Open Foundation West Africa (OFWA) and the Goethe-Institut Ghana partner with the University Of Health and Allied Science library department

In the spirit of collaboration, we launched the UHAS Wiki Club in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Ghana and the University of Health and Allied Science library department to empower educators to use open digital spaces. 

Traditionally, libraries have been the cornerstone of information access. However, the advent of the internet and digital technologies has significantly transformed how information is accessed and managed. E-libraries and online information repositories are becoming increasingly popular, providing users with a vast array of resources at their fingertips. This shift necessitates that librarians adapt by developing new digital skills to remain relevant and effective in their roles.

In the modern digital landscape, one of the essential skills for librarians is effectively utilizing online platforms such as Wikipedia, Wikidata, and other Wikimedia projects. However, managing and contributing to these digital platforms requires specific skills and knowledge.To address the gap in digital proficiency, Open Foundation West Africa (OFWA) and Goethe-Institut Ghana have collaborated to empower librarians in Ghana through the WikiSkills For Librarians Workshop. This joint initiative aims to bridge the digital skills divide among librarians by equipping them with the skills needed to navigate the Wikimedia space.

The UHAS Wiki Club: A Platform for Empowering Librarians

As part of our goals to impact librarians in Ghana, we held a 2-day WikiSkills For Librarians Workshop at the University of Health and Allied Science(UHAS) Library Department. After the workshop, the UHAS Wiki Club was officially launched.

 Open Foundation West Africa (OFWA) and Goethe-Institut Ghana donated three internet routers to the University of Health and Allied Science Library Department as part of the club’s establishment to aid with internet access.

The UHAS Wiki Club serves as a platform for librarians to learn, share, and grow their digital skills. The club seeks to build librarians’ capacity in Wikipedia editing, Wikidata contributions, content creation, and information management. These activities enhance their digital literacy and enable them to contribute to the global knowledge base, making information more accessible to everyone.

Looking ahead, the UHAS Wiki Club aims to expand its reach, involving more librarians and educators from various institutions across Ghana. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, the initiative seeks to create a network of digitally proficient librarians who can lead the way in the digital transformation of libraries.

The collaboration between Open Foundation West Africa, Goethe-Institut Ghana, and the University of Health and Allied Science Library Department marks a significant step towards empowering librarians in the digital age. By equipping them with the skills to utilise open digital spaces effectively, we are enhancing their professional capabilities and contributing to the democratisation of information access. 

This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving positive change and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the tools to succeed in the digital world.