Wikimedia Community user Group Rwanda/Annual Report 2023

Wikimedia Rwanda Activity Report 2023

2023-24 Annual Activity Report

Executive Summary[edit]

In 2023, We continued our mission to promote the creation, collection, and dissemination of free knowledge in Rwanda. Despite various challenges faced, We achieved significant milestones in our efforts to expand access to information and foster community engagement.

Key Highlights[edit]

Content Creation and Expansion

- We facilitated the creation of new articles across various topics relevant to Rwandan culture, history, and current affairs on English,French and Kinyarwanda Wikipedia. This included collaborations with local experts, universities, and cultural institutions to ensure the accuracy and diversity of content. -Efforts were made to prioritize articles in pa Kinyarwanda, to enhance accessibility for Rwandan communities.

Community Outreach and Capacity Building

- Several edit-a-thons, workshops, and training sessions were conducted throughout the year to empower volunteers with editing skills and promote Wikimedia projects. - Wikimedia Rwanda organized outreach events in collaboration with secondary schools, universities to raise awareness about the importance of free knowledge and encourage participation in Wikimedia projects. - We had a team building workshop

Partnerships and Collaborations

- Strategic partnerships were forged with governmental bodies, NGOs, and private organizations to support Wikimedia Rwanda's initiatives and amplify its impact. - Collaborative projects were undertaken with local cultural and educational institutions to digitize and preserve cultural heritage materials, making them accessible on Wikimedia Commons and other Wikimedia platforms.

Skills Development among community members

- Wikimedia Rwanda is transitioning its focus towards empowering members to not only contribute to existing activities but also take ownership of shaping the community through innovative initiatives

Leveraging social media engagement

- We implemented a comprehensive social media engagement strategy to raise awareness about our mission, projects, and initiatives, thereby fostering community involvement and participation in Wikimedia projects. We utilized various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to reach a diverse audience.

                   Content generation projects

In 2023, we implemented the following projects:

Mois International de la contribution francophone 2023[edit]

Atelier de contribution Femme et Changement Climatique au Rwanda du Mars 25^er au 05.05 2023

In March 2023, coinciding with Mois de la Contribution de la Francophone 2023, Wikimedia Rwanda with financial support from WikiFranca held a Women and Climate Change workshop. The workshop aimed to train new contributors to document Rwandan women's often-overlooked environmental and climate change actions on French Wikipedia and other Wikimedia platforms like Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons. This initiative empowered women to share their own experiences, to have them create 70% of the content themselves. This one-month-long project resulted in 87 articles created,304 edited and more than 100 photos related to the theme uploaded on Wikicommons.

Project dashboard: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mois_de_la_Contribution_Francophone_2023/Rwanda-_Atelier_de_Contribution

WIKIGAP 2023[edit]

W I K I G A P 2023 Rwanda

WikiGap Challenge winners in Rwanda 2023

Building on past successes, Wikimedia Rwanda held its fourth WikiGap challenge edition, this time focusing on enhancing Wikipedia articles about remarkable Rwandan women created during previous WikiGap events. This effort was made possible with the support of the Wikimedia Foundation.

This 2 weeks long Challenge resulted in 78 articles created, 628 edited and 129 photos uploaded on Wikicommons of which 126 were used on relevant articles.

Challenge dashboard: https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Wikimedia_User_Group_Rwanda/WikiGap_2023_in_Rwanda_(June_-August_2023)

Africa Day Campaign 2023[edit]

The Africa Wiki Challenge in Rwanda focused on bridging the information gap about the continent. Through this campaign, participants created high-quality content for Wikipedia and its sister projects (Wikidata) that accurately reflected African culture, heritage, people, and other relevant information.

This year's theme, "Africa Continental Free Trade," offered a unique opportunity. It allowed editors to document the rich tapestry of African stories while promoting the potential of free trade across the continent. The project fostered a more accurate representation of Africa online, driven by the knowledge and narratives of Africans themselves.

online session
Africa Day Campaign Day Winner in Rwanda

Wiki for HighSchools 2023[edit]

To incorporate Wikipedia into the curriculum of Rwandan secondary schools and harness its extensive knowledge base to enrich students' educational experiences and enhance their information literacy abilities, We supported our community members led by Robert Rugamba ([[Annick Green) initiated the Reading Wikipedia in the Classroom pilot project in two secondary schools situated in Rwanda's eastern province: GS Gishari and GS Ruhunda. The key goals of this endeavor include:

1. Advancing information literacy: Equipping students with the capacity to proficiently identify, assess, and utilize information. 2. Fostering critical thinking: Encouraging students to scrutinize information critically, formulate their own viewpoints, and participate in constructive discussions. 3. Expanding knowledge: Providing students with access to a diverse array of information beyond traditional textbooks. 4. Enhancing writing skills: Encouraging students to write effectively by modeling clear and concise language after Wikipedia. 5. Cultivating a lifelong learning ethos: Instilling a passion for learning and a curiosity to independently explore new subjects.

This initiative introduced 10 educators and 50 students from both schools to the Wikimedia movement, Wikipedia, and its associated projects. Project dashboard : GS Ruhunda: https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Wikimedia_Rwanda/Reading_Wikipedia_in_the_Classroom_in_Rwanda_at_GS_St_Robert_Ruhunda GS Gishari: https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Wikimedia_Rwanda/Reading_Wikipedia_in_the_Classroom_in_Rwanda_at_GS_Gishari/home This led to the establishment pf two wiki clubs in the two schools.

GS Ruhunda teachers
Edit-a-thon at GS Ruhunda
GS Gishari Students
GS Ruhunda Headmaster

Wikipedia Pages wanting Photos Campaign[edit]

In 2023, Wikipedia Pages Wanting Photos marked its fourth annual campaign, during which Wikipedia editors worldwide, along with Wikipedia language projects and communities, added photos to articles lacking visual content. The campaign aimed to promote the utilization of digital media files obtained from various Wikimedia photography contests and Photowalks organized by the Wikimedia community. Incorporating photographs not only enhances the reader's engagement but also enriches and illustrates the content, rendering articles more informative and captivating.

In Rwanda, the fourth edition contributed to enhancing the Kinyarwanda Wikipedia with 1698 pages, supplemented by the inclusion of pertinent images generously provided through past photography competitions..

3rd winner
1st winner

Campaign link : https://hashtags.wmcloud.org/graph/?query=WPWPRW&project=rw.wikipedia.org+&startdate=2023-08-01&enddate=2023-10-30&search_type=or&user=

Wiki Loves Monuments 2023[edit]

Wiki Loves Monuments is a global photography competition aimed at showcasing historical sites worldwide through Wikimedia projects, primarily Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons. It is open to participation by anyone.

by 2023, the Wikimedia Community User Group Rwanda hosted the contest in Rwanda for the third time, with support from the international organizing team of Wiki Loves Monuments.

Some of the donated photos

She Said Campaign 2023[edit]

Numerous notable women have left their mark on the history of African societies, while innovative female entrepreneurs play a significant role in driving the diverse economies of Africa, both formal and informal. However, women and female children continue to grapple with various gender-related challenges in their daily lives. In light of these realities, the Wiki Loves Women initiative celebrates female leaders through the SheSaid drive. This event was aimed at enhancing the visibility of Rwandan women by either creating new Wikiquote entries or editing existing ones in English and French.

Objectives: 1. Engage in the global #SheSaid Campaign. 2. Raise awareness about the gender gap across Wikimedia projects and advocate for its reduction. 3. Provide training for both new and existing editors on the creation and editing of Wikiquote entries focused on Rwandan women in English and French. Outcomes: During this campaign 576 Articles Created on Wikiquotes and 826 were edited through adding new quotes by Rwandan Women

Campaign dashboard: https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Wikimedia_User_Group_Rwanda/Wiki_Loves_Women_SheSaid_2023_in_Rwanda_(10th_December-30th)

Digital Accessibility with Inclusion of people with disabilities[edit]

In an effort to promote inclusivity within the Wikimedia Rwanda community and address the underrepresentation of individuals with disabilities, Alice Mukeshimana, Byiringiro Cedric, and Niyigena Jack, supported by Wikimedia Rwanda, launched the "Digital Accessibility Inclusion of People with Disabilities Contributing to Wikimedia Projects in Rwanda" initiative. This project aimed to tackle the lack of representation of people with physical disabilities in contributing to Wikimedia Projects in Rwanda, as well as the knowledge gap on platforms like the Kinyarwanda Wikipedia.

The campaign recognizes the disparity in the Wikimedia community's composition in Rwanda and the absence of individuals with disabilities, despite their potential contributions. Additionally, it acknowledges the significant knowledge gap on platforms like the Kinyarwanda Wikipedia, which directly affects individuals with disabilities.

To address these challenges, the initiative focuses on raising awareness about digital inclusivity, providing training and support to individuals with disabilities to enhance their contributions to Wikimedia Projects, enriching content on the Kinyarwanda Wikipedia relevant to individuals with disabilities, and fostering a supportive and inclusive community.

Overall, the launch of this campaign signifies a crucial step towards promoting digital inclusivity and accessibility in Rwanda by actively involving individuals with physical disabilities and bridging the knowledge gap on Wikimedia platforms.

Project dashboard : https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Wikimedia_Community_User_Group_Rwanda/Digital_Accessibility_with_Inclusion_of_people_with_disabilities

                 Community Health and outreach

Community retreat[edit]

Wikimedia Rwanda organized a community retreat in 2023 for several reasons, each aiming to strengthen the Wikimedia community in Rwanda and advance its mission of promoting free knowledge:

Community Building and Cohesion: This retreat provided an opportunity for Wikimedia Rwanda members to come together in a relaxed setting, fostering stronger bonds and a sense of belonging within the community. By spending time together outside of regular activities, members built trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding.

Networking and Collaboration: Bringing together members from different backgrounds and areas of expertise facilitated networking and collaboration opportunities. This retreat provided a platform for members to exchange ideas, share experiences, and forge partnerships with like-minded individuals. This lead to the development of new projects, joint initiatives, and cross-community collaborations, ultimately enriching the Wikimedia ecosystem in Rwanda.

Community Reflection and Evaluation : This retreat offer a chance for the community to reflect on past experiences and evaluate the effectiveness of previous initiatives. This reflective process enabled continuous learning and growth within the community, ensuring that future endeavors are informed by past lessons.

MCDC Conversation ; The session was meticulously designed for those curious minds within the community, eager to self understand the mysteries of the Movement Charter everyone could share what he/she Know about Movement charter and comprehend how it shapes the Wikimedia movement. The aim was clear – to provide a comprehensive understanding of the charter’s significance.

The Wikimedia Rwanda community retreat in 2023 served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen community bonds foster collaboration, and engage in reflective practices, all aimed at advancing the mission of free knowledge dissemination in Rwanda.

Team building Workshop[edit]

Wikimedia Rwanda team building workshop
Wikimedia Rwanda team building workshop 3
Wikimedia Rwanda team building workshop 8

Wikimedia Rwanda organized a team-building workshop, during which the executive team members underwent a full day of training using the Clarity 4D personality profiling tool facilitated by a hired consultant, for several compelling reasons:

Enhancing Team Dynamics: The workshop aimed to improve the dynamics and collaboration within the executive team. By gaining insights into their individual personality traits and communication styles through Clarity 4D, team members could better understand each other's strengths, preferences, and potential areas of conflict. This understanding forms the foundation for building stronger working relationships and fostering a more cohesive team environment.

Improving Communication: Effective communication is essential for any successful team. The Clarity 4D training provided the executive team with valuable insights into how different personality types prefer to communicate, receive information, and make decisions. Armed with this knowledge, team members can adapt their communication styles to better resonate with their colleagues, leading to clearer, more effective communication and reduced misunderstandings.

Building Trust and Empathy: Trust is crucial for fostering a supportive and productive team culture. Through the Clarity 4D workshop, team members gained a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives, motivations, and behavioral tendencies. This increased awareness promotes empathy and appreciation for diverse viewpoints, laying the groundwork for trust to flourish within the team.

Identifying Strengths and Areas for Development: Clarity 4D offered insights into individual strengths, preferences, and areas for development across various aspects of work and collaboration. By identifying areas where team members excel and where they may benefit from further development, the workshop empowers individuals to leverage their strengths and proactively address any skill gaps or challenges they may face.

Aligning Goals and Objectives: A cohesive executive team requires alignment around shared goals and objectives. The Clarity 4D workshop provided a platform for team members to reflect on their individual goals and aspirations, as well as those of the organization. By aligning individual goals with organizational objectives, the workshop helped ensure that the executive team is working collaboratively towards a common vision, fostering a sense of purpose and unity.

Driving Performance and Innovation: Ultimately, the aim of the team-building workshop was to drive performance and foster a culture of innovation within the executive team. By improving team dynamics, communication, trust, and alignment, the workshop equips the team with the tools and mindset needed to tackle challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and drive the organization forward towards its goals.

In summary, the Clarity 4D team-building workshop organized by Wikimedia Rwanda for its executive team served as a valuable investment in improving team dynamics, communication, trust, alignment, and performance, ultimately contributing to the organization's overall success and effectiveness.

                    Charity activities

As a registered non-profit organization in Rwanda, Wikimedia Rwanda fulfilled its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by providing health insurance to 30 needs families who reside in Nyarugenge district's Nyarugenge sector. This initiative strengthens their connection with the local community where Wikimedia Rwanda has an office.

                     Partnerships and Collaborations

Wikimedia Rwanda established a relationship both locally and regional to be able to gain more experience through exchange of skills and knowledge sharing.

Interpeace and Never Again Rwanda

Amani Youth Expo:

Wikimedia Rwanda at Amani youths expo
Amani youths expo &Summit
Amani youths expo & Summit

The Amani Youth Expo and Summit, organized by Rwandan youth innovators: Mfuranzima Fred representing Imfura Heritage, Iradukunda Providence representing Youths Estimation, Ndahiro Derrick representing Wikimedia Rwanda, Bugingo Sudiq Abaobacar representing Humura Rwanda, Innocente Kabasinga represented the Smile Foundation and Esther Mutegwaraba represented the Iraba Foundation.

The Amani Youth Expo and Summit addressed mental health challenges, particularly depression. This project aimed to empower young people through knowledge, skills, and support in mental health and peacebuilding. Through dialogue, collaboration, and skill-building activities, the Expo fostered a platform for youth to share experiences and explore solutions for mental well-being. Organizations showcased initiatives promoting mental health, while the event emphasized youth participation in decision-making to create lasting change and a new generation of leaders.

References :

https://www.interpeace.org/videos/derrick-ndahiro-rwanda/

Wikimedia DRC

In Kigali, Wikimedia Rwanda team met members from the Democratic Republic Congo's User group Wikimedia chapter. The discussion centered on working together on cross-border initiatives such as Movement Strategy in_Africa Great_Lakes Project and sharing expertise, with a particular emphasis on setting up Regional Wiki Clubs. The DRC team's experiences will be valuable in guiding this new establishment in Rwanda.

WLM international organizing team

The international organizing team of Wiki Loves Monuments supported Wikimedia Rwanda with micro-grants to facilitate the organization of WLM 2023, resulting in a successful event. .

Wiki World Heritage

The Wiki World Heritage, Through the WH2B (World Heritage To Be) project which aims to document the future World Heritage sites featuring on the UNESCO tentative list through documenting the sites. Provided the financial Support towards the implementation of the Photo Walk to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial Site in Rwanda.

WH2B emerges as a proactive endeavor, aiming to document and highlight the cultural and natural treasures poised to become future World Heritage sites

WikiFranca

WikiFranca supported the implemementation of Mois de la Contribution Francophone 2023/Rwanda- Atelier de Contribution.

                    MCDC COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

The Wikimedia Rwanda community, primarily Kinyarwanda speakers, organized three in-person events. The first event, held on October 14th, served as an introduction to the Movement Charter itself. Subsequently, on October 29th, another event focused on group discussions revolving around the Global Council and the roles and responsibilities of hubs. The final event took place on December 9th, 2023, centered on an in-depth conversation about the Movement Charter. Given that some community members had prior exposure to the documents and discussions, the conversation was characterized by insightful questions and ideas.

                  Leveraging Social Media Engagement

We implemented a comprehensive social media engagement strategy to raise awareness about our mission, projects, and initiatives, thereby fostering community involvement and participation in Wikimedia projects. We utilized various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to reach a diverse audience. We were able to reach up to 5000 people in a year with the support of our communications team. social media handles : Facebook: Wikimedia Rwanda X(Tweeter):Wikimedia Rwanda Instagram; Wikimedia Rwanda

                Participation in the Wikimedia wider events

Wiki convention 2023

Two individuals from our team, Ndahiro Derrick and Nyirahabihirwe Clementine, attended the Wikiconvention conference held in Ivory Coast. This event provided them with a valuable chance to connect and collaborate with French-speaking communities within the Wikimedia movement..

EduWiki 2023

Our team member, Rebecca Jeannette Nyinawumuntu, was present and actively engaged in the EduWiki conference held in Serbia. This involvement facilitated the establishment of potential partnerships between Wikimedia Rwanda and the Wikipedia & Education User Group.

WikiWomen Camp 2023

Our team member, Rebecca Jeannette Nyinawumuntu, was present and actively engaged in the Wiki Women Camp 2023 in New Delhi, India, ,a conference aimed at bringing together individuals who identify themselves as women from different countries of the Wikimedia movement, leaders of their respective communities and with strong experience and proven engagement with the gendergap topic.

GLAM conference 2023

Our team member, Nyirahabihirwe Clementine, was present and actively engaged in the Glam Conference in Montevideo ,Uruguay, an extraordinary international gathering that brings together cultural heritage professionals (from Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, etc.) with the vibrant Wikimedia communities.

Wikimania 2023

Our team member, Derrick Ndahiro was able to participate in and contribute actively to the Wikimania 2023 conference held in Singapore, representing Wikimedia Rwanda.

WikiIndaba conference 2023

Our team members Derrick Ndahiro and Nyinawumuntu Jeanette Rebecca attended and participated in the WikiIndaba conference hosted in Agadir, Morocco , a great opportunity that allowed the team members to widen networks within the wikimedia movement and sharing some important learnings to other community members as well.

Looking Ahead[edit]

As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2023, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. In 2024, Wikimedia Rwanda aims to further expand its reach, deepen its impact, and strengthen its partnerships. We will continue to prioritize content creation, capacity building, and community engagement, while also exploring new avenues for growth and innovation.

    Get Involved

We invite all Wikimedians and supporters of free knowledge to join us in our mission. Whether you are an experienced editor, a passionate advocate, or someone looking to contribute for the first time, there are numerous ways to get involved. Together, we can make a difference and empower people around the world to access and share knowledge freely.

                                                         ===== MURAKOZE, THANK YOU =====

References[edit]