Afroyanga Bootcamp/Structure & Curriculum

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Structure & Curriculum

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About Us

Afroyanga Cultural Enlightenment Initiative
Africa
Location	Global Online Community-based
Volunteers	293
Key people	Edriiic B.Korlah
Mobile number	+234-08172029879 +234-07049827991
Website	https://www.africanandproud.org/
E-mail address	infoafricanandproudorg
Twitter	@african_proud1
Instagram	@proudlyafro
Remarks	Linkedin @africanandproud

Afroyanga bootcamp structure

Pre-Bootcamp Phase: Outreach, Selection, and Preparation

Outreach and Recruitment

We actively reach out to a diverse group of potential participants using social media channels, partnerships with universities, professional networks, and local community groups. This helps ensure a broad representation of participants from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

• Implementation: We make use of social media, universities, professional networks, and community groups to reach potential participants.

Application and Selection

Interested individuals complete an application form designed to assess their motivation, background knowledge of Wikimedia, and alignment with the bootcamp’s goals. Selected participants are notified and provided with preparatory resources.

• Implementation: A scholarship board will be created to go through application received and shortlist applicants

Orientation Sessions

Selected participants join a series of virtual orientation sessions designed to give an overview of Wikimedia projects, familiarize them with the bootcamp’s objectives, and set expectations. Sessions include:

• Deep Dive into the Wikimedia foundation and it's movement: A deep dive into the Wikimedia movement, its goals, and its impact.
• Bootcamp Overview and Goals: An outline of the bootcamp’s agenda, learning objectives, and expected outcomes.
• Q&As

Bootcamp Core Modules (Physical Bootcamp - 5 Days)

The bootcamp itself is divided into core modules delivered over a set period 5 days and includes hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and breakout sessions.

Core Learning Modules

Each module is designed to build essential Wikimedia skills, reinforce understanding, and create lasting competencies.

The Afroyanga Bootcamp’s in-person program is packed with four core learning modules, experiential learning activities, and industry expert sessions. This 5-day format allows participants to gain essential skills while engaging with peers and mentors.

Module 1: Wikipedia Editing Fundamentals

• Introduction to Wikipedia editing, policies, and community guidelines
• Practical exercises on article creation, editing, and the importance of verifiability and neutrality
• Hands-on editing workshop with direct feedback

Module 2: Content Quality and Curation

• Advanced editing skills focused on creating high-quality, well-researched content
• Guidelines for sourcing, citations, and improving the readability of articles
• Content curation practices, focusing on underrepresented topics and local knowledge

Module 3: Engaging with Wikimedia Commons and Wikidata

• Introduction to Wikimedia Commons, uploading, and licensing
• Overview of Wikidata, with exercises on data editing and usage in articles
• Understanding how to leverage these tools to enhance article depth and accuracy

Module 4: Community Engagement and Networking

• Training on how to interact with and contribute to the Wikimedia community
• Communication strategies for fostering constructive discussions and collaboration
• Exercises on managing a WikiProject or local Wikimedia group

Experiential Learning and Industry Insights

In addition to core modules, participants engage in interactive development sessions, including:

• Panel Discussions with Industry Experts: Sessions featuring experienced Wikimedia contributors and industry professionals who share insights on knowledge sharing and open data.
• Professional Development Activities: LinkedIn optimization workshops, networking skills, and career-focused sessions to enhance participants’ professional profiles.

Post-Bootcamp Phase: Capstone Project and Continued Engagement

Capstone Project

Participants work on a Capstone Project after the physical bootcamp, allowing them to apply their knowledge on a specific topic aligned with Wikimedia’s movement goals.
The Capstone Project involves:

• Project Selection: Participants choose a topic area, language, or community focus that addresses a knowledge gap on Wikimedia.
• Project Execution with Mentor Support: Each participant or team works with a mentor who guides them through research, content creation, and project execution. The project could involve creating a series of articles, initiating a content drive, or contributing structured data on Wikidata.
• Final Presentation: Projects are presented in an online showcase, where participants receive peer feedback, recognition, and suggestions for future contributions.

Follow-Up Webinars

Participants are invited to attend regular follow-up webinars that address common challenges, showcase success stories, and introduce new Wikimedia tools or initiatives.

Mentorship Program

Graduates are paired with experienced Wikimedia mentors to help them navigate post-bootcamp contributions and find areas within Wikimedia where they can make meaningful contributions.

Online Community Platform

To maintain momentum, graduates join the Afroyanga Bootcamp delegate WhatsApp group and our online community platform, where they can seek support, share progress, and connect with other bootcamp alumni.

Annual Reunions and Continuing Education

We organize annual reunions to celebrate participants’ contributions, recognize achievements, and encourage further skill development. These events also offer specialized training or refresher workshops, ensuring that alumni stay updated and motivated.

Afroyanga Bootcamp Curriculum

(Version 1.0 - Last Updated: 2024)

The Afroyanga Bootcamp curriculum is structured around four core modules, each focused on building key skills and knowledge that participants can carry forward into their Wikimedia journey.

Core Learning Modules

Module 1: Wikipedia Editing Fundamentals

• Objective: Introduce participants to Wikipedia’s editing framework, policies, and guidelines while instilling confidence in creating and editing articles.
• Topics Covered:

Overview of Wikipedia Policies: Introduction to Wikimedia principles such as neutrality, verifiability, and notability.

Account Setup and Navigation: For new editors, setting up and navigating the Wikipedia interface.

Editing Basics: Hands-on training in editing existing articles, creating new entries, and adding citations.

Practical Exercises: Each participant edits a sandbox article under supervision, with feedback from facilitators.

• Outcome: Participants gain foundational skills in editing and understand key policies guiding Wikimedia contributions.

Module 2: Content Quality and Curation

• Objective: Equip participants with advanced skills to create high-quality content, focusing on accuracy, citation, and topic relevance.
• Topics Covered:

Sourcing and Citations: Identifying reliable sources, citation formatting, and best practices for verifiable content.

Content Organization: Techniques for structuring articles, using headings, and maintaining readability.

Content Curation for Quality: Emphasis on curating content that fills knowledge gaps, especially around African cultural and historical topics.

Quality Assurance Exercises: Hands-on activities where participants improve existing articles by enhancing citations and refining language.

• Outcome: Participants are prepared to create and improve articles that meet Wikimedia’s quality standards and increase content reliability.

Module 3: Engaging with Wikimedia Commons and Wikidata

• Objective: Familiarize participants with Wikimedia Commons and Wikidata to enrich multimedia content and structured data on Wikipedia.
• Topics Covered:

Introduction to Wikimedia Commons: Guidelines on image licensing, uploading multimedia, and categorizing content.

Creating and Managing Wikidata Entries: Basics of adding data, understanding structured data, and integrating it with Wikipedia articles.

Content Linking: Using data from Wikidata in Wikipedia articles and Commons media to enrich articles.

Practical Exercises: Participants practice uploading images to Commons and create a basic Wikidata entry related to an article topic.

• Outcome: Participants gain skills in multimedia contribution and structured data management, enhancing article depth and diversity.

Module 4: Community Engagement and Networking

• Objective: Develop participants’ abilities to interact effectively within the Wikimedia community, contribute constructively, and lead future projects.
• Topics Covered:

Navigating Wikimedia Community Spaces: Introduction to platforms like talk pages, user groups, and community forums.

Effective Communication: Best practices for collaborating with other editors, resolving disputes, and participating in community discussions.

Project Management for WikiProjects: Basics of initiating or joining a WikiProject and managing content drives or edit-a-thons.

Networking and Building a Support System: Tips for connecting with fellow editors, joining user groups, and maintaining engagement.

• Outcome: Participants are equipped to actively engage with the Wikimedia community, contribute to collaborative projects, and foster ongoing participation.

Curriculum Updates

Continuous Improvement Based on Feedback Following each cohort, we gather feedback through surveys and discussion sessions to identify areas for improvement in the curriculum. Based on this feedback, we introduce updated versions of the curriculum, with refined content and new modules as needed.

Evolution

Ongoing Evolution to meet Wikimedia’s movement needs by tracking changes in Wikimedia’s priorities and new tools, we update the bootcamp curriculum to ensure that each version reflects Wikimedia’s evolving needs. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that the Afroyanga Bootcamp remains relevant and impactful within the movement.