Wikimedia Algeria/Gestion/Reports/Repport2024

Ten Years of Giving: The Journey of "WikiDz" in Promoting Free Knowledge

From Foundation to Innovation: The Story of WikiDz and Digital Education

Since its founding in 2014, WikiDz has been committed to launching projects that enhance free knowledge, focusing on documenting Algerian content, which was significantly lacking. Despite limited resources, we persevered through self-driven efforts, fostering a culture of self-reliance and voluntary commitment within our team. Our passion for free knowledge helped us overcome challenges and continue contributing to this day.

We launched the Wikipedia Education Program in Algeria in several Algerian universities, supported by organizers and professors who believed in the initiative. This program lasted several years and involved hundreds of students across three Algerian cities until 2021. We also successfully developed the Wiki Massaq online learning course with zero funding—made possible only through the support of emerging institutions that believed in the project and joined us. The course included the production of educational videos and the creation of a website, attracting over 10,000 registered learners worldwide, including visually impaired participants. This made it a successful model of sustainable digital education.

Our efforts were not limited to encyclopedic knowledge initiatives; we also introduced a creative touch by producing Wiki Ghanya, a music video in Modern Standard Arabic celebrating Wikipedia’s role in spreading knowledge. The video was created in rap style to engage young audiences and was performed by the only Arabic rapper who sings in Classical Arabic. It has surpassed 120,000 views so far, excluding views on other platforms.

Overcoming Pandemic Challenges: A Highly Efficient Digital Conference

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted with creativity and innovation. We successfully organized WikiArabia 2021—the fifth edition of the only Arabic Wikipedia conference—in a fully virtual format under the theme "Openness." The event took place from October 15 to 17, 2021, with a minimal budget compared to usual costs, showcasing our team’s efficiency in planning and execution.

The conference introduced three simultaneous broadcast channels for the first time in Wiki conferences. Wikimedia and seven local emerging organizations supported us, helping us overcome challenges and ensure the event’s success. Over 120 registered participants joined the platform, and 70 presentation proposals were received.

The event featured global contributions from all continents, presented in both Arabic and English, with live translation provided for all sessions. We ensured full support for participants, maintaining active communication with registrants and speakers before, during, and after the conference. We also hosted training workshops to provide a smooth experience for all attendees.

This achievement was more than just an event; it was an expression of the collaborative and innovative spirit that defines WikiDz.

Enhancing Visual Content: Global Awards and WikiDz Success Stories

Since 2014, we have actively participated in the "Wiki Loves Monuments" contest, helping showcase Algerian and Arabic content globally through competitions like "Wiki Loves Africa." We have also contributed to local and international photography exhibitions, highlighting how beautiful imagery enhances Wikipedia articles. Our photos have won numerous awards, including the Best African Image Award, giving a significant boost to illustrated articles.

Summary of our contributions:

• Total uploaded images: 18,293
• Total contributors (uploaders): 2,752
• Total images used on Wikimedia projects: 2,568

To highlight volunteer efforts, Fayçal Rezkallah, one of our group members, launched the “Wiki Faces” initiative (Wiki Faces gallery) during the WikiIndaba conference in Tunisia. The initiative gained widespread recognition, showcasing the volunteers behind Wikipedia—those who work behind the scenes to build the world’s largest encyclopedia. Since then, Wiki Faces has become a tradition within the Wikimedia community.

Supporting Arab and African Communities

Our activities have not been limited to Algeria; we have been at the forefront of supporting Arab and African groups, assisting many of them in organizing their first events. We also played a role in establishing new groups such as those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and Mauritania, offering them guidance and support to launch free knowledge projects.

A New Vision: The Future of WikiDz with an Innovative Visual Identity

In 2024, we refined our approach by launching a new annual plan led by a dedicated team. We also introduced a revamped visual identity, yielding impressive results. Key projects this year include:

• Wikinomad (2nd Edition)
• Visual Identity (1st Edition)
• Other initiatives aimed at enhancing content quality, both quantitatively and qualitatively

User Group 2024 Event Home

WikiDZ

• 
  السكك الحديدية الجزائرية
• 
  ويكي تهوى افريقيا

• صفحة الفعاليات في ويكيبيديا العربية

event of this year

• Algerian railway, from March 15, 2024
• Wiki Loves Africa 2024 in Algeria , from March 01, 2024 cancelled
• Wiki Loves Africa 2024 in Algeria from 15 sep 2024

On this occasion, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who believed in us and supported us—institutions and individuals alike. A special thanks goes to the volunteers who have been the backbone of our journey and to the Arab and global Wikipedia communities for their continuous support.

Thank you all… the best is yet to come!

About WikiDz

WikiDz is a group of Algerian and non-Algerian internet enthusiasts living in Algeria and beyond. They use Wikimedia projects to recycle and freely share open knowledge, making it easily accessible.