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Wikimedia Community User Group South Sudan

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Wikimedia Community User Group South Sudan
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Wikimedia Community
User Group
South Sudan

South Sudan
Location South Sudan
Country codeSSD
Approval dateFebruary 3, 2025
Volunteers50
Official language(s)pga , English
FacebookWikisouthsudan


Who we are

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The Wikimedia Community User Group South Sudan (WCUGSS) is a growing, volunteer-driven community dedicated to advancing free, inclusive, and locally relevant knowledge across Wikimedia platforms such as Wikipedia, Wikidata, and Wikimedia Commons.

Founded as a grassroots initiative, the community works in a uniquely challenging context shaped by limited digital infrastructure, low awareness of open knowledge, and underrepresentation of South Sudanese perspectives online. Despite these challenges, WCUGSS has steadily built a network of contributors committed to documenting the country’s culture, languages, history, and lived realities.

The group was officially recognized by the Wikimedia Foundation in 2025.

Mission

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To empower communities in South Sudan and the South Sudanese in diaspora to create, preserve, and share knowledge through Wikimedia platforms.

Vision

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A South Sudan where everyone can access, contribute to, and benefit from free, inclusive, and culturally accurate knowledge.


We focus on bridging knowledge gaps about South Sudan by:

  • Increasing local content on Wikimedia platforms
  • Promoting digital and information literacy
  • Amplifying marginalized voices, cultures, and languages
  • Building a sustainable and inclusive contributor community

Our mission is grounded in openness, collaboration, and community-driven impact.

Objectives

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  • To promote awareness and use of Wikimedia projects across South Sudan
  • To train new contributors in editing and content creation
  • To document South Sudanese knowledge, culture, and history
  • To build partnerships with institutions and communities
  • To serve as the national contact point for Wikimedia activities

Our Context

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Operating in South Sudan presents both challenges and opportunities.

Key realities include:

  • Limited internet access and digital literacy
  • Low representation of South Sudanese content online
  • Strong oral traditions with untapped knowledge potential

These conditions shape our approach — prioritizing **capacity building, offline engagement, and culturally relevant knowledge documentation**.

Programs and Activities

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WCUGSS organizes and participates in initiatives such as:

  • Edit-a-thons and writing campaigns
  • Training workshops for new editors
  • Wiki Loves campaigns (Africa, Monuments, Folklore)
  • Education-focused programs (EduWiki)
  • Climate and human rights campaigns (e.g., WikiForHumanRights)

Key Achievements

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  • Successful participation in global Wikimedia campaigns
  • Training of new contributors across multiple cohorts
  • Establishment of a growing volunteer base
  • Initial partnerships and community outreach programs

Governance Structure

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To ensure accountability and growth, WCUGSS is evolving towards a structured governance system:

  • Community Leads – Provide coordination and leadership
  • Program Coordinators – Manage projects and campaigns
  • Volunteers – Drive implementation and content creation

(Transitioning toward a more formal governance structure as the community grows.)

Strategic Direction (2025–2029)

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Our priorities include:

  • Expanding contributor base across regions
  • Strengthening partnerships with institutions
  • Increasing locally relevant content
  • Building capacity in digital literacy and storytelling

Community and Participation

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The strength of WCUGSS lies in its community.

We actively welcome:

  • Students
  • Educators
  • Researchers
  • Cultural practitioners
  • Youth and women leaders

Archived Projects

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  • Wikivibrance 2022 in South Sudan
  • Africa Youth Month 2022 in South Sudan

Archived Meetings

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Members

  1. Romeo Ronald L
  2. Bida Thomas
  3. Dennis Denaya
  4. GENGEN211
  5. George Levi
  6. Arop Mathew Daniel
  7. Asiki Ronalio
  8. Khemis Anthony
  9. Levi wan I Charles
  10. Leviticus Galuak
  11. Likambo Isaac
  12. Makelele Emmanuel Jr
  13. Mandenya Samuel Francis
  14. Nuel taban
  15. Okello Justine
  16. Oliver matungu ata
  17. Semaya Lomodo
  18. Seme Ayani
  19. Seme Banja
  20. Wani Yusif
  21. YESUA ALIKI
  22. Makur Majeng
  23. Data Bettuel

How to join

Join the Wikimedia Community User Group South Sudan and make a difference! Contribute to open education resources, raise awareness about climate change, preserve cultural heritage, and empower women's involvement. Collaborate, network, and be part of a passionate community dedicated to positive change. Visit our social media platforms @wikisouthsudan and join to get updates of trainings, editathons and programs to get started. Alternatively, you can join either our WhatsApp or Telegram groups to get more immediate feedback!

Together, we can create impact in South Sudan!

Contact information

You can also join the discussion on our talk page
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