Event:Wiki Loves Africa 2026 - Mass Upload Using PattyPan Session - EN
About the Session
[edit]As part of the Wiki Loves Africa 2026 Training and Webinar Series, this session introduces participants to PattyPan, a powerful batch upload tool designed to simplify contributions to Wikimedia Commons.
Uploading multiple media files especially for campaigns like Wiki Loves Africa can be time-consuming when done manually. This session will provide a practical, step-by-step guide on how to use PattyPan to efficiently upload images, video, and other media files while ensuring proper metadata, licensing, and categorization.
Whether you are documenting cultural heritage, local traditions, or everyday life across Africa, this training will help you streamline your workflow and contribute more effectively to Wikimedia Commons.
Trainer
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Asuru Lutherking Petercan is a heritage practitioner, researcher, and cultural documentation specialist working at the intersection of archives, architectural heritage, digital preservation, and public knowledge access. His work is driven by a commitment to documenting and preserving built heritage and archival histories, particularly within postcolonial and African contexts.
He holds a Master’s degree from Rivers State University, Nigeria, where he graduated with honours from a design- and research-based programme. His research explores heritage archives, colonial and post-war architecture, and decolonial approaches to memory and spatial histories.
Asuru has experience in archival description, classification, and heritage documentation. He has worked with key archival collections, including the John Godwin and Gillian Hopwood fonds, Michael Olutusen Onafowokan fonds, Frank Mbanefo fonds, and Vivien Ukwu fonds, contributing to the organization and interpretation of architectural records for wider access.
He is also actively involved in Wikimedia and open knowledge initiatives, supporting access to cultural resources through platforms like Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons. Through training and advocacy, he contributes to capacity-building in digital heritage practices.
His work bridges research, archival practice, and digital public humanities, fostering more inclusive and accessible understandings of heritage.
Who Can Attend
[edit]This session is open to all Wikimedians and enthusiasts interested in contributing to Wiki Loves Africa 2026. It is particularly useful for participants who plan to upload multiple files to Wikimedia Commons, including photographers, videographers, and audio creators.
Both beginners and experienced contributors are welcome. No prior experience with PattyPan is required just a basic understanding of Wikimedia Commons and a willingness to learn.
Why You Should Attend
[edit]By attending this session, participants will:
- Gain a clear understanding of what PattyPan is and how it works
- Learn how to prepare files and metadata for bulk uploads
- Understand how to structure spreadsheets for successful uploads
- Discover best practices for licensing, file descriptions, and categorization
- Learn how to avoid common mistakes during batch uploads
- Build confidence in contributing large volumes of high-quality content to Wikimedia Commons
This session is especially valuable for Wiki Loves Africa participants looking to maximize their contributions efficiently and professionally.
Timeline
[edit]- Date: 4th April 2026
- Time: 14:30 UTC
- Location: Zoom