Education/News/December 2025/Transforming Education Through Wikimedia in Kosovo: 2025

Transforming Education Through Wikimedia in Kosovo: 2025

Summary: Throughout 2025, the Wikimedians of Albanian Language User Group continued to strengthen education in Kosovo by promoting digital literacy, expanding access to free knowledge, and empowering communities to actively contribute to Wikimedia projects. Through workshops, campaigns, competitions, WikiCamps, and collaborations with students, educators, and organizations, we focused on enriching Albanian-language content, bridging knowledge gaps, and fostering skills in research, writing, and collaboration.

Social Media channels or hashtags: Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram

Workshops and Campaigns

Wiki Workshop in Mitrovica

On February 1, 2025, we organized a practical Wiki editing workshop in Mitrovica in collaboration with 7Arte Academy. Participants, including students, historians, and activists, learned content creation techniques, contributed to Wikivoyage, and documented local monuments on Wikipedia. The event strengthened digital literacy and encouraged collaborative knowledge-sharing about Mitrovica’s cultural heritage.

Wikipedia Translation Workshop at Americana Fest '25

On May 25, students participated in a translation workshop at the American Corner in Pristina. They translated articles about U.S. literature, history, and culture from English to Albanian. This initiative allowed high school students to enhance translation skills, explore open knowledge, and contribute to Wikipedia in Albanian.

Gendering Wikipedia Campaign

For the second consecutive year, we ran the Gendering Wikipedia campaign in collaboration with the University of Prishtina and the forumZFD Kosovo Program. Held around International Women’s Day, the campaign focused on improving the visibility of women and their contributions in areas such as peacebuilding. Students learned to identify content gaps, conduct research, and publish well-sourced articles, helping to bridge the gender gap on Albanian Wikipedia.

Wikidata Workshop ‘Coordinate Me’ Campaign

On May 13, as part of the international Coordinate Me 2025 campaign, we organized a workshop with OpenStreetMap Kosova at Prishtina Hackerspace. Geography students from the University of Prishtina added geolocation data to Wikidata for landmarks, museums, hospitals, and cultural institutions across Kosovo and Albania. The workshop connected academic learning with collaborative open data contribution and introduced participants to international digital mapping initiatives.

University Collaborations

Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences Students

In 2025, the initiative to engage students in Wikipedia editing expanded to 80 students, who contributed articles related to their coursework. This project encourages collaborative learning, strengthens research and writing skills, and bridges academic knowledge with public knowledge sharing. A small appreciation event will be held to celebrate their dedication.

WikiCamp

The Wikimedians of Albanian Language User Group partnered with the youth organization TOKA to organize WikiCamp as part of their youth program. Participants engaged in educational activities designed to contribute to free knowledge through Wikipedia and its sister projects. They learned the fundamentals of editing, article writing, and effective use of wiki platforms, becoming active and informed contributors.

The camp also included games, social activities, and interactive experiences, providing a well-rounded program that fostered new friendships and a spirit of collaboration. This initiative aimed to strengthen local Wiki Clubs, inspiring young participants to continue contributing to free knowledge even after the camp concluded.

Competitions and Editathons

Wiki Science Competition

For the first time, we launched the Wiki Science Competition in Albania and Kosovo. Students, researchers, and science enthusiasts were invited to share freely licensed scientific photography, including lab images, fieldwork, and sketches. The first edition runs from November 1 to December 15, 2025, and selected submissions will compete internationally. This initiative promotes science communication, encourages young contributors, and strengthens ties between Wikimedia projects and educational institutions.

Kosovo Wikivoyage Editathons in Gjakova and Krusha e Madhe

In collaboration with Kultus NGO and the Ministry of Regional Development, we organized editathons focused on documenting local tourism. In Gjakova, participants trained to contribute to Wikivoyage and began mapping the tourism trail connecting Gjakova, Rahovec, and Junik. In Krusha e Madhe, students from SHMU “Bajram Curri” uploaded photos to Wikimedia Commons, improved Wikipedia content, and explored local heritage, including the Museum of the Krusha e Madhe Massacre. These events showcased how Wikimedia projects can present history, culture, and nature in an accessible, digital format.