Tajik Wikimedians User Group/Trainer Training Program

The Training for Trainers of the Tajik Community and Tajik Wikipedia event was held in-person on April 4–5, 2025, at Techno Hub in the city center of Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Organized by the Tajik Wikimedians User Group, the training aimed to strengthen the local Wikimedia community by equipping active members with the necessary skills to educate newcomers and sustain community growth.

Day 1

Darafsh presenting community building skills

The first day of the training, attended by 18 active contributors to Tajik Wikipedia, began with a session led by the main trainer, Darafsh, with the support of Зинҳор Насрӣ and Zolfeqar Fatihzadeh. In the morning session, Darafsh provided a comprehensive overview of the Wikimedia projects, emphasizing their mission and global significance. A particular focus was placed on training future presenters on how to introduce Wikipedia and related projects to new users. The session included practical guidance on teaching editing techniques, understanding Wikipedia’s notability standards, and addressing common questions new users may encounter.

In the afternoon session, discussions shifted towards community building. Darafsh shared strategies for creating, nurturing, and sustaining a strong Wikimedia community. Participants engaged in a lively discussion about challenges and opportunities for Tajik Wikipedia and explored ways to attract and retain contributors.

At the end of the first day, a General Assembly session was held to elect two contact persons for the Tajik Wikimedians User Group. By unanimous decision, Zulfiqar and Zenhar were elected to serve as the group's contact persons for a two-year term (24 months). The assembly also took the opportunity to express gratitude to Darafsh and VASHGIRD for their valuable contributions during their tenure.

Day 2

Зинҳор Насрӣ Presenting Wikipedia

The second day was dedicated to a practical editing workshop for newcomers. Students and staff members from the National Library of Tajikistan, along with other interested individuals from Dushanbe, attended the session. Participants received hands-on training in editing Wikipedia articles. Notably, some of the trainees from the first day's program took part as mentors, applying the skills they had learned by assisting new editors. This peer-to-peer teaching method reinforced the lessons of the first day and helped create a supportive learning environment for the new contributors. It should also mention that on the second day, Darafsh revealed the secrets of effective editing and introduced some modern AI tools used for editing Wikimedia and its related projects.

Conclusion

The two-day training represented an important milestone in strengthening the Tajik Wikimedia community. By equipping future trainers and involving new contributors, the event not only expanded the reach and quality of Tajik Wikipedia but also reinforced the community’s leadership structure through the election of new contact persons. This initiative laid a stronger foundation for the group's continued growth and long-term sustainability.