The Afroyanga 1.0 Bootcamp, developed by African & Proud (AP), is a physical capacity-building conference held in Nigeria, with participants from various states across the country. This bootcamp is dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively to Wikimedia Foundation projects while also focusing on personal development and networking opportunities.
The Wikimedia community is built on the foundation of knowledge sharing, cultural diversity, and a passion for making information accessible to all. It’s a space where contributors from around the world converge to enrich the digital sphere with valuable content. In the spirit of this shared mission, we are thrilled to take you on a journey through Afroyanga Bootcamp 1.0, a remarkable event that recently unfolded in Nigeria.
Afroyanga Bootcamp 1.0, organized by African & Proud (AP), commenced with a surge of enthusiasm and purpose. We received an overwhelming response of over 200 applications from eager individuals across Nigeria. Selecting the final 30 participants was a task that reflected our commitment to inclusivity. We aimed to ensure a truly diverse representation by including voices from various cultural groups. This diversity injected a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere right from the start.
The heart of Afroyanga 1.0 was dedicated to empowering Wikimedia contributors. It all began with a comprehensive introduction by Ayokanmi Oyeyemi, the Programs Director of Wikimedia Nigeria. Participants delved deep into the essence of the Wikimedia Projects, learning about its core values and the rules governing the creation of articles, among other foundational knowledge. This strong foundation prepared participants to become well-rounded editors.
The journey continued with participants immersing themselves in various Wikimedia Foundation Projects, including English Wikipedia, Yoruba Wikipedia, Igbo Wikipedia, Hausa Wikipedia, WikiQuote, Wikidata, and Wikibooks. They equipped themselves with the skills and knowledge required to make a meaningful impact. The bootcamp’s approach skillfully blended transferring knowledge from experienced contributors to newcomers while honing the expertise of those already familiar with Wikimedia projects.
Beyond Wikimedia, Afroyanga Bootcamp 1.0 emphasized holistic development. Workshops on soft skills, facilitated by experts, covered essential areas such as facilitation techniques, emotional intelligence, proactivity, and digital skills. Participants left with a well-rounded skill set, ready to excel in their Wikimedia contributions. An additional session on optimizing LinkedIn accounts, led by Oluwaseun ‘Gabby’ Akinola, proved invaluable in enhancing participants’ online presence and networking abilities.
In today’s interconnected world, online collaboration is paramount. Afroyanga Bootcamp delved into the complexities of this landscape, exploring various aspects. Participants learned about the types of online conflicts that can arise and honed their communication skills. The sessions also delved into effective conflict resolution tools available within the Wikimedia community. It was a practical and insightful journey, led by Kemi Makinde.
Afroyanga 1.0 was not just about learning; it was about connecting. Guest speakers, young professionals, and entrepreneurs shared their insights, leaving us with a broader perspective and a stronger network. As part of our networking extravaganza, we held a closing dinner night where participants dressed in their cultural attire, further promoting African culture and diversity.
As the bootcamp concluded, participants left with a hunger for more. The thirst for knowledge, collaboration, and connection has ignited a fire within us. We are eager to harness this energy for the benefit of the Wikimedia Foundation at large.
Afroyanga Bootcamp 1.0 has been an incredible journey of growth, learning, and connection. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Wikimedia Foundation, core organizing team, including Co-Founders Kolawole Oyewole and Richard Edozie, and the supporting team members Demilade Ajala and Lawretta. We also thank all our participants, speakers, and supporters who made this event a resounding success.
Stay tuned for more exciting adventures on our Wikimedia journey! Together, we can make a difference.
Link: African & Proud Website: African & Proud – Non-profit Initiative (africanandproud.org)
Link: Meta page: Afroyanga Bootcamp – Meta (wikimedia.org)
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