Dagbani Wikimedians User Group Supports the Dagaare Wikimedia Community to hold their Maiden Physical Workshop in Wa.

In a momentous gathering that marked a turning point for the Dagaare Wikimedia Community, the Dagbaani Wikimedians User Group, in collaboration with dedicated community members, recently organized the community’s Maiden Physical Meeting in the Upper West Regional Capital of Ghana, Wa. The event served as a platform to introduce participants to the vast world of Wikipedia and ignite their passion for contributing to the Dagaare Wikipedia Incubator. With over 20 enthusiastic attendees, this event proved to be an empowering and enlightening experience for everyone involved.

Setting the Stage

In preparation for the event, the Dagaare Wikimedia Team members held a pre-event meeting to meticulously plan the logistics and ensure a seamless experience for everyone involved. With a shared vision in mind, they eagerly arranged the venue, laying the foundation for what would become a turning point in the Dagaare Wikimedia Community’s journey.

Guiding Participants into the Wikimedia Universe

The event commenced with participants, many of whom were entirely new to Wikimedia, creating their own Wikimedia User Accounts under the expert guidance of the Dagaare Wikimedia Team. This initial step opened doors to a world of knowledge-sharing and collaborative content creation. The Co-lead for the Community then took center stage, leading participants through the fundamental principles of Wikipedia. Topics covered included creating articles, editing existing ones, and adding interlinks, references, and categories.

The 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana Contest

During the event, the community members were introduced to the exciting 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana contest. This provided an opportunity for participants to not only contribute to the Dagaare Wikipedia Incubator but also engage in a larger initiative that aimed to strengthen and enrich the Wikimedia ecosystem. The event empowered individuals to take their involvement to new heights by sharing information on how to participate.

Empowering Participants to Create Articles

One of the highlights of the event was the hands-on session where every participant was encouraged to create at least one article before its conclusion. What was initially planned as a two-hour event was extended to five hours due to the participants’ boundless enthusiasm. Their excitement was contagious, as they delved into the art of crafting articles and sought to improve their writing skills. The Dagaare Wikimedia Community team members patiently answered numerous questions and provided valuable guidance, nurturing a sense of growth and empowerment in participants.

Impact and Milestones

The Maiden Physical Meeting represented a pivotal moment in the Dagaare Wikimedia Community’s journey. It provided a solid foundation for community members to learn, collaborate, and actively contribute to the Dagaare Wikipedia Incubator. Since its inception just five months ago in January 2022, the community has thrived, now boasting close to 500 articles. The event served as a catalyst, igniting a vibrant spirit of exploration and knowledge-sharing among its members.

A Journey of Discovery and Collaboration

The Maiden Physical Meeting of the Dagaare Wikimedia Community in Wa marked a significant milestone, enabling community members to embark on a journey of exploration and contribution to the Dagaare Wikipedia Incubator. The event instilled a sense of purpose, sparking excitement and a thirst for knowledge among participants. With a strong foundation laid and an ever-growing community, the future holds immense potential for the Dagaare Wikimedia Community. The event’s success has underscored the significance of physical gatherings in strengthening the bonds within the Dagaare Wikimedia Community. It has also emphasized the need for ongoing support from the Dagbani Wikimedians User Group and other stakeholders. The community eagerly anticipates future events and hopes for the sustained backing that will enable them to thrive and continue their invaluable contributions.

The event concluded with a debriefing session where the team members had the opportunity to reflect on the event’s achievements and areas for improvement. This reflective process ensures that subsequent events will build upon the successes and address any challenges faced, ensuring a more refined and enriching experience for all involved.

Gratitude

The success of this transformative event would not have been possible without the dedication and support of numerous individuals. The Dagaare Wikimedia Community extends its sincere gratitude to the Dagbani Wikimedians User Group for providing invaluable resources and support. The community acknowledges the contributions of Sadik Shahadu, Executive Director of Dagbani Wikimedians User Group, as well as the unwavering support from Amir E. Aharoni who is a global admin at Wikimedia and as well a Wikimedia Language Committee member.

Furthermore, the community recognizes the tireless efforts of Anthionette Kuukye and Mohammed Awal Alhassan, Co-leads for the Dagaare Wikimedia Community, along with the team members Zakaria Tunsung Bukari, Paula Daara, and Yirkang Joachim, whose dedication has been instrumental in driving the community’s progress.