2024 was a remarkable chapter in my journey as a Wikimedian, filled with dynamic activities, meaningful collaborations, and invaluable lessons in sustainability. Through successes, setbacks, and constant learning, I deepened my commitment to the Wikimedia movement and pursued my dream of fostering an active Wikimedia community in Iraq. Over the course of the year, I organized 4 contests, facilitated 7 trainings, and led a General Support Fund for my user group, all while attending 2 Wikimedia conferences.
January: Setting the Stage
The year began with a bold focus on reviving Wikimedia Iraq. I initiated a series of meetings to reconnect with past participants and redefine our user group’s vision. These discussions laid the foundation for revitalizing our community, and I embraced the responsibility of leading this mission. Concurrently, I collaborated with the Wikimedia Foundation’s funding team, seeking their guidance to apply for our first General Support Fund. Their support was instrumental in shaping our plans for Wikimedia Iraq.
February: A Global Perspective
In February, I had the privilege of joining the scholarship committee for Wikimania 2024 in Poland. This role allowed me to gain insights into the inspiring projects led by Wikimedians worldwide. It also provided a reflective perspective on our own General Support Fund application, which we successfully submitted on February 15th with the support of the Wikimedia Iraq team.
March to May: Fine-Tuning Our Vision
During this period, I worked closely with the Wikimedia Foundation’s funding team to refine our General Support Fund application. This collaborative effort culminated in its acceptance, marking a pivotal milestone for Wikimedia Iraq and setting the stage for future endeavors.
June to July: Building Momentum
Wikimedia Iraq launched its activities by building a visual identity that reflects the work we are planning to do, as well as organizing the 20th Arabic Wikipedia Day event in Baghdad. This event featured engaging talks by Mohammed Qays, Mahmood Alrawi, and Luma Salman, attracting over 20 enthusiastic participants.
In parallel, I joined Wikimedia UAE as an organizer for the year-long Wiki Collections project and contest. This initiative aims to raise awareness about documenting collections in Arabic, supporting collaboration among Arab Wikimedians.
August: Wikimania and Youth Engagement
August was a standout month as I attended my second Wikimania conference in Poland. The event allowed me to reconnect with virtual friends, co-present a workshop on generational gaps with Donia Aldomiaty from Egypt, and participate in a panel discussion on revitalizing user groups. Additionally, I engaged with youth in the movement through a roundtable discussion on supporting young contributors.
In collaboration with Mohammed Qays, I conducted a three-week “Wikipedia for Juniors” workshop under Wikimedia Iraq, equipping newcomers with the tools to create quality Wikipedia articles.
September: Documenting Diversity
This month focused on celebrating and preserving the cultural heritage of minorities in my city, particularly the Christian and Mandaeian communities. I captured photos of their buildings, collections, and activities, contributing to Wikimedia Commons and ensuring their legacy is documented.
October: Regional Collaboration
October was a bustling month, highlighted by the Wikimedia Iraq Contest organized with Mohammed Qays and the launch of the Wiki Collections contest in partnership with UAE Wikimedians.
At WikiArabia 2024 in Oman, I proudly represented Wikimedia Iraq and connected with colleagues from across the Arab region. The event was particularly inspiring as I met Omani youth eager to embark on their Wikimedia journeys.
November: Wikidata Days
In November, I organized Wikidata Days in Iraq, a workshop and contest that encouraged participants to document over 240 Iraqi figures on Wikidata. This initiative significantly enriched Iraq’s representation on Wikimedia platforms.
December: Wrapping Up the Year
The year concluded with the launch of the Wiki Loves Iraq Contest on Wikimedia Commons, which continues to celebrate Iraq’s cultural and natural heritage by encouraging participants to share their photos. Additionally, I facilitated a Wiki Collections training session for the Arab community, conducted by Michael Bakni.
Reflections
2024 was a transformative year filled with challenges, growth, and achievements. From reviving Wikimedia Iraq to participating in global collaborations, every experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of the Wikimedia movement. Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the future of free knowledge and the pivotal role our community will play in shaping it.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mohammed Qays for co-organizing Wikimedia Iraq activities with me and all the Iraqi wikimedians who supported all the activities we have done through 2024. Also to Wikimedia UAE for providing opportunities to engage with the broader Arab region through their regional initiatives.
Looking Ahead: 2025
As we move into 2025, my focus is on ensuring the sustainability of Wikimedia Iraq. I aim to support more youth in joining our movement and empower newcomers to take active roles in organizing activities within Iraq. By supporting inclusivity and leadership, I hope to strengthen our user group and build a robust community.
In addition, I look forward to collaborating with friends from different regions to explore new opportunities for partnerships and shared initiatives. The future holds endless possibilities, and I am excited to see what 2025 has in store for us!
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