Ghanaian Wikimedia Languages Meetup 2024: A Celebration of Digital Activism and Community Building
The Ghanaian Wikimedia Languages Meetup 2024 was a remarkable event that brought together passionate Wikimedians from across Ghana to celebrate and promote Indigenous languages online. Held from July 26th to 28th, 2024, in Tamale, this three-day mini-conference was filled with insightful discussions, collaborative workshops, and strategic planning sessions to strengthen Ghanaian languages in the digital space.
Day 1: Rising Voices Workshop
The event kicked off on Saturday, July 27th, with the Rising Voices Workshop. The day began with registration at 8:30 a.m, followed by opening remarks from Sadik and Eddie. The workshop featured three sessions led by Sadik, focusing on digital activism and the importance of preserving indigenous languages online. Participants enjoyed a breakfast break at 11:30 am and a lunch break at 2:00 pm, providing ample time for networking and sharing ideas.
Day 2: Community Presentations and Workshops
Day two, also on July 27th, started with an introduction by the facilitator and participants at 9:00 am. Shahadu Sadik led an engaging icebreaker session, followed by opening remarks from Maxwell Beganim. The day was packed with presentations from various Wikimedia communities, including the Gurene, Moore, GPE, Fante, Twi, and Dagaare communities. Each presentation highlighted the unique challenges and successes of promoting their respective languages on Wikimedia platforms.
A notable highlight was the workshop on “Introduction to Open Refine” by Mr. Fuseini Mohammed Kamaldeen, which provided participants with valuable skills for data cleaning and management. The day concluded with a brainstorming session on community support for team members, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual aid.
Day 3: Recap, Future Planning, and Field Trips
The final day, July 28th, began with a recap of the previous day’s activities. The morning featured presentations from the Ewe, Kusaal, Ga, Dagbani, and Nzema Wikimedia communities, each sharing their experiences and strategies for digital language preservation. A snack break at 12:10 pm provided a brief respite before the afternoon sessions.
Joris Darlington’s presentation on “Wiki Loves Living Heritage and Wikisource” was a standout, showcasing the intersection of cultural heritage and digital platforms. Shahadu Sadik’s introduction to Curationist offered insights into curating digital content for broader audiences.
In the afternoon, participants embarked on field trips to the Red Clay Studio and the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (SCCA) in Tamale. These visits were an opportunity to document Ghanaian heritage and explore the rich cultural landscape of the region. The field trips provided a hands-on experience in capturing and preserving local heritage, aligning perfectly with the event’s theme of digital activism and language preservation.
The event concluded with a lunch break and a sightseeing tour, allowing participants to explore the local area and build lasting connections.
Conclusion
The Ghanaian Wikimedia Languages Meetup 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together diverse voices and fostering a sense of community among Ghanaian Wikimedians. The event not only highlighted the importance of digital activism in preserving indigenous languages but also provided a platform for sharing knowledge and building skills. As participants return to their communities, they carry with them the inspiration and tools to continue their vital work in promoting Ghanaian languages online.