From Wikinews, the free news source you can write!
The first Meetup for “Establishing a Wikimedia Community” in Bhutan was held on 11th January 2025. More than 20 participants were present during the Meetup. The Wikimedian from West Bengal Mr. Bodhisattwa Mandal and Ms. Ananya Mondal were also invited for the event as a guest speaker. They shared Wikimedia’s success stories in West Bengal and advised the Bhutanese counterpart how to kick-start the community in Bhutan.
Mr. Bodhisattwa Mandal presented on “Building a thriving Wikimedia community in Bhutan” covering a wide range of topics like how wikimedia had flourished in West Bengal and motivating in areas like digitally preserve language, culture, heritage; showcase own culture to the world; leave behind a mark and legacy out of love, passion, hobby; power to make a difference etc..
He also emphasized the potential to promote Mikimedia growth in Bhutan in taking forward the Dzongkha Wikipedia to sphere head.
Ms. Ananya Mondal presented on “Wiki Loves Butterfly” to encourage participants to understand an approach to forge establishing a community in Bhutan. The presentation generally covered the documentation of butterflies in West Bengal. It was also encouraging to learn that the same project covers the documentation of butterflies from some part of Bhutan. Both the presenters highlighted the potential of Wikimedia projects in Bhutan and tips on how to encourage volunteers’ participation in contributing and editing articles.
The participants were also taught on how to create Wikimedia accounts, write contents, upload and edit articles.
The next meetup is expected to happen soon to follow-up and nominate the editors. The event was funded through the Rapid Grant Project by the Wikimedia Foundation.
