Facilitating Knowledge: A Wikipedian's Journey. djoa's Journey from Information

Facilitating Knowledge: A Wikipedian's Journey. 

I have come to realize that leadership, at least the way it’s commonly used, is often just a label—a badge people wear at events and conferences. The word is thrown around, but when I look around, I only sees individuals, not the people they are supposedly leading. For me leadership isn’t  something I seek. Instead, I  focus on facilitation, helping groups accomplish tasks rather than getting caught up in titles or roles.

After years of working with AfroCrowd  Wikipedia user group, I  understand how difficult it can be to work with large groups, especially when the conversation veers away from the task at hand. I have learned that in groups of 2, 3, or even 8 people, keeping opinions that are not aligned with the objective should be avoided as much as possible.  

In 2020, during COVID-19 lockdown I started Alkebulan Wiki Edit and Study Group on Zoom to share my knowledge as a Wikipedian and help others navigate the platform. It was for me to not edit alone, but to share the process of research, discussion,  learning,  and editing.

Today I see how essential Wikipedia and its many projects are, especially in today’s AI-driven world. For me, being a Wikipedia editor has bridged the transition from the Information Age to what I now consider the "Education Age." 

Over the past eight years, I have become self-educated, finding deep enrichment in contributing to the global knowledge base.

My journey isn’t about leading—it’s about learning, growing, and sharing in the most meaningful ways possible.


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