Afroyanga Bootcamp/Objectives

The Afroyanga Bootcamp is designed to support and advance Wikimedia’s mission of freely accessible knowledge for all by training a network of diverse, skilled contributors from underrepresented regions and communities. Each objective aligns with Wikimedia’s core movement needs and supports the long-term capacity development of the Wikimedia movement.

Foster Sustainable Community Leadership

Goal: Cultivate a new generation of community leaders within the Wikimedia movement who can mentor others and drive sustainable growth.

Implementation:

Mentorship Program: Pair experienced contributors with newer participants for hands-on mentorship during and after the Bootcamp.

Leadership Development: Conduct leadership development sessions that focus on community engagement, digital advocacy, and volunteer management.

Lead Roles for Alumni: Offer alumni the opportunity to take on leadership roles in future Bootcamps or regional Wikimedia activities.

Enhance Diversity and Representation Across Wikimedia Projects

Goal: To bridge knowledge gaps on Wikimedia projects by training editors from diverse backgrounds, focusing on underrepresented African languages, cultures, and perspectives.
Implementation: We prioritize participants from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds across Nigeria and Africa, providing skills to create content that reflects their unique histories and communities. This approach contributes to Wikimedia’s goal of representing the full diversity of human knowledge and making it accessible to a global audience.

Develop Long-Term Capacity for Movement Growth

Goal: To empower participants with essential skills and knowledge that enable them to become dedicated, long-term contributors to Wikimedia projects.
Implementation: The bootcamp curriculum covers comprehensive Wikimedia skills—from editing Wikipedia to utilizing Wikimedia Commons and Wikidata. By providing structured training in these areas, we aim to ensure that participants can confidently contribute to the movement beyond the program, growing their engagement over time.

Foster High-Quality Content Creation and Curation

Goal: To increase the quality of contributions on Wikimedia platforms by equipping participants with the skills necessary to create well-researched, accurately cited, and impactful content.
Implementation: Participants receive specialized training in content curation, citation practices, and quality assurance. This training emphasizes the importance of verifiable information and reliable sources, directly contributing to Wikimedia’s mission of high-quality, trustworthy knowledge.

Build Capacity for Long-Term Movement Sustainability

Goal: Engage and train younger generations to contribute, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Wikimedia movement in Africa.

Implementation:

Recruit Young Participants: Focus recruitment on young individuals (students, recent graduates) to foster long-term engagement.

Capacity-Building Bootcamps: Organize recurring Bootcamps and training sessions to maintain a pipeline of new contributors.

Community Events: Host follow-up events and informal meet-ups for Bootcamp participants to maintain ongoing engagement.

Establish a Sustainable Network of Wikimedia Leaders and Mentors

Goal: To create a network of Wikimedia leaders and mentors who can support and inspire future contributors, fostering ongoing knowledge sharing and skill development.
Implementation: Graduates of the bootcamp are encouraged to become mentors to future bootcamp cohort and also within their communities, creating a sustainable support structure that amplifies Wikimedia’s capacity for growth. This mentorship model strengthens the movement by ensuring a continuous exchange of skills and knowledge among contributors.

Drive Partnerships and Collaborations for Movement Expansion

Goal: To strengthen collaboration within the Wikimedia movement by creating partnerships with local Wikimedia user groups, educational institutions, and cultural organizations.
Implementation: The bootcamp is looking to actively works with groups within the Wikimedia community to enhance learning opportunities and expand the reach of Wikimedia’s mission. These partnerships will allow for shared initiatives, collaborative events, and resource exchange, broadening the impact of the movement in Africa.

Encourage Sustained Community Engagement and Project Ownership

Goal: To ensure participants remain engaged with Wikimedia projects and develop a sense of ownership over their contributions to the movement.
Implementation: Beyond training, participants join an active alumni network and have access to continued mentorship, helping them develop a strong, lasting connection to Wikimedia. This structure is designed to support their ongoing participation and foster a sense of responsibility toward the Wikimedia movement’s success in their regions.

Each of these objectives serves to build a community of knowledgeable, engaged contributors who will not only support Wikimedia’s immediate goals but also help shape its long-term future. By focusing on these areas, the Afroyanga Bootcamp creates lasting impact, empowering a new generation of editors, leaders, and mentors who are committed to Wikimedia’s mission of open, accessible knowledge.