The Celtic Knot Wikimedia Language Conference (CKWLC) is an annual event designed to encourage knowledge sharing, bridge content gaps, and improve Wiki projects. To promote global participation, satellite events are hosted in various regions, enabling Wikimedia communities worldwide to engage. One such event took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. With sponsorship from the Wikimedia Community Ireland, the Ig Wiki Librarians Hub participated by hosting a satellite event within the Igbo community.

The aim of this event was to unite the Wikimedia community to share their experiences in promoting and sharing information in minority languages. It also taught participants how to facilitate the flow of information across language barriers and support their respective communities. It brought community members together to address the gaps on Wikidata properties for the Igbo language .

Outcome

The event was initially postponed due to some challenges but was eventually held successfully. The satellite event welcomed participants, provided insights into CKWLC and the importance of preserving languages on Wikidata and other Wiki platforms. During the event, participants actively contributed to bridging the gap in Igbo language Wikidata properties. Additionally, a short contest was introduced to further motivate participants to continue editing. After the event and contest, participants made a total of 7,250 edits. For more information see event page.

Challenges

Some participants were unable to see the edit button on Wikidata, likely because they had not yet been autoconfirmed on the platform. To address this, we encouraged them to keep editing and advocated for their accounts to be auto-confirmed during the event period. This would enable them to contribute effectively and maintain their enthusiasm.
Network fluctuations during the event affected editing and slowed down contributions. Participants were advised to continue editing later from locations with more stable internet connections.

Participants’ feedback

I thoroughly enjoyed the Celtic Knot Satellite Conference and I wish to be here in order to expand my learning.— Odogwu123

To be sincere, I’m highly impressed with the organizers of this conference, I really learnt a lot from this conference and would continue to contribute to the Wiki space to ensure that our language ‘Igbo language’ doesn’t go extinct. Our language, our culture, our origin. Thank you all, much love.— Nzechimere

Celtic knot satellite conference is the best I’ve witnessed and I enjoyed it and wished we’d have the part 2 of it— 10kdollz

I had the privilege of attending the Celtic Knot satellite conference today, and I must say it was an enriching experience. The event brought together enthusiasts from various fields, which provided a vibrant atmosphere for learning and discussion. The venue was comfortable, and the technical aspects of the presentations were smoothly handled.— Blissma22

The Conference was not just any eye opener, it was another source of knowledge wealth, especially in my language Igbo, helping me know so many ways of translating to Igbo language. Many thanks to the sponsors and facilitators of this program— Goodymeraj