Kumusha Takes Wiki is a project that aims at activating communities across Africa to create and contribute freely-licensed information, texts, images and media about their communities (villages, townships, suburbs, inner cities, etc).
It uses community journalism to gather community-relevant information on heritage, culture, notable persons, geographical features, among other things. It gives each community an online presence that is 'owned' by the community, provide information that can be pulled into Wikipedia, Wikimedia projects or OpenStreetMap databases, and it adds immeasurably to the understanding of Africa to every human being on the planet (from the people in the village to the person in New York, Mumbai or Milan). This project gives a public voice to communities across Africa, empowering them to share their own histories and, through training, to acquire valuable and transferable skills.
The project is described in more details on meta.
Kumusha Takes Wiki was conceived by Florence Devouard and Isla Haddow-Flood (WikiAfrica, at the Africa Centre) in 2013.
The project is supported in 2013-2014 by Orange Foundation in Cote d'Ivoire and Uganda within the frame of m:Activate Africa (Orange Foundation).
We are looking for various skills and support
25th of November 2013
The Kumusha Takes Wiki is currently calling for applications from enthusiastic candidates in Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda to drive the project among selected communities in their home countries. This contract is a full time position for one year. Residence in the country of operation (either Côte d’Ivoire or Uganda) is mandatory, as is travel for a maximum of 2 months to attend a course in Cape Town. Full announcement available here. Interested persons should apply by 11th December 2013.
November 2013
The WikiAfrica project at the Africa Centre is seeking a researcher who has exceptional investigative, data gathering, Wikipedia/Wikimedia knowledge and writing skills for an exciting 4-week intensive short-term project for WikiAfrica’s Kumusha Takes Wiki project.
Proficiency in French is a bonus, as is experience of Uganda and/or Cote d’Ivoire. The researcher will need to start immediately.
Applicants should submit a CV showing relevant research experience to wikiafrica @ africacentre.net.
Application deadline: 15th November.
October 2013
Africa Centre hires 2 researchers with investigative, data gathering and writing skills for a 4-week intensive short-term project. Ideally based in Cape Town. Proficiency in French, exp. of Uganda or Côte d'Ivoire a bonus. Contact wikiafrica AT africacentre.net asap