ESEAP Conference 2024/Report/BJ Sinaga

Hi, my name is Binsar de Jesus. I have the privilege to attend the Eseap conference in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, on May 10-12, 2024, funded by the Wikimania Foundation.

Things learned at the conference

At the Eseap conference in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, I learned a variety of valuable insights and skills. Here are some of the key takeaways:

Collaborative Projects: I gained a deeper understanding of how various Wikimedia projects encourage collaboration across different regions, highlighting successful initiatives and teamwork strategies.
Cultural Diversity: The conference showcased the rich cultural diversity of the Eseap region. I learned about how different local cultures influence content creation and community engagement on Wikimedia platforms.
Technical Workshops: The workshops provided practical skills in editing, content curation, and using various tools to enhance contributions to Wikimedia projects. I left with improved technical skills that I can apply in my own work.
Community Building: I learned the importance of community outreach and how to effectively build connections within the Wikimedia community and beyond. Networking with other attendees emphasized the value of collaboration.
Future Trends: Discussions on the future of digital content and technological advancements explored how Wikimedia projects can adapt to current trends, ensuring relevance and sustainability.
Project Funding: Information on securing funding for Wikimedia-related projects was invaluable. I learned about available resources and strategies for successful grant applications.
Sustainability Practices: There were enlightening sessions on sustainability and ethical practices in content creation and knowledge sharing that emphasized responsible stewardship of information.

Overall, the conference was an enriching experience that deepened my knowledge and passion for contributing to Wikimedia projects and cultivating a supportive community.

Things the participant contributed or participated in or since the conference

Since the Eseap conference, I’ve immersed myself in some truly exciting projects that have reignited my passion for collaboration and community. One of my favorite experiences was teaming up with fellow attendees to enhance articles on our local history and culture; it felt amazing to combine our talents and breathe new life into these narratives. hasized the importance of contributing to Wikimedia and encouraged participation. Building those connections has been incredibly fulfilling, and I love seeing the enthusiasm growing within our community.

Networking with fellow attendees has also been inspiring, as we exchanged ideas and resources for funding opportunities that can help amplify our projects. I even kicked off a dynamic digital campaign promoting ethical content sharing and responsible resource use, drawing on the sustainability insights I gained during the conference.

Additionally, I took a leap and applied for funding for a community project focused on documenting our local heritage, using some great strategies I learned about grant writing. These efforts have not only allowed me to put my conference learnings into action but have also fostered a sense of collaboration and community in the Wikimedia space. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to see where it leads next!

Plans after the conference

After the conference, I have several plans to build on the momentum and insights I gained. First, I intend to implement the digital campaign I started, focusing on ethical content sharing and responsible resource use. I’ll reach out to local organizations and community members to gain their support and feedback, ensuring the campaign resonates with our audience.

Next, I’ll follow up with the connections I made at the conference to explore collaborative projects and funding opportunities. I believe there's a lot of potential for partnerships that can enhance our efforts in documenting local heritage and other projects in the Wikimedia space.

I've also set a timeline to work on the community project I applied for funding for. I plan to organize community workshops to engage local participants and gather diverse perspectives on our heritage. Additionally, I’ll continue refining my grant writing skills by seeking out more training resources and applying for additional funding that can support our initiatives.

Comments/suggestions about the conference

The conference proved to be highly insightful and offered valuable networking opportunities. Attendees appreciated the diverse topics covered but suggested including more hands-on workshops for practical skills like grant writing. A more interactive networking format could help participants connect more effectively, while longer Q&A sessions would allow for deeper discussions. Additionally, incorporating sustainability discussions could attract those focused on responsible initiatives. Gathering feedback through a post-conference survey could enhance future events, and sharing successful community engagement case studies could inspire innovative approaches. Overall, it was a great event, and these suggestions could further improve the experience moving forward.