Tamazight Wikimedia User Group/Gestion/Reports/Report 2023-2024
Meetings
[edit]Meeting 15 August 2023
[edit]Date: 15 August 2023
Time: 19:00–21:00 (CET)
Location: Online (Zoom)
Facilitator: Reda Kerbouche
Note-taker: Rachid Hamatou
Attendance
[edit]- Reda Kerbouche
- Rachid Hamatou
- Amine Bensalah
- Nadia Aït Lounis
- Yacine Mebarki
- Farida Ouassini
- Karim Bouzid
- Samira Chenni
- Rachid Zerrouki
- Laila Benamara
- Adel Benamer
Agenda
[edit]- Review of previous activities
- Planning upcoming contribution events
- Internal coordination issues
- Communication and outreach
- Any other business
Discussion
[edit]Review of previous activities
[edit]- Members shared feedback on the last edit-a-thon dedicated to Tamazight literature.
- Participation rate was good, but technical challenges (internet stability, lack of references) were noted.
- Agreement that future events should include a short training on reliable sources in Tamazight.
Planning upcoming contribution events
[edit]- Proposal to organize a September online writing campaign focusing on Tamazight history and biographies.
- Agreement to collaborate with other Wikimedia affiliates in North Africa if possible.
- A calendar of workshops will be drafted and shared by the end of the month.
Internal coordination issues
[edit]- Some members raised concerns about communication delays within the WhatsApp group.
- Decision: create a monthly internal newsletter to summarize tasks and deadlines.
- Volunteers assigned to test Telegram channel as an alternative communication tool.
Communication and outreach
[edit]- Need to increase visibility of the user group’s work on Meta-Wiki and social media.
- A member will prepare a short report for Diff blog.
- Discussion about engaging more young contributors and students through partnerships with cultural associations.
Any other business
[edit]- Reminder to update the annual activity plan before end of September.
- Agreement to prepare a proposal for participation in WikiArabia 2025.
Decisions and Action Points
[edit]| Task | Responsible | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Draft calendar of September writing campaign | Adel Benamer | 25 Aug 2023 |
| Prepare internal newsletter template | Laila Benamara | 30 Aug 2023 |
| Test Telegram as communication tool | Rachid Hamatou, Reda Kerbouche | 15 Sep 2023 |
| Update annual activity plan | All | 30 Sep 2023 |
Meeting 20 January 2024
[edit]Date: 20 January 2024
Time: 18:00–20:00 (CET)
Location: Online (Zoom)
Facilitator: Amine Bensalah
Note-taker: Nadia Aït Lounis
Attendance
[edit]- Amine Bensalah
- Nadia Aït Lounis
- Yacine Mebarki
- Akhrouf Miloud Zakaria
- Farida Ouassini
- Karim Bouzid
- Samira Chenni
- Rachid Zerrouki
- Laila Benamara
Agenda
[edit]- Exploration of upcoming photo walk project
- Representation of the User Group at WikiArabia Oman 2024
- Discussion about outreach to universities
- Internal governance matters
- Any other business
Discussion
[edit]Exploration of photo walk project
[edit]- Member Rachid Hamatou proposed organizing a photo walk (Wiki Photo Tour) in the Aurès and Kabylia regions to document landscapes, cultural heritage, and monuments.
- Participants agreed it would strengthen the user group’s visual contributions to Commons.
- Funding options will be explored through Wikimedia Foundation rapid grants.
- A tentative date in April 2024 was suggested.
Representation at WikiArabia Oman 2024
[edit]- The group discussed who will represent the user group during the conference.
- It was agreed that Yacine Mebarki will attend WikiArabia Oman 2024 on behalf of the user group.
- A preparation meeting will be held in March to finalize the presentation topics (focus on Tamazight-language contributions and photo documentation).
Outreach to universities
[edit]- Proposal to start a partnership with the University of Batna and University of Tizi Ouzou for student edit-a-thons.
- Farida Ouassini and Karim Bouzid volunteered to prepare a pilot session.
- Aim: recruit new contributors with focus on Tamazight language Wikipedia.
Internal governance
[edit]- Members discussed the need for clearer roles and responsibilities within the group.
- A draft internal charter will be prepared by Samira Chenni.
- Agreement to rotate meeting facilitators to encourage participation.
Any other business
[edit]- Laila Benamara suggested creating a monthly highlight on social media showcasing the “Article of the Month” in Tamazight Wikipedia.
- Decision: trial run will start in February 2024.
Decisions and Action Points
[edit]| Task | Responsible | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare plan and budget for photo walk (Aurès & Kabylia) | Rachid Hamatou | 15 Feb 2024 |
| Represent UG at WikiArabia Oman 2024 | Akhrouf Miloud Zakaria | April 2024 |
| Draft partnership proposal with universities | Farida Ouassini & Karim Bouzid | 28 Feb 2024 |
| Draft internal charter | Samira Chenni | 15 Mar 2024 |
| Launch “Article of the Month” social media campaign | Laila Benamara | 01 Feb 2024 |
20 November 2024
[edit]Date: 20 November 2024
Time: 19:00–21:00 (CET)
Location: Online (Zoom)
Facilitator: Reda Kerbouche
Note-taker: Farida Ouassini
Attendance
[edit]- Reda Kerbouche
- Adel Benamer
- Amine Bensalah
- Nadia Aït Lounis
- Yacine Mebarki
- Farida Ouassini
- Karim Bouzid
- Samira Chenni
- Rachid Zerrouki
- Laila Benamara
Agenda
[edit]- Reflections after participation in WikiArabia 2024 (Oman)
- Preparing a contribution plan for The Million Wiki Project
- Strategies for strengthening photo and Wikidata contributions
- Community engagement and future activities
Discussion
[edit]Reflections on WikiArabia 2024
[edit]- Members who attended shared their experiences from the conference in Oman.
- Akhrouf Miloud Zakaria and Reda Kerbouche reported on presentations given about Tamazight Wikipedia and regional collaboration.
- The group recognized the importance of strengthening partnerships with other North African user groups.
- Lessons learned: need for more structured presentations and earlier preparation.
The Million Wiki Project
[edit]- The group discussed ways to align with the global initiative.
- Three main contribution areas were identified:
- Photos: organize local photo walks and upload under relevant categories (heritage, landscapes, cultural practices).
- Wikidata: focus on items related to Tamazight language, culture, and Algerian heritage.
- Articles writing: thematic campaigns around history, biographies, and literature in Tamazight Wikipedia.
- Decision: create a yearly contribution plan with clear targets for each area.
Strengthening photo and Wikidata contributions
[edit]- Rachid Zerrouki proposed a small pilot project to train members on structured data on Commons.
- Agreement to set up an internal workshop in December 2024.
- A call will be opened for members to list monuments and cultural objects that need Wikidata coverage.
Community engagement and future activities
[edit]- Laila Benamara suggested involving schools and youth cultural clubs to expand contributors’ base.
- The group agreed to prepare a collaboration proposal for early 2025.
- A newsletter will be launched to keep track of Million Wiki Project contributions by group members.
Decisions and Action Points
[edit]| Task | Responsible | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Draft annual contribution plan (Million Wiki Project) | Amine Bensalah & Nadia Aït Lounis | 15 Dec 2024 |
| Organize workshop on structured data (Commons & Wikidata) | Rachid Zerrouki | 20 Dec 2024 |
| Launch contribution tracking newsletter | Samira Chenni | 05 Jan 2025 |
| Prepare collaboration proposal with schools and clubs | Laila Benamara | 31 Jan 2025 |
Conference Representatives
[edit]WikiArabia 2024: Extended Report: "Information is Key: Understanding the World of Coins"
[edit]Session Overview
[edit]- Title: Information is Key: Understanding the World of Coins
- Speaker: Akhrouf Miloud Zakaria, Algeria – literature graduate and heritage collector
- Format: Lightning Talk (Arabic) at WikiArabia 2024
Key Themes
[edit]- The historical and contemporary significance of numismatics.
- Techniques for verifying coin authenticity and reliable reference sources.
- The importance of tailoring research to the specific coin and country.
Visual Highlights
[edit]-
Title slide of the presentation -
Speaker engaging the audience -
Mid-presentation engagement -
Audience/environment snapshot
Importance & Implications
[edit]This talk elegantly fused cultural heritage with informational precision—demonstrating how coins serve not only as artifacts, but also as gateways to understanding regional history. The emphasis on authenticity, contextualized research, and reliable sources highlights best practices for Wikipedia, Commons, and Wikidata contributors.
Recommended Actions for the Community
[edit]- Initiate a numismatics-themed edit-a-thon in Tamazight or Arabic Wikipedia.
- Enrich Wikidata with structured data on significant coins and historical series.
- Host workshops on documenting physical artifacts—photos, metadata, historical background—to bridge offline heritage with online knowledge.
Activities
[edit]Participation in the Photo Walk in Aurès and Kabylia
[edit]The Wikimedians of Tamazight User Group participated in a cultural photo walk led by Rachid Hamatou in the Aurès and Kabylia regions. The initiative aimed to document landscapes, monuments, and daily life in areas that hold a central place in Algeria’s history and Tamazight identity. Members joined the activity with cameras and mobile devices, capturing both natural scenery and cultural landmarks to enrich Wikimedia Commons.
During the walk, participants focused on documenting underrepresented heritage, such as traditional houses, mountain villages, and historical sites rarely photographed in free-license repositories. The experience also served as a training opportunity, as newer members learned practical skills in photography, metadata tagging, and the importance of licensing images for open knowledge. The collaboration created a sense of unity among members and strengthened the group’s mission to preserve and share Tamazight culture.
The outcomes of the photo walk will directly support Wikimedia projects. Images are being uploaded to Wikimedia Commons, connected with relevant Wikidata items, and illustrated across Wikipedia articles in different languages. Beyond digital impact, the activity also fostered stronger ties with local communities who welcomed the initiative, opening possibilities for future collaborations. This project reflects the group’s commitment to both cultural heritage preservation and active participation in global Wikimedia campaigns.
