Moleskine Foundation

Higher Education Initiative

Higher Education Initiative

Higher Education Initiative (HEI) engages and trains university students who speak and write in African languages how to produce digital content, using Wikimedia tools. It is an educational offer from the WikiAfrica Education program, conceived by Fondazione Aurora and Moleskine Foundation. This initiative is designed to equip a diverse range of students (18-27 years), who know and/or write in African languages, with the necessary skills and motivation to be knowledge producers and specialists in their communities. These training sessions are delivered digitally and are conducted by an experienced Wikimedian from one of the African Wikipedia chapters which we collaborate with.

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How does the Higher Education Initiative work?

Each session will consist of 2 hours a week for a total of 4 lectures per month with 50 participants, coming from international backgrounds. The training will be delivered in English or French and it will be held online on the Zoom platform.

All the selected participants will be able to participate in the Higher Education Initiative for free.

You will have the opportunity to meet an inspirational speaker, who will motivate you along the way. Higher Education Initiative does not only aim to simply train Wikipedia editors but also to enhance the skills of young Africans in their capacity to change the current digital narratives around the African continent.

Which sessions can I apply for in 2023?

Students interested can enroll starting February 2023. 3 sessions will be conducted in French or English respectively on the following dates:

  • Session 1. From 17th March to 4th April (English)
  • Session 2: From 12th May to 16th June (English)
  • Session 3: From 13th October to 17th November (French)

Deadline applications:

  • Session 1: March 1st at 12:00 P.M. GMT
  • Session 2: April 16th at 12:00 PM GMT
  • Session 3: September 13th at 12:00 PM GMT

Institutions' Engagement 2021

From Italy

  • Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
  • University of Rome Tor Vergata
  • University of Naples Federico II
  • Sapienza University of Rome
  • Mygrants
  • IULM di Milano
  • Politecnico di Milano

From Africa

  • Amref International University (AMIU) – Kenya
  • Constitution Hill – South Africa
  • Université Aube Nouvelle – Burkina Faso
  • Institut Bagninty Institut Itoma Hema de Banfora – Burkina Faso

What is WikiAfrica Education?

WikiAfrica Education (WAE) is a Moleskine Foundation (MSKF) initiative. It is a platform of empowerment that amplifies voices from Africa to reflect the rich and valuable history, languages, people, and communities of the continent.

The strategic focus of the WAE Program is to inspire a new generation of African creative thinkers and doers by increasing production, access, and awareness of contextually and linguistically relevant knowledge resources from Africa.  

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Supported by:

Fondazione Aurora - logo

FAQ

Why should I apply?

  • You want to ensure knowledge concerning your community and/or culture is better represented online
  • You want to acquire the specific skills to create a Wikipedia article
  • You want to expand the amount of useful content available in African languages online
  • You want to contribute and challenge the way information is presented regarding Africa
  • You want to fill certain knowledge gaps or misrepresentations that you have seen online

Who can apply?

  • If you are a young person between 18 – 27 years old who wants to become a knowledge producer
  • If you are intellectually curious and would like to learn how to leverage the Wikipedia platform
  • If you are passionate about transforming your community through culture and creativity
  • If you are proficient in English or French (depending on the session) and speak an African language
  • Applications from around the world are welcome
  • Applications from all the minority groups are encouraged, this is an inclusive program

Do I have to pay for the experience?

If you are selected to participate Moleskine Foundation and Fondazione Aurora  will cover your participation fees

What happens if I am selected?

  • You will receive an email confirming your selection and will be asked to confirm your desire to participate.
  • You will be contacted by us with the details of the workshop.

What skills will I acquire?

Higher Education Initiative will enable you to acquire the digital skills needed to produce content on Wikimedia’s online platform, and skills for researching and publishing articles upon completion of the course and the writing of the required 5 papers per student, you will obtain an International Certificate of Completion will be issued attesting to the skills acquired.