AWA Francophone Meetup:  Introduction à Wikimedia Commons

On June 11, 2024,  Code for Africa’s African Wikipedia Alliance (AWA), hosted a monthly meetup for its Francophone community titled “Introduction à Wikimedia Commons.” The online meetup was facilitated by  Azogbonon Constant, a member of the Africa Wikipedia Alliance Francophone Community and Founder of the Réseau @pprendre (Learning Network). This online training session was moderated by Dalilah Yaro, Community Coordinator COPP, with backend support from Bukola James, the Community Coordinator of AWA. The session had 14 participants, including project leads and volunteer Wikimedians from Benin and Burundi. It provided participants with an introduction to the basics of Wikimedia Commons, information about the types of Creative Commons licenses on Commons, guidance on how to upload images to Commons, and details about the types of campaigns participants can contribute to on Wikimedia Commons.

Key Highlights

The webinar commenced with a summary of the importance of Wikimedia Commons as a repository for free-use media files and its significance for various Wikimedia projects. Participants learned about the different types of Creative Commons licenses, their implications, and the proper usage and attribution of media files. This foundational knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to contribute effectively to Wikimedia Commons and ensure their media files are appropriately licensed and attributed.

Practical Techniques and Campaign Participation

During the session, Azogbonon demonstrated practical uploading techniques for media files, offering step-by-step instructions on how to navigate the Commons platform. He explored various Wikimedia Commons campaigns, encouraging participants to get involved in their local communities. By participating in these campaigns, contributors can help enrich Wikimedia Commons with diverse and culturally significant media.

He also provided guidance on effective ways to contribute to Commons and addressed common challenges faced by new contributors, such as understanding copyright rules and selecting appropriate licenses for their media files. These insights are invaluable for ensuring that new contributors can navigate the complexities of copyright and licensing with confidence.

Recommendations for Continued Engagement

Azogbonon emphasised the importance of continuous contribution to Wikimedia Commons. He recommended that participants:

• Participate actively in Wikimedia Commons campaigns to increase the repository’s breadth and depth.
• Join periodic training sessions for new contributors to gain a better understanding of Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons licenses, and uploading techniques.
• Actively promote Wikimedia Commons campaigns to encourage wider participation and contributions.

The webinar provided an in-depth look at the significance of Wikimedia Commons and its role in supporting various Wikimedia projects. By contributing to Commons, participants help improve the visibility of Wikimedia projects because, as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Conclusion

The session concluded with a Q&A segment, where participants had the opportunity to ask questions and seek further clarification on topics discussed. Azogbonon  offered words of encouragement, urging participants to engage actively in Wikimedia community campaigns and edit-a-thons. He stressed that regular practice is essential for honing their skills in contributing to Wikimedia Commons. This engaging and informative webinar not only equipped participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to contribute effectively to Wikimedia Commons but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among Francophone Wikimedians.

For those interested in revisiting the session or those who might have missed it, the recorded version is available on the community programmes page and do well to test your knowledge on our academy Africa. Ensure you are registered for the upcoming CfA WiR Bi-weekly webinar and immerse in our vibrant community. To stay abreast of our initiatives, complete this form, and let’s shape the future together!