AfroCreatives WikProject+film FESPACO Edit-a-thon in Tanzania

The AfroCreatives WikiProject+film FESPACO in Tanzania is a significant initiative aimed at improving and expanding content related to the African film industry on Wikipedia. This project is part of a larger effort to bridge the content gap on Wikipedia, particularly focusing on the African film industry and its associated creative fields. The Afrocreative Wiki Project in Tanzania aims to mobilize creatives and professionals from the Tanzanian cultural and creative industries to enhance Wikipedia content about Africa’s creative economy, with a particular focus on the film industry. The project engages participants from the Tanzania Board of Film within the film industry, including actors, directors, producers, and technical staff. The participation has been robust, with a diverse group of contributors adding valuable content to Wikipedia.

Participants

On the 1^st and 7^th of June, 2024, the Global WikiEducation Initiative hosted two physical training on the Afrocreative WikiProject + Film FESPACO in Tanzania. The session attracted over 33 participants from Film industry professionals such as DSTV, AZAMTV and Educational Institutions from University of Dar es Salaam(UDSM).

Key Activities and Goals:

1. Content Creation and Enhancement: The project aims to create and enhance Wikipedia articles about the history of African cinema, biographies of notable Tanzanian creatives, and notable Tanzanian movies, television, and series.
2. Workshops and Training: The project involves physical training sessions for film professionals and enthusiasts, aiming to equip them with the skills needed to contribute effectively to Wikipedia. These sessions were designed to encourage the creation of new content and the improvement of existing articles. All articles created can be found through the dashboard.
3. Collaboration and Community Engagement: The initiative engages with the Global WikiEducation Initiative Community, and the local creative industry-Tanzania Board of Film to ensure widespread participation and support. Two physical meetings help to gather feedback and foster collaboration among participants.
4. Targeted Contributions: The project targets various roles within the film industry, including actors, directors, producers, and technical staff, encouraging them to contribute their expertise to Wikipedia. This helps ensure that the content is accurate, comprehensive, and reflective of the current state of the African film industry​

Training Sessions and Feedback:
The project conducted multiple training sessions with presentation to equip participants with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to Wikipedia. These sessions covered topics such as:

Content Creation and Enhancement: Techniques for creating new articles and enhancing existing ones with reliable sources and relevant multimedia.

Wikipedia Editing Basics: Introduction to Wikipedia’s editing interface, guidelines, and policies.

Feedback from participants highlighted several positive aspects of the training:
Comprehensive Coverage: Participants appreciated the thorough coverage of Wikipedia editing basics and the hands-on approach.

Practical Sessions: The practical, hands-on sessions were particularly valued, as they allowed participants to apply what they learned immediately.

Supportive Environment: The training environment was supportive, with trainers available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the sessions

Challenges

Despite the successes, the Afrocreative WikiProject faced several challenges:

1. Content Quality: Ensuring the quality and reliability of the content created was a significant challenge. New contributors often needed additional support to meet Wikipedia’s stringent content guidelines.
2. Lack of reference: Content creation about actors, film producers, movies and series was missing reliable sources and made it difficult to add them to Wikipedia.
3. Engagement and Retention: Sustaining participant engagement and retaining active contributors over time proved difficult. Many participants required ongoing motivation and support to continue contributing beyond the initial training sessions​

Recommendations

To address these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of the Afrocreative WikiProject, several recommendations are proposed:

1. Ongoing Training and Support: Offering continuous training opportunities and creating a support network for contributors can help maintain engagement and improve content quality.
2. Recognition and Incentives: Implementing a robust recognition and incentives program, such as awards and public acknowledgment, can motivate participants to stay active and contribute more.
3. Community Building: Fostering a strong sense of community among contributors through regular meetups, both online and in-person, can enhance collaboration and retention.
4. Partnerships and Collaboration: Building partnerships with local creative industry organizations and educational institutions can provide additional resources and support for the project​.