Wikimedians of Santali Language User Group/Annual Report 2023-24
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Report of activities: 2023-2024
[edit]Overview
[edit]The Wikimedians of Santali Language User Group continued its mission to promote Santali language, culture, and free knowledge during September 2023 – August 2024. The period featured strengthened outreach, increased editor participation, enhanced cultural documentation, and active community engagement across Wikimedia platforms.
Offline Events and Community Outreach
[edit]Outreach Programme at the 36th AISWA Annual Conference 2023
[edit]Date: 20–21 November 2023 Location: Baripada, Odisha
The User Group set up an information stall at the 36th All India Santali Writers Association (AISWA) Annual Conference. Volunteers conducted awareness sessions on Santali Wikipedia, demonstrated editing, and supported new user onboarding.
Outreach at 2nd International Santali Literature Fest 2023
[edit]Date: 23–25 December 2023 Location: Baripada, Odisha
The group participated in the 2nd International Santali Literature Fest, engaging writers, students, and cultural workers with Wikimedia projects. Interactive demonstrations and hands-on editing activities encouraged new contributions to Santali Wikipedia.
Outreach Programme at West Bengal AISWA Annual Conference 2023
[edit]Date: 30–31 December 2023 Location: Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal
A Wikimedia stall was organized at the West Bengal AISWA Annual Conference to reach Santali-speaking youth and writers. Volunteers promoted Wikimedia projects, created new accounts, and provided editing guidance.
Event page: Outreach Programme at West Bengal AISWA Annual Conference 2023
Online Events and Initiatives
[edit]Thematic Edit-a-thons and Online Campaigns
[edit]The User Group organized several online editing drives in the year, focusing on:
- Santali cultural heritage
- Biographies of writers and community personalities
- Language documentation
- Visual documentation through Commons
These campaigns increased participation from both new and experienced users. Examples:
Tribal Culture Photography Competition (Wikimedia Commons)
[edit]Date: 28 April – 16 June 2024
The Santali User Group promoted participation in the Tribal Culture Photography Competition on Commons, aimed at documenting tribal life, traditions, and cultural practices. This initiative enriched Commons with culturally significant, freely licensed images. Event page: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Tribal_Culture_Photography_Competition
Regular Online Training Sessions
[edit]- The community organised:
- Online wiki-editing workshops
- Wikidata basics sessions
- Media & Commons upload guidance
- Monthly coordination meetings
- These sessions helped onboard new contributors and improve the skills of existing members.
Achievements and Highlights
[edit]- Expanded offline outreach through participation in 3 major Santali cultural and literary events.
- Increased visibility of Santali Wikipedia among writers, academicians, and youth communities.
- Successfully encouraged participation in the Tribal Culture Photography Competition, contributing valuable images to Wikimedia Commons.
- Strengthened community capacities through consistent online training and mentoring.
- Grew the active contributor base through outreach and edit-a-thons.
- Member user Ramjit Tudu attended Wikimania 2024 in person at Katowice, Poland, and gained valuable experiences that contributed to enriching the community.
Future Plans
[edit]- Broaden outreach in educational institutions in Santali-speaking regions.
- Organize thematic edit-a-thons around Santali literature, oral traditions, and tribal knowledge.
- Strengthen collaboration with Wikimedia affiliates and regional communities.
- Develop structured training modules for new editors.
- Promote GLAM partnerships for preserving Santali cultural heritage.
Acknowledgements
[edit]The User Group extends heartfelt thanks to all volunteers, cultural institutions, educators, and community members who supported our mission between September 2023 and August 2024. Their dedication continues to drive the growth of Santali-language free knowledge on Wikimedia platforms.