Wikipedia:WikiConnect/Conversations/Sanket Oswal
Sanket Oswal and Abhishek Suryawanshi met on 27th December 2014 at SGS Mall Pune. Here are key points discussed by them :
Inputs
edit- Almost 70% India lives in rural area, they are far way from mainstream media. However mobile penetration is increasing day by day in rural area's.
- We can promote English as well as local language Wikipedia in remote locations.
- Nice initiative to promote Wikipedia and sister projects in rural community.
- Health-related (verified) Wikipedia-articles can be shared for public health awareness. (ex : In rural community, we can distribute breast cancer/Dengue/AIDS Wikipedia article in English as well as local language)
- Chapter is having minor representation from North-East India, it is better to execute this project in such region.
Challenges
edit- Lack of support and community absence in remote locations.
- It will involve lot of traveling and grass-root level work.
- It may require financial assistance to execute it on better level.
- Follow-up is necessary.
- Volunteer-management.
Possible Solutions
edit- Tie-up with local organizations who work in rural communities.
- Dedicated staff/volunteer to manage project.
- Guidance from experts who have worked in rural communities earlier.
- Financial Help : Possible sources - WMF, CIS, WMIN etc
Anticipated Outcome
edit- New community can emerge from WikiConnect.
- Strong reader/editor base in remote locations as well as North-east.
- Increased visibility and usage of Wikimedia Projects by rural community.
- Global Health-access-knowledge sharing through Wiki will be useful to rural community.
Help from Sanket
edit- On-ground outreach if needed.
- Help to connect local organizations in rural communities.
- Will be available to conduct workshop as per availability.
- Will act as bridge between Chapter and WikiConnect.
- Social-awareness help through online sources.