Algerian Wikimedians User Group/Gestion/Reports/Repport2017

WikiDz Group Activities 2017

The year 2017 marked an important step for the WikiDz (Wikimedia Algeria) user group. The group continued its expansion, with the addition of a new coordinator to strengthen development and stimulate collective creativity.

The group’s strategic goals for the year were:

to promote the production and dissemination of free educational content in Algeria and among the Algerian diaspora;
to strengthen the presence of Wikimedia projects in the country;
to build partnerships with cultural, educational, and academic institutions;
to create a sustainable community dynamic through workshops, trainings, and public events.

In total, more than ten major events were organized in several Algerian cities (Algiers, Batna, Chlef, Mostaganem, Oran), as well as internationally, notably in Montreal (Canada).

Workshops and Partnerships

In 2017, the WikiDz group consolidated its training and outreach strategy through:

practical workshops to introduce new contributors to Wikimedia projects;
collaborations with libraries, universities, and cultural centers;
public interventions to promote free culture.

Francophone Contribution Month 2017 – Batna (Algeria)
Workshop – Batna (Algeria)
Wiktionary Workshop – Montreal (Canada)
University of Chlef – Closing Ceremony

Videoconference Presentation – Tindouf (January 2017)

In January 2017, the WikiDz group innovated by participating remotely in the Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf. The group leader spoke by videoconference during a workshop on Wikipedia, enabling participants to directly exchange ideas on the uses and opportunities offered by Wikimedia projects.

Arabic translation: قائد مجموعة WikiDz قدّم مداخلة عبر تقنية الفيديو المباشر خلال ورشة عمل حول ويكيبيديا في مخيمات تندوف، نظّمتها مجموعة من اللاجئين الصحراويين. وقد مكّن هذا النشاط من فتح نقاش مباشر مع المشاركين حول دور وأهمية مشاريع ويكيميديا.

See the full gallery on Wikimedia Commons

Visit to the University of Chlef – Wiki Loves Africa (December 2016 / January 2017)

In partnership with the University of Chlef, the group raised awareness among students about the photo contest Wiki Loves Africa. The event provided an opportunity to explain the importance of visual contributions and demonstrate how photos can enrich Wikimedia Commons.

Photo Exhibition – Photo Days in Oran (February 2017)

During the 5th edition of the Photo Days (4–5 February 2017), an exhibition showcased the best Algerian contributions to the contest Wiki Loves Africa 2017. This exhibition allowed Wikimedia projects to be presented to an audience of artists, photographers, and visual art enthusiasts.

Contribution Month Workshops (March 2017)

The International Francophone Contribution Month was a success, with several workshops organized by WikiDz. The objectives were:

to improve the content of Wikimedia projects in French;
to bring together local contributors, both new and experienced (including graduates of WikiMOOC);
to train new editors on Wikipedia and its sister projects;
to build partnerships with educational and cultural institutions;
to enrich Wikimedia Commons with original multimedia content;
to increase media visibility through international mobilization.

More information: Contribution Month 2017 on French Wikipedia

Contribution Month Workshop – Batna (Algeria)
Practical Session – Batna (Algeria)

Presentation – Saturday of Photography with IsoClub (April 2017)

As part of the Saturdays of Photography organized by IsoClub Oran, a special workshop was dedicated to light and free licenses. On the agenda:

introduction to light painting;
presentation of Creative Commons licenses and their use for Wikipedia;
overview of Wikimedia projects;
call for participation in the “Smile” association project.

The event, held at the French Institute in Oran, brought together a diverse and engaged audience. It was coordinated by Fayçal Rezkallah, vice-president of the Nomades association and IsoClub Oran, and presented by dezedien.

Creative Commons and Wikimedia Projects Workshop – IsoClub Oran
Creative Commons and Wikimedia Projects Workshop – IsoClub Oran
Creative Commons and Wikimedia Projects Workshop – IsoClub Oran
Creative Commons and Wikimedia Projects Workshop – IsoClub Oran
Creative Commons and Wikimedia Projects Workshop – IsoClub Oran

2017 Review

The year 2017 was particularly rich for WikiDz:

More than **10 major activities** organized in Algeria and internationally;
**Consolidated partnerships** with universities and cultural centers;
**Increased visibility** of Wikimedia projects to the general public;
**Greater participation** of new contributors, thanks to trainings and workshops.

WikiDz thus established itself as a catalyst for free culture in Algeria and strengthened its ties with the diaspora.

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Outlook for 2018

For the following year, WikiDz planned to:

expand partnerships with universities and cultural institutions;
organize more training sessions for new contributors;
increase participation in international contests and projects (Wiki Loves Africa, Wiki Loves Monuments, etc.);
strengthen online communication and media visibility;
encourage stronger involvement of the diaspora in Wikimedia projects.

These goals aim to consolidate the existing community and broaden its impact within Algerian society and beyond.