In a bid to intensify the presence of African-related content on the internet, the first edition of the Africa Wiki Challenge has been introduced by Wikipedia.
The theme of the maiden edition of the contest is centred on landmarks in Africa. It runs from 23rd May to June 30th 2021.
The annual competition is aimed at improving the statistics of content about Africa on Wikipedia and its sister projects.
According to Wikipedia, “written content on the many landmarks that cover historical, cultural, geographical and places of national significance to any country on the African continent”.
In the same vein, the campaign will also encourage visualisation of these articles by adding/uploading photos, audios or videos.
Such items or landmarks of interest include:
Monuments - Statues, Memorials, Historic buildings, Archaeological sites, etc.
· National Demarcations - Districts, Municipalities, Metropolitan, Regions, States, etc.
· Geographical Endowments - Mountains, Valleys, Forests, Waterfalls, Wildlife Reserves, Beaches, etc.
· Infrastructural Developments - Roads, Hospitals, Churches, Mosques, Schools, Rails, Water parks, Hotels, Theme parks, etc.
This development comes at a time where only about 5% of the content on English Wikipedia is about Africa.
“There are more than 4000 articles related to Landmarks in Africa on Wikipedia, majority of which are stubs. While the competition is aimed at getting entries that help create articles for uncovered landmarks on Wikipedia, there's a stub elimination contest to "blast away" as many of the 4,000+ African Landmark stubs as possible!”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire campaign will be fully virtual Participants are encouraged not to attend in-person events or take photographs anywhere without a mask.
“We would prefer that you use images from your archive or as you go about your daily practices. Please do not place yourself (or any person with you) at risk or in danger”.
Click here to register your participation in this project by completing and submitting this form.