ESEAP Conference 2024/Submissions/Utilizing Let's Connect in the ESEAP Region

Utilizing Let's Connect in the ESEAP Region

Abstract/description

Let’s Connect has been actively engaging Wikimedians in clinics for almost two years now. A lot of interesting topics ranging from writing grant proposals, the usage of wiki tools, managing organizations, building user groups, and other skills development subjects were covered. It is both a space for learning and for sharing capacities between Wikimedians. The session would want to invite more participants in the ESEAP region to be participants and, if they have the capacity, to be sharers of knowledge. The session would briefly cover what Let's Connect is the benefits for affiliates of partaking in the program, and the possibilities of using this free space for imparting skills and knowledge. After such, a conversation will be hosted by the speaker among the participants to gather ideas around topics they would want to be covered in the upcoming clinics, check among affiliates who would be interested in conducting a learning session, and share strategies on how the program can be more engaging to the ESEAP people.

Relationship to ESEAP or to the theme

The ESEAP region has 29 affiliates, including recognized, not yet recognized, formerly recognized, and independent unaffiliated groups. There exists a diversity of projects in each affiliate that would be beneficial not only for the region but also to the global movement if they were to be taught, discussed, or shared in a learning space. Currently, 18 participants have successfully registered with Let’s Connect; 13 of those are from the Philippines; 1 is from Taiwan; 2 are from South Asia but have been identified in the ESEAP; one participant is from Tanzania also identified as ESEAP; and one participant is a duplicate. Statistically speaking, we can see a large gap between those who have registered in each country under the ESEAP region.

This session explores the possibility of Let’s Connect as a space for learning, collaboration, and the sharing of best practices. Experienced affiliates are invited to propose learning clinics that they see may be significant not only for the ESEAP region but also for the other 7 regions.

This session would also be a space to assess why there is minimal participation among the ESEAP people and how the Let’s Connect team will be able to address that in the upcoming clinics. Is the time zone a great hindrance to participation? Do we also see the language gap as a barrier to participation?

Lastly, this will serve as an invitation for affiliates to participate in the upcoming clinics and utilize the resources gathered during the previous clinics being conducted in the past years.

Username/s

• Speaker 1: Kunokuno, Let's Connect Liaison for ESEAP Region

Session type

Lecture

Duration

30-45 minutes

Session outcomes

• The ESEAP community is expected to gain more interest in registering for Let’s Connect and attending learning clinics and connectathons.
• Affiliates who specialize in certain types of programs will see Let’s Connect as an excellent venue for providing training.
• Share resources available on Let’s Connect that are relevant to the ESEAP region.
• The Let's Connect team will be able to hear first-hand what the possible impediments are that the ESEAP community has as to why there is limited participation among them. Feedback will be considered for future adjustments, either on scheduling, providing language translations, or other areas for improvement.