Wikimedia Engagement and Community Development in Northern Cyprus Through University Clubs

This project brings two universities together with Wiki clubs in Northern Cyprus with the shared mission of encouraging the free knowledge, collaboration, and community growth. This project aims to create a network of young contributors who are the future potential of Wikimedia.

Through a series of workshops, camps, and activities, the participants are going to gain skills in digital literacy, collaborative editing, and knowledge sharing while also strengthening their connection with the community. The program is designed not only to empower individual contributors but also to establish sustainable structures within university environments that can continue to promote Wikimedia values.

Planned activities

METU Workshop: In mid-April, we plan to hold a workshop at METU NCC Wikipedia Society. The planned focus will be on the Women in Red project, where we create articles about notable women missing in Wikipedia. We will explain how Wikipedia is always incomplete and why this matters. Attendees will receive step-by-step guidance on editing and writing new articles. We believe this activity will attract their interest, since it combines learning new skills with making a real impact on open knowledge.

Konferans:Vikipedi: A collaborative event for students from both AÖA and METU, as well as local community participants, to be held on both university campuses in two different cities. The program will feature online Wikimedian speakers from around the globe, sharing insights on Wikimedia projects, free knowledge, and collaborative content creation. Building on the success of previous smaller conferences held at both universities, this expanded conference aims to foster networking, skill development, and active participation in the Wikimedia movement among students and the wider community. (4 may)

AÖA Education Workshop: A workshop organized for the students of the AÖA Wiki Club, with a special focus on creating, expanding, and improving education-related articles on Wikipedia. The event emphasizes the importance of filling existing gaps, especially on topics such as universities around the world, the education system in Northern Cyprus, and other underrepresented areas in the field of education. Since AÖA students are themselves primary school teaching students, they are interested in education. The workshop not only enhances their knowledge but also develops their skills in researching, writing, and contributing to Wikipedia. (18 may)

WikiCamp: A Wikicamp designed for students from both Wiki Student Clubs, providing an opportunity to develop their skills in research, writing, and collaborative editing, while contributing meaningful content to Wikimedia projects. The camp aims to foster teamwork, enhance digital literacy, and encourage active participation in the global Wikimedia movement. (Program for Wikicamp can be found Here) (27-30 may)

AÖA Library Open Knowledge Corner: A dedicated space in the AÖA Library designed to celebrate and promote the values of free knowledge, collaboration, and open access to information. The plan is to transform an entire wall of the library into a visually engaging knowledge hub covered with posters, infographics, and visuals that highlight the importance of free knowledge and the role of Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects in making it accessible to everyone. The posters will feature key concepts such as open access, collaboration, reliability, verifiability, and digital literacy, alongside inspiring examples of global contributions made by volunteers. Special emphasis will be placed on how students, academics, and researchers can actively participate in knowledge sharing, both as readers and as contributors. (TBD)

Spring Fest Stand - At METU NCC, we plan to take part in the annual Spring Fest with an engaging and interactive booth. Building on our successful presence last year—where students enjoyed a short Wikipedia quiz with some basic awards. The booth will serve the students as an engaging space to meet with us, raise awareness about us, and encourage them to join and take part in future activities.

Program for Wikicamp

27 MAY

10.00-13.30:Travel to Wikicamp area
13.30-14.30: Lunch
14.30-16.00: Welcome session & icebreaking activities
16.00-17.00: Presentation: How Student Clubs Impact Wikimedia
17.00-17.15: Break
17.15-18.00: Discussion: The Importance of Youth Participation and Student Clubs in the Wikimedia Movement
18.00-20.00: dinner
20.00-21.00: Free time & socializing

28 MAY

09.00-10.00: Breakfast
10.00-11.00: Presentation: The Decline of Young Contributors in Wikimedia
11.00-11.15: Break
11.15-13.30: Workshop: Women in Red
13.30-14.30: Luch
14.30-16.00: Skills Market (three simultaneous skill-gaining workshop sessions)
16.00-16.15: Break
16.15-17.15: Presentation: Fact-Checking in the Age of Misinformation
17.15-18.00: Mini outdoor game: Treasure Quest
18.00-20.00: Dinner
20.00-21.00: Quiz night

29 MAY

09.00-10.00: Breakfast
10.00-10.30: Presentation: Wikidata Overview
10.30-11.30: Wikidata Editathon
11.30-13.30: Discussion: How AI Impacts Wikimedia Projects
13.30-14.30: Lunch
14.30-15.30: Lightning Talks (5 min per participant)
15.30-15.45: Break
15.45-18.00: Photography session: Dipkarpaz National Park
18.00-20.00: Dinner
20.00-20.30: Uploading photos to Wikimedia Commons

30 MAY

09.00-10.00: Breakfast
10.00-10.30: Presentation: Wikiproject: Education Worldwide and Its Importance
10.30-13.00: Editathon: Education Articles
13.00-14.00: Lunch
14.00-14.30: Closing Session
14.30-18.00: Travel back