The Gambia Wikimedia Community/Annual Report 2025
Introduction
[edit]This report outlines the activities, achievements, and challenges of The Gambia Wikimedia Community during the year 2025. It reflects the group’s commitment to promoting free and open knowledge, increasing Gambian representation across Wikimedia projects, and building a sustainable local contributor community.
Overview of the Community
[edit]- Status: Emerging Wikimedia User Group
- Geographic focus: The Gambia
- Core contributors: Volunteers, students, librarians, and community members
- Main platforms: Wikipedia, Wikidata, Wikisource, Wiki Commons, Wikimedia Incubator, and Meta-Wiki
Key Objectives for 2025
[edit]- Build awareness of Wikimedia projects in The Gambia
- Train new editors and support existing contributors
- Improve the quantity and quality of Gambian content
- Strengthen partnerships with libraries and educational institutions
Major Activities and Programs
[edit]Training and Capacity Building
[edit]In July 2025, The Gambia Wikimedia Community conducted a structured training programme supported through a Wikimedia Foundation Rapid Grant. The training focused on introducing new contributors to Wikimedia projects, including Wikipedia, Wikidata, and Wikisource. Participants received hands-on guidance on editing principles, sourcing, notability, and community policies, with an emphasis on Gambian content and local knowledge.
Edit-a-thons and Content Campaigns
[edit]- Thematic edit-a-thons focusing on Gambian biographies, culture, and history: The Gambia stub challenge
- Contributions to Wikipedia, Wikidata, and Wikisource following the July 2025 training: Wikimedia Projects Awareness and Edit-a-thon in The Gambia
Outreach and Community Engagement
[edit]- Online outreach through social media platforms
- Engagement with students, youth groups, and interested volunteers
Media Coverage and Public Visibility
[edit]Our advocacy and community activities have received coverage across national newspapers, online media platforms, and television. In addition, the group has gained visibility through presentations at international Wikimedia events and related public engagements.
Below are selected examples of media coverage and public recognition of the Group:
- Wikimedia User Group Gambia Embarks on Awareness Raising Campaign (Gambia Daily, July 31, 2025)
- Local language media coverage (YouTube) (Besel Media)
- Wikimedia Awareness Campaign Report (YouTube) ( Fulbe TV)
- My First Wikimania: Lessons, Inspiration, and a Renewed Mission (Diff)
- Putting The Gambia on the World’s Digital Knowledge Map: Reflections from Wikimania 2025 (Diff)
- Expanding Wikimedia Awareness in the Gambia(Diff)
Grants and Resources
[edit]- Wikimedia Foundation Rapid Grant received in 2025 to support community training and capacity building.
- Resources were used for internet access, venue support, training materials, and participant facilitation.
Outcomes and Impact
[edit]- Increased awareness of Wikimedia projects in The Gambia.
- Growth in the number of active contributors.
- Improved representation of Gambian topics and data.
- Strengthened local capacity for open knowledge contribution.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
[edit]- Limited resources and internet access.
- Need for sustained community engagement.
- Importance of mentorship and follow-up after training.
Conclusion
[edit]In 2025, the Gambia Wikimedia laid important groundwork for building a vibrant and sustainable Wikimedia community. The experiences and lessons from the year will inform stronger programs, partnerships, and growth in 2026.
Acknowledgements
[edit]We acknowledge the contributions of volunteers, partners, and the Wikimedia Foundation for supporting open knowledge initiatives in The Gambia.