On the 14th and 15th of June, the Wikimedia Community Usergroup Botswana held an inspiring bootcamp at the Aquarian Tide Hotel in Gaborone, Botswana. This was a two day event which brought together 20 passionate representatives from the Wikimedia community for an enriching experience of learning, collaboration, and strategic planning. We had most our speakers on virtual calls to facilitate their sessions which added a dynamic and inclusive element to our sessions.
The bootcamp kicked off with a warm welcome and introductions, setting a positive tone for the days ahead. Enthusiastic participants were ready to dive into a series of engaging sessions. The day began with Christel’s insightful session on the Universal Code of Conduct (UCoC), emphasizing the importance of respect and inclusivity within our community. This was followed by Felix Nartey’s captivating talk on building partnerships and understanding the Movement Charter, which provided valuable perspectives on collaboration within the Wiki ecosystem.
Tochi Precious from the Igbo User Group shared her expertise on community building, discussing strategies to foster a strong and engaged community. Her practical tips and inspiring examples resonated with many participants. Lucy from the Wikimedia Community User group Nigeria offered practical advice on securing funding, detailing what committees look for in grant applications, a crucial session for those looking to fund their Wikimedia projects.
Shreya Dwivedi’s session on licensing and the role of photographers in the Wikimedia Commons was both informative and engaging, highlighting the crucial role photographers play in enriching Wikimedia content. Sandra Aceng from Wikimedia Uganda inspired participants by sharing her personal journey, showcasing the significant impact one individual can have within the Wikimedia movement.
Followed by Benedict Udeh discussed the Wiki Mentor Africa Program, underscoring the importance of supporting new contributors through mentorship, where most of our community member join the Wiki Mentor Africa Program. A crucial session on mental health led by Mebala Studios addressed the importance of mental well-being in community building and project participation, reminding everyone of the need to care for ourselves and each other.
Day two began with a fun quiz/game facilitated by Mothusi, followed by a SWOT analysis exercise led by Candy Khohliwe. Participants engaged in lively discussions, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of the Wikimedia Botswana community. This interactive session was both insightful and enjoyable. Oteng shared reflections on the journey of the Wikimedia Community User Group Botswana, discussing past achievements and future goals, celebrating our community’s progress and potential.
Bobby Shabangu also shared Wikimedia ZA insights on how they operate as a chapter, advising our community on the best strategies and practices for growth and partnerships. His session provided valuable guidance on building a sustainable and impactful organisation.
Abigail from the Wikimedia Foundation covered governance, offering essential guidance on effective leadership and organizational management, which is crucial for building a robust and sustainable organization. Participants then engaged in group activities and brainstorming sessions, focusing on strategies for future projects and partnerships. These collaborative discussions were a highlight of the bootcamp, sparking new ideas and plans for growth.
We also had fun activities like dancing, telling jokes, and writing “sugar cubes” to our community members to inspire and motivate each other. These activities brought joy and strengthened our bond as a community.
The bootcamp concluded with a call to action for building an advisory board team. We concluded with building a criteria for seeking dedicated individuals to contribute with their expertise and insights to help guide the Wikimedia Community User Group Botswana as we move forward. This event was a significant milestone for our community, providing a platform for learning, sharing, and planning. It was also a very successful event where we got to sensitise, learn, and reflect as a community. We are excited about the future and look forward to implementing the ideas and strategies discussed during the bootcamp.
To know more about our community:
- Facebook Page: Wikimedia Botswana Community Usergroup
- YouTube: Wikimedia Community User Group Botswana
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