Countless African stories, historical documents, and literary works remain locked away, inaccessible to the digital world. At Free Knowledge Africa, we are on a mission to change that. We believe knowledge must be open, shared, and truly representative of global diversity. Too often, African voices, history, and heritage are underrepresented in global digital libraries.
That’s why we are thrilled to launch the Free Knowledge Africa Wikisource Bootcamp, a transformative learning and contribution program designed to build a community of digital custodians for Africa’s rich textual heritage.
What is the Wikisource Bootcamp?
The bootcamp is an intensive, hands-on training program where you will move from learner to contributor. You will:
- Master the Wikisource Platform: Learn to navigate and contribute to Wikisource, a free online library of public domain and freely-licensed texts that anyone can edit.
- Develop In-Demand Digital Skills: Acquire practical skills in digitisation, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), text proofreading, and collaborative online editing.
- Digitise Real African Heritage: Collaborate with fascinating African texts, including historical documents and folktales, as well as classic literature, and make them freely accessible to researchers, students, and the public worldwide.
- Join a Vibrant Community: Become part of a supportive, pan-African network of open knowledge advocates, Wikimedians, librarians, and archivists.
Why You Should Join
This is more than just a training program; it’s an opportunity to be at the forefront of digital preservation in Africa.
- Make a Lasting Impact: Play a direct role in safeguarding African literature and history for future generations. Every page you proofread is a piece of heritage preserved.
- Gain Practical, Career-Ready Skills: The digital humanities and heritage sectors are growing. The skills you gain are valuable for careers in libraries, archives, research, and technology.
- Build Your Pan-African Network: Connect with a passionate community of peers and mentors from across the continent and the globe who share your passion for knowledge.
- Earn Recognition & Win Prizes: Receive a certificate of participation to add to your professional portfolio, gain visibility for your contributions, and compete for top prizes.
Prizes & Recognition
We believe in celebrating dedication. To reward outstanding contributors, we’re offering a range of incredible prizes:
- Overall Best Contributor: A brand new Laptop
- Second Place Winner: A Tablet
- Third Place Winner: A Smartphone
- Special Category Prizes: Headphones, power banks, exclusive FKA merchandise, and more.
- Certificates of Excellence: Public recognition and a special certificate for all top-performing participants.
Who Is This For?
The bootcamp is open to anyone in Africa and the diaspora who is passionate about preserving and sharing African heritage. We welcome:
- Students and Researchers looking for practical skills and primary source materials.
- Librarians and Archivists eager to embrace digital tools for cultural preservation.
- Writers, Creatives, and History Buffs with a passion for African stories.
- Anyone with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. No prior experience is necessary!
Key Details & How to Apply
- Bootcamp Start Date: 30th August 2025
- Duration: 3 Weeks
- Location: Fully Online (featuring interactive workshops, live Q&A sessions, and collaborative contribution sprints).
Apply Here:
Applications are now open, but spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality, interactive experience. Apply today to secure your spot!
Join Us in Making Knowledge Free
The Wikisource Bootcamp is a movement to reclaim our narratives and place them firmly on the global stage. By participating, you become part of a network dedicated to bridging knowledge gaps and amplifying African voices. Together, let’s turn the page on digital exclusion and build a more equitable library for the world.
Learn more about future programs and get involved, join the FKA Community or send us a message if you have any questions
