IG and E-Win Digital Skills Acquisition for Transformation and Empowerment

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Background

Equity Watch Initiative (E-WIN) partnered with Igbo Wikimedians User Group Nigeria in the maiden edition of her digital skill acquisition program for young people in Nsukka, Enugu state. The event was geared towards raising awareness about Wikimedia projects as well as increasing the digital capacity of the young people and empowering them to contribute to Wikimedia projects. This project was conceived owing to the fact that digital skills are central in effective participation in Wikimedia projects. Owing to the rural nature of Nsukka, the host to the University of Nigeria, majority of her population do not have digital skills. Our observations in working on Wikimedia projects showed many of the University students, particularly the girls who participate does not seem to have the necessary digital skills that would enable effective participation. This usually affect their contributions in Wikimedia projects. Thus, idea came in a bid to sensitized both students and staff about Wikimedia as well as empower them to learn how they can contribute. It was a one-day sanitization program that was to create awareness about Wikimedia and sensitize participants on the need to improve their digital skills. This was targeted at enhancing increased participation and contribution to Wikimedia projects in Enugu state.

Aim

The major aim of this event was to create awareness about Wikimedia projects and to sensitize participants on the importance of digital skills and the need to increase their digital skills for effective participation in Wikimedia projects.

Schedule

• Date: 10th June, 2023
• Time:10.00 am - 02:00 pm WAT (in-person)
• Venue: National Energy Research Centre, University of Nigeria, Enugu State

Outcome

The event which focused on introducing participants to different Wikimedia projects and different digital skills including Basic ICT skills, Graphic design, Photography and photo editing, Cinematography and Video editing had the Co-Found of Igbo Wikimedians User Group Tochiprecious and the Co-Found of IG Wiki Hub Enugu Dr. Chiemezie Atama with about 200 participants in attendance. Tochiprecious who was a guest speaker in the event took time to educate participants about Wikimedia Foundation, Movement strategy, Wikipedia Policies and Guidelines and the Five Pillars. She leveraged the presentation to explain how participants engagements and contribution in Wikimedia projects can help in promoting Igbo Language and Culture. The event had some experts in the digital world who were invited to raise awareness about the importance of digital skills.

Gallery

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