Audiopedia would be nothing without its volunteers. We would like to introduce you to some of them with our "Volunteer Stories". This one is about Lucy from Nigeria. As an indigenous language activist she has actively participated in series of projects and campaigns that promote and create visibility for African-related contents, enhanced African-related articles, created Wikidata items and promoted visibility for African Scholars on the online encyclopedia.
The past before the beginning
In the final lap of my study at the University, the reality of life at school set in – I became worried about the future. What and how can I strive in an ever-evolving and highly competitive world of independence? Then came the answer – being open-minded about new knowledge, which ushered me into the world of indigenous language advocacy.
The beginning
In August 2021, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Audiopedia Translatathon and editathon project at the University of Nigeria. It was my first experience of such an event and I must say, it was truly eye-opening and inspiring.
Thanks to the GIZ sponsorship, this project was organized by REDAID NIGERIA in partnership with Audiopedia (URIDU), a non-profit organization dedicated to making essential knowledge available to everyone, everywhere, and most especially to women in rural communities. Their mission is to provide free, reliable, and up-to-date information on health, education, and women's rights to people in low-resource settings through audio content in local languages.
As a student at the University of Nigeria, I was thrilled to be a part of this event. The Translatathon seemed like a perfect opportunity to actualize my passion for being an agent of change and to try something new. I was particularly excited about the idea of translating important information into local languages, ensuring that it reaches those who need it most – a true commitment to accessible knowledge.
The event itself was a 3-day affair, filled with energy and enthusiasm. With a team of passionate, youthful individuals, we had access to a library of written health content in English, which we then translated into the Igbo language for the benefit of women living in the rural communities of the 5 Igbo-speaking states in Nigeria. It was a challenging yet rewarding task, as I had to ensure that the translations were not only accurate but also culturally relevant – a true exercise in preserving indigenous heritage.
Throughout these 3 days, I was constantly amazed by the dedication and passion of my fellow volunteers. There was a real sense of purpose as we all worked towards a common goal of making vital information accessible to those who need it most. It was a collaborative effort, with everyone sharing their knowledge and skills to create high-quality translations – an inspiring display of collective impact.
At the end of the day, I felt a great sense of accomplishment. Knowing that I was part of the team whose translations would soon be available to millions of people in Nigeria filled me with deep pride. It was a humbling experience that made me realize just how powerful language can be in breaking down barriers and improving access to information.
The present
Participating in the Audiopedia Translatathon was a truly unforgettable experience. It opened my eyes to the importance of making information available in local languages, reinforcing my belief in the power of education to bring about positive change. This project ushered me into the threshold of indigenous language advocacy, a source of ongoing impact on others and an enrichment of my own linguistic heritage. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and cannot wait to continue contributing to such impactful initiatives in the future.
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