Education/News/May 2022/Bringing the Wikiprojects to the Island of Catanduanes

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Bringing the Wikiprojects to the Island of Catanduanes

Author: Anthony Diaz
Summary: Wiki Advocates Philippines shared about Wikimedia projects and donated Kiwix device to Bislig Elementary school in Catanduanes Island
Group photo of Wiki Advocates PH and Bislig Elementary School Faculty Members

The community members of the Wiki Advocates Philippines have looked forward to the Open Access Learning Portal installation in places in the Philippines with low to no data connections. After a year of preparation, the group was able to initially launch the project in one of the public schools situated on Catanduanes Island. Four hours of land travel from Pasacao, Camarines Sur to Tabaco City port, and another three hours of sea travel boarding the Calixta VI ferry to reach the San Andres, Catanduanes port, and finally the group was able to get to the island. A Kiwix device was donated to Bislig Elementary School, composed of ten school teachers and a population of 200-plus students. Eleven volunteers (BiancaBrazal, Brazal.dang, Kunokuno, Jheckpesino, Sheanjean, Annle123, YamPikit, Daphpb, Danbarrameda, Roronoa Erica, Cjay Barrameda) have conducted teachers' training on Wikimedia projects and Offline Wikipedia along with the donation of the device. The teachers, even with the absence of data connection, were able to try the editing experience through the Wikifundi software which was installed on the device. There was also a brief discussion on how Art and Feminism initiatives bridge the gender gap in Wiki projects. The possibility of creating the Catangduanon Wiktionary project was also considered to be part of future initiatives and collaboration.