerment through knowledge sharing.
Gender Equity and Female Participation: Significantly increase female participation in the Wikimedia community through mentorship programs and initiatives that promote gender equity.
Youth Engagement and Unemployment Solutions: Develop projects that address youth unemployment by equipping young people with digital skills and access to global knowledge networks.
Environmental Sustainability: Tackle issues related to e-waste management and environmental conservation by creating content that highlights these challenges and promotes sustainable practices.

Upcoming Capacity-Building Initiatives

The AGM also placed a strong emphasis on skills development, with several training sessions planned for 2024. These include:

Photography and Videography Training – Led by Deneya Denis and Data Betuel, this hands-on training will teach members how to capture high-quality images and videos for Wikimedia Commons.
EduWiki Project Workshops – Headed by Baraka, Mandenya, Kuma, and Makur, this initiative will train members on how to contribute to educational content on Wikipedia, with a focus on South Sudanese curricula.
Emerging Wikimedia Tools – Facilitated by Wakanda and Romeo, this session will introduce members to the latest tools and features in the Wikimedia ecosystem.
Oral History Projects – Led by Romeo, this initiative will focus on documenting and preserving the oral histories of South Sudan’s diverse communities.

2024 Goals and Aspirations

With 2024 ahead of us, the Wikimedia Community User Group South Sudan has set ambitious goals that reflect our commitment to growth, inclusivity, and collaboration. Our key objectives for the upcoming year include:

Securing Additional Grants and Funding – Actively pursue grants to support new and ongoing projects.
Increasing Female Membership to 40% – Through targeted outreach and mentorship programs, we aim to significantly increase the participation of women in our community.
Expanding Membership Across South Sudan – Focus on recruiting new members from rural areas, marginalized communities, and the South Sudanese diaspora.
International Collaborations – Organize exchange programs and collaborate with Wikimedia communities in neighboring countries such as Uganda and Kenya to share experiences and knowledge.
Organizing More School and University Outreach Programs – Ensure Wikimedia becomes a household name in educational institutions across South Sudan by promoting the use of Wikipedia and its sister projects in classrooms.

Conclusion

The Wikimedia Community User Group South Sudan’s Annual General Meeting 2023 was not just an opportunity to look back at our achievements but also a time to set our sights on the future. Together, we are building a community that thrives on the principles of open knowledge, collaboration, and inclusivity. As we prepare for 2024, we remain steadfast in our belief that knowledge should be accessible to everyone, everywhere, and we will continue to work toward a brighter, more connected future.

Together, we are the architects of an open knowledge future in South Sudan and beyond. ```