Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda/Events & Projects/Wikimania 2022/JacobOcenFay/Report

Welcome back from Wikimania 2022! Please write your report here. Once you have completed the application, please email the link to wikimaniawikimedia.org (by 20 September 2022). If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email us.

Username

JacobOcenFay

How I attended Wikimania 2022

I attended Wikimania 2022 virtually via Pheedloop, YouTube and occasionally Zoom. I also attended in-person in Kampala at Capital Kitchen Thobani House, Uganda where different Wikimedians from all parts of Uganda gathered, learnt, shared and celebrated together. I however encountered some technical difficulties with Pheedloop mobile web versions.

What I spent the scholarship funds on

I spent my scholarship funds on internet data bundles & transport to the in-person event, bought a power extension cable for the virtual event to power the computer without any disturbances. I also spent some on food and drinks.

Takeaways from 3 Wikimania sessions I attended and their description key take-aways per session.

Digital security session.

This session enlightened me to understand more about security and safety online. I got to know about assessing digital tools (whether it is open source, encrypted, data proof and data sharing). I learnt about digital spaces and how to benefit from them. I also managed to understand the concepts of a good digital habits i.e. keeping software updated, protecting passwords, and being aware of what kind of personal information I am posting online. I learnt about digital security trade off, including anonymity and pseudonymity in the digital world and how they can be used to avoid "doxing".

Wikimedian of the Year 2022

This was one of my best sessions too, where I got to know more about individuals who are working tirelessly to bridge the information gaps in the world. The expressions when they feel celebrated are really key and the fact that the foundation really appreciates their work is so inspiring, I feel so proud of all those who contributes to free knowledge, and I long to be a Wikimedian of the year one day too, with good mentorship and guidance.

Understanding DEI in Wiki Loves Monuments and federated campaigns

For the past one year, I had been wondering why I could not be selected as the winner for the Wiki Loves-, until I listened to one of the judges talk at this session. I was able to get to know some of the challenges faced by the different local community groups in organizing such competitions locally. I loved the fact that local communities take the initiative to take photographs of their different cultural heritage sites, not waiting for foreigners to do so their behalf. The fact that these competitions are not all about winning, but rather being a patriot and a true wikimedian, changed my mindset and encouraged me to work towards availing hidden endangered monuments around the world and locality.

There were a lot of rother sessions I enjoyed too including Poetry in Motion, Wikipedia and education, Wikimedia Sound Logo, Wikivibrance and the Content Partnership Hub

How I connected with other people during Wikimania 2022? How I celebrated at Wikimania 2022

I connected with many people virtually through the lobby and networking programs of Pheedloop platform. It was also possible for me to make some new friends at the in-person event in Uganda, where we interacted, shared ideas and exchanged contacts to keep communicating.

I celebrated my Wikimania in Kampala at the in-person event, were we had a lot of meals for breakfast, lunch and ice-cream too. The organizing team members were very hospitable, and they made us learn a lot from the sessions. I enjoyed the quiz too, though I made it to the third position.

(Optional) Please share link(s) to your social media post(s) about Wikimania

https://twitter.com/jacobfayocen/status/1557419063487463424

https://twitter.com/jacobfayocen/status/1558051694977638400

https://twitter.com/jacobfayocen/status/1558529031791935491