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Wikimedia Anambra Network said it has executed over 70 projects in Anambra State and beyond for the past four years of its existence in the state.
President, Anyanwu Chinwendu disclosed this on Saturday in Awka, during the occasion of 4 years celebration of Community, Commitment, Collaboration, Resilience and Free Knowledge.
She listed the projects to include community-based initiatives covering health, governance, politics, language, women, community information, and open knowledge.
According to her, the group has also received recognition for having outstanding Coordination and Diversity, just as it has encouraged people to contribute to Wikipedia, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons, Wikiquote and other Wikimedia projects through its activities.
She said, “We have also created opportunities for people to learn, share their knowledge, develop digital skills, and participate in the global Wikimedia movement.
“We have created opportunities for students to discover Wikimedia, learn
how free knowledge works, and understand that they can become
contributors rather than simply consumers of information.
“Through campus outreach, training sessions, editing activities
and educational events, we have introduced students to projects such as
Wikipedia, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons and other Wikimedia
platforms.
“Our work has reminded us that knowledge does not only exist in books and institutions. Knowledge also lives in our languages, cultures, communities,
people, traditions, stories, photographs, histories, and experiences.
“As a community based in Anambra, we have a responsibility to ensure that
the people, places, institutions, culture and heritage of our society are
represented within the global knowledge ecosystem.”
Anyanwu however noted that the numerous strides were not without challenges, which she said revolved around participation, continuity, resources, documentation, volunteer retention, coordination and sustaining activities.
“But these challenges have also taught us an important lesson: building a
strong community requires patience, shared responsibility and resilience.
“We also learned that a sustainable community requires more than organising events. It requires mentorship, communication, documentation, leadership development,
consistency and shared responsibility.
“Our anniversary is therefore not only about celebrating what we have
achieved. It is also about asking ourselves what we can do better.
How can we create more opportunities for newcomers?”
Appreciating its numerous volunteers, the President said, “Wikimedia Anambra Network exists because people have chosen to give their time and knowledge freely.
“Some of you edit articles. Some take photographs. Some organise events.
Some train newcomers. Some translate. Some work with Wikidata. Some
support communications and community engagement. Every contribution matters.
“To every volunteer who has contributed to this community over the past
four years, thank you. To our former leaders and coordinators, current members, facilitators, partners and supporters, we appreciate the foundation you have helped
build,” she added.
Vice President, Wikimedia User Group Nigeria Anambra Network, Okoloneli Chekwube described the four years of the group’s existence as not just fruitful, but impactful.
“We’re celebrating four solid years of open and knowledge sharing, capacity building, improving leadership skills.
“We’re celebrating four solid years of telling our own stories on Wikimedia, as we look forward to more years of positive impact, big projects and initiatives,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome speech, member of the organizing committee, Chinecherem Ofoma described the event as not just an anniversary, but a great milestone that was birthed out of collaborative efforts.
“To those who may not know, we only have two Networks in Nigeria. Anambra Wikimedia Network and others,” he added.
The event which attracted personalities including Managing Director, ICT Agency, Fred Agbata and several others were Spelling Bee competition, awards and other special presentations.
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