Weeks ago, I had the privilege to be the special guest of honor at the launch of the University of Ghana’s Food and Science annual week celebration, where I shared a presentation on gender mainstreaming in food security. The event was attended by about a hundred and twenty participants (120) comprising of students and lecturers.
While this topic is incredibly important and always sparks meaningful discussion, it was the introduction of a different subject that truly electrified the room: Wikipedia. (As a Wikipedian, I always try to carry the good news of Wikipedia with me.) As I delved into how Wikipedia works and discussed its credibility, the room buzzed with curiosity. Questions flew in about the reliability of the information, the process of editing, and how the platform is maintained. It was clear that Wikipedia, a tool many use daily, was still shrouded in mystery for many attendees.
The curiosity wasn’t limited to just the session. After the event, several lecturers approached me with a keen interest in learning more. One interaction, in particular, left a lasting impression and brought a smile to my face.
One lecturer busted out;
“… ever since I got to know of Wikipedia, this is my first time meeting Wikipedia in-person”.
This amusing yet telling comment underscored a critical point: Wikipedia, though omnipresent in our digital lives, often feels distant and impersonal. So, what does this tell us?
It tells us that there’s a significant gap between using Wikipedia and understanding it. This gap underscores the need for greater awareness and education about the platform. Wikipedia isn’t just an online encyclopedia; it’s a vibrant, community-driven project that thrives on contributions from people around the world.
If we are able to push for greater understanding and involvement, we can demystify Wikipedia and make it more approachable. It’s not just a tool; it’s a community that anyone can be a part of. The knowledge it houses is not some distant resource but a shared treasure that we can all contribute to and benefit from. Let’s continue to bridge this gap and bring more people into the Wikipedia fold.
When people realize that they can be active participants in this vast repository of knowledge, the potential for collective growth and learning is boundless.
I truly appreciate the student executives and lecturers for having me.
