Decolonise the Internet
At the end of August 2020, we had an Edit-A-Thon workshop to the newly launched Goethe-Institute’s programme “Decolonise the Internet” Decolonize the Internet - Goethe-Institut. After the workshop an editing and translation competition with great prizes took place. At the Goethe-Institut of addis Ababa, 14 women have participated on the workshop and five have taken part in the competition. Here is an interview of the best three who won prizes.
By Yonas Tarekegn
Mahlet Tadesse Gemoraw
23 Jahre alt
Jurastudentin (Abschlussjahr)
1st place
Do you have any experiences in writing prior to participating in the workshop?
Most of my experience in writing is limited to schoolwork. However, I have also had a fair amount of experience through internships and extracurricular activities.
How did you find the Workshop?
The workshop was quite interesting for me personally because I didn't know how to write on Wikipedia. The training was clear and precise and the trainers were quite friendly and helpful.
With regards to the Edit-A-Thon I found it fantastic that it is focused on writing about Ethiopian women on Wikipedia. The number of Ethiopian women on Wikipedia is low and this workshop has given me an insight into the importance of contributing to Wiki.
About whom/what is your article about and why?
My article was about Bruktawit Tigabu. When we completed the training we were given the option to choose among a list of Ethiopian women who are written in red on Wikipedia. Among these women was Bruktawit Tigabu. She is known across the country for the work she's done with regards to children's education. Moreover, she has been renowned internationally for the work she has done. Nonetheless, she was not on Wikipedia. One of my favorites of the many great works she has done is the Tibeb Girls which is a show about three girls with superpowers which is such an empowering show for young girls. Her contributions in shaping children are immense therefore when I saw her name on the list it was an easy choice. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruktawit_Tigabu_Tadesse
How do you feel about your achievement and the award?
I am very happy about the achievement. Honestly, at first, I didn't think I was going to go through the competition because I thought it would be tough. However, I convinced myself I need to write about someone and that I need to complete the workshop. With my minimal knowledge of how to write on Wikipedia, it was quite challenging to have my article published. At first, my article was taken down but I kept on improving it and uploaded it and it was finally accepted.
Have you continued writing or translating articles in Wikipedia?
As a beginner, writing on Wikipedia can be a bit time-consuming and I have been preparing for my exams as I am a graduating student. However, as I mentioned before, I believe that more should be written about Ethiopian women as there are many who have contributed a lot that is worth sharing. I believe translating articles into local languages is also important in making information accessible as well. So with the hope of writing more soon, currently I am contributing to Wikipedia by editing written articles.
What do you know about the Goethe-Institut?
As a student at Addis Ababa University, I've gotten the chance to attend various events organized by Goethe-Institut like exhibitions, film festivals, and more. I also know that they teach the German language and that they have a library.
Anything you would like to add?
I would like to thank all who were part of this workshop as it was very informative and very important in bringing change towards the online platform being more inclusive and diversified.
Eden Tesfaye
22 years old
Undergraduate Student at AAU
2nd place
Do you have any experiences in writing prior to participating in the workshop?
I like writing. I sometimes write as a hobby. I have no experience on workshops like this.
The workshop was good .It was a great experience .
About whom/what is your article about and why?
My translated article is about Yetnebersh Nigussie. And I chose her because I believe she meets my "brave" definition. She fight for the right of disabled people, inspire them and create opportunities. She is a good example of courage. https://am.wikipedia.org/wiki/የትነበርሽ_ንጉሴ
How do you feel about your achievement and the award?
I am really happy about my achievment . I hope I can do better in the future.
Have you continued writing or translating articles in Wikipedia?
I haven´t started writing articles. I felt that I need someone to look in to my work and give me feedback so that I can do better with both the editing and creating a new article. To be honest there is a lot to write about. Am sure I will contribute my articles and play my role.
What do you know about the Goethe-Institut?
Goethe-Institut is a German cultural institute which promotes cultural exchanges between Ethiopia and Germany.
Anything you would like to add?
Finally I would like to say thank you for creating the chance for us to participate in the workshop. I get to learn something new because of this opportunity. And I really appreciate the time you took out to help us. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you in the future.
Arsema Reta
22 years old
Medical Laboratory student
3rd place
Do you have any experiences in writing prior to participating in the workshop?
Writing is my hobby. However, I don't have any experience before this workshop.
How did you find the Workshop?
It was a very great opportunity for beginners like me
About whom/what is your article about and why?
My article is about our Ethiopian President Sahlework Zewde. I thought about translating an article to Amharic about her biography gives an opportunity for a person who is an Amharic speaker to know more about her work and success story because she is an inspiration for the young generation.
https://am.wikipedia.org/wiki/አባል:Ethiopqus
How do you feel about your achievement and the award?
I am surprised and thankful. At the same time it vividly shows there is someone out there who appreciates my work.
Have you continued writing or translating articles in Wikipedia?
I start writing a new article on Wikipedia
What do you know about the Goethe-Institut?
Goethe-Institut is an active cultural institute of Germany that encourages international cultural exchange.
Anything you would like to add?
It was a great experience to be a part of this workshop. I look forward to working with you on new projects.