2024:Program/Resilience Amid Conflict: The Wikimedia Community's Efforts in Kharkiv
Session title: Resilience Amid Conflict: The Wikimedia Community's Efforts in Kharkiv
- Session type: Lightning talk
- Track: Community Health
- Language: en
A story about the activities of the Kharkiv Wikimedia community during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Special attention is paid to the successful implementation of educational programs and cooperation with local libraries.
Description
editKharkiv, a major city in Eastern Ukraine, has endured significant hardship amid the Russian invasion. The relentless shelling by Russian missiles and drones has tragically become routine for its residents. Yet, amidst these dire circumstances, Kharkiv boasts a resilient community of Wikipedians who not only contribute to Wikipedia but also spearhead successful initiatives in education program and GLAM.
The purpose of this report is to shed light on the remarkable efforts of Wikimedia volunteers amid the challenging backdrop of war. Despite constant rocket attacks forcing them to operate from shelters, the Kharkiv Wikipedia community remains steadfast, organizing trainings and offline events, such as the Wikiconference held in 2022 and 2023, albeit with undisclosed locations and times for security reasons.
In the realm of education, the report will highlight the teaching of Wikipedia editing courses at V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University and the integration of Wikipedia into the educational curriculum at Bogoduhiv Lyceum No. 2. As for GLAM initiatives, focus primarily lies on collaborations with libraries, including training sessions at the Kharkiv Korolenko State Scientific Library and the scientific library of Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University. Notably, the project "KhSAC in Wikipedia" at the Kharkiv State Academy of Culture, facilitated by Wikipedia volunteers, led to the creation of over 50 new articles, the addition of more than 100, and the upload of numerous free photos.
Additionally, the report will touch upon the resilience of Kharkiv's Wikipedian community members who have been compelled to leave the city due to the conflict. Despite displacement, they've conducted Wikipedia editing workshops in Poland and Norway for Ukrainian refugees, extending their knowledge and support beyond borders.
- How does your session relate to the event theme, Collaboration of the Open?
In the report, I talk about the Collaboration of Wikimedia volunteers from Kharkiv and their cooperation with various educational organizations and libraries.
- What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?
Everyone can participate in this session
Resources
editSpeakers
edit- Venzz
- VenzzI have been a contributor to Wikipedia since 2009, the administrator of the Ukrainian and Russian language sections. Member of Wikimedia Ukraine since 2018, currently head of the organization's audit commission. Since 2018, I have been actively involved in conducting and organizing offline and online trainings on editing Wikimedia Foundation projects. I work as a librarian at the Kharkiv Korolenko State Scientific Library.