In May 2022, the Wikimedia Community Kilimanjaro emerged as a vibrant group with a humble beginning of just 15 members in the picturesque Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. Today, as we celebrate a year since our inception, we take immense pride in recounting our journey of remarkable achievements and impactful contributions.

From the outset, our mission was clear: to create a platform that would not only bring together like-minded individuals but also serve as a catalyst for positive change through the power of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. As we reflect on our journey, we are thrilled to share the milestones that define our success.

Community Growth: Our ranks have swelled, and the Wikimedia Community Kilimanjaro now boasts an impressive membership of around 44 dedicated individuals. This exponential growth is a testament to the shared passion and commitment to our cause.

Workshops and Campaigns: A cornerstone of our success lies in our ability to organize engaging and informative workshops and campaigns. One standout initiative was the “Let’s Connect” peer learning program in Tanzania. Through this program, we united leaders in Wikipedia-related matters from across Tanzania, fostering an environment of skill-sharing and knowledge exchange. This program has not only empowered our members but also strengthened the bonds within our community.

Impactful Campaigns: Our campaigns have left an indelible mark on both local and global scales. The “WikiForHumanRights 2023 Kilimanjaro(https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Wikimedia_Community_Kilimanjaro/WikiForHumanRights_2023_Kilimanjaro)” campaign exemplified our dedication to improving Wikipedia’s coverage of human rights and pollution-related topics. Additionally, the “Africa Day 2023 in Kilimanjaro” campaign showcased our commitment to amplifying African narratives.

Climate Change Awareness: The “Swahili Climatic Change and Environment Voices in Northern Tanzania 2023(https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Wikimedia_Community_Kilimanjaro/Swahili_Climatic_Change_and_Environment_voices_in_Northern_Tanzania,_2023_C)” campaign illuminated the urgent need for climate change awareness. By documenting climate change-related topics on Swahili Wikipedia, we have effectively contributed to raising awareness on a pressing global issue.

Empowering Voices: Our involvement in the “Feminism and Folklore 2023 in Tanzania(https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Wikimedia_Community_Kilimanjaro/Feminism_and_Folklore_2023_in_Tanzania)” initiative demonstrated our unwavering support for women’s empowerment and cultural preservation. This international writing contest showcased the rich tapestry of folk cultures and women in folklore on Swahili Wikipedia.

Education and Outreach: Beyond campaigns and workshops, we have strived to empower our community by providing valuable education. Our training sessions on various Wikipedia projects, including article creation, editing, and translation to Kiswahili, have empowered individuals with the tools to share knowledge effectively.(https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Wikimedia_Community_Kilimanjaro/African_Month_2023_Kilimanjaro)

Impact Beyond Ourselves: Our aspirations extend beyond our community. We are committed to making a lasting impact in the Kilimanjaro region by spreading the message of Wikipedia in local schools through the “Wikipedia in the Classroom” initiative.

As we celebrate our achievements, we remain resolute in our vision for the future. Our upcoming plans include expanded training sessions covering topics such as Wiki Commons, Wikidata, Wikiquote, and Wiktionary. We are eager participants in various Wikipedia contests, poised to make our mark. Moreover, we aim to be a beacon of knowledge, producing numerous articles that provide insights into environmental and health-related matters.

Our success story is a testament to the incredible potential that can be unlocked when a group of passionate individuals comes together with a shared vision. The Wikimedia Community Kilimanjaro stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration, dedication, and a drive to make a positive impact on the world. We look forward to the chapters yet to be written as we continue our journey of knowledge-sharing, empowerment, and community-building. visit our main dashboard (https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/campaigns/wikimedia_community_kilimanjaro/overview)