Engaging Cultural Enthusiasts in Cameroon to Share Knowledge About Cameroon’s Rich Heritage

During the first week of November 2024, a vibrant group of over 20 cultural students enthusiasts gathered in Cameroon for an intensive training session that marked the second activity after the official launch (held on October 26, 2024 in Garoua and Nkongsamba) of the Wiki-N’zuñdeuh project. This exciting initiative, running from October 2024 to May 2025, aims to enhance the digital representation of Cameroon’s rich cultural heritage through Wikipedia, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons… By empowering participants to contribute to Wikimedia projects, the project seeks to ensure that Cameroon’s cultural assets are better documented and more accessible to the world.

Kick-Start: A Day of Learning and Collaboration

Spanning 7 hours, the first training offered a comprehensive curriculum designed to introduce participants to the world of Wikidata. The day began with an overview of the platform, guiding attendees through its user-friendly interface. Key concepts such as items, properties, statements, and their values were discussed, equipping participants with the foundational knowledge needed to navigate the platform effectively.

Participants eagerly engaged in practical exercises, exploring existing items related to Cameroonian museums and cultural festivals. They learned how to enhance these entries with accurate references. Each participant made an average of 5 contributions, resulting in over 100 new references being added to Wikidata. This collective effort significantly enriched the documentation of Cameroon’s cultural narratives, showcasing the impact of community collaboration.

Engaging Discussions and Future Prospects

The training was characterized by lively discussions, where participants asked insightful questions and their experiences with cultural documentation. This collaborative atmosphere fostered a sense of community and collective responsibility toward preserving Cameroonian heritage.

As the training concluded, plans for the upcoming months were outlined, highlighting a variety of activities that will take place during the nine-month event. Participants and potential collaborators can look forward to:

• Edit-a-thons: Collaborative events focused on improving and expanding entries related to Cameroonian culture on Wikimedia.
• Translations: Efforts to make cultural content accessible in multiple languages, broadening its reach.
• Photowalks: Organized outings where participants will capture images of cultural sites, enriching Wikimedia’s visual resources.
• Wiki-clubs: Regular meetups for ongoing learning, sharing experiences, and fostering a community of practice.
• Mentorship: Opportunities for participants to receive guidance from experienced Wikidata contributors, enhancing their skills and confidence.

These activities are designed to deepen participants’ understanding of digital knowledge management while fostering a vibrant community dedicated to cultural preservation.

Looking Ahead

The Wiki-N’zuñdeuh project, supported by WAFTAI, its partners and the Ministry of Arts and Culture of Cameroon, promises to be a transformative initiative over the Cameroon and Africa. As the community documents museums, festivals, and other heritage elements, the public is encouraged to stay tuned for updates on progress. With the introduction of QR codes in Cameroonian museums and possibly building of tools powered by Wikimedia projects, visitors and users will soon have the opportunity to access rich, digitized summaries of cultural information, both onsite and offsite.

Commitment to Cultural Preservation

This training event not only marked the beginning of a significant project but also highlighted the importance of community engagement in cultural documentation. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by participants reflect a shared commitment to preserving and promoting Cameroon’s cultural heritage. As the Wiki-N’zuñdeuh project unfolds, the community intends to work together to build a dynamic digital repository that celebrates and preserves the vibrant cultural tapestry of the nation. This collaborative effort harnesses the power of Wikimedia to elevate cultural heritage and ensure it remains accessible for future generations. Join us on this exciting journey!