Mariana Senkiv
My name is Mariana Senkiv (User:MarianaSenkiv). I started editing in 2017, and I edit mostly the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar editions of Wikipedia, Wikivoyage, Wikiquotes, and also Wikimedia Commons, Wikidata and other wikiprojects. An important part of my Wikimedia work is coaching and mentoring, and I conduct webinars and workshops for interested groups of people, including educators, librarians, and community activists. Since September 2024 I am on the Board of Wikimedia Ukraine, and one of the priority areas of my work is to involve underrepresented groups of users (women, youth, older people, people with disabilities, and others) in editing Wikipedia and wikiprojects. I am also actively involved in organising different editing campaigns. I am an associate professor at the Department of Tourism of the Lviv Polytechnic National University in Lviv, Ukraine, where I implement the Wikipedia educational program for students. Since 2025, I have been a member of the Wiki Women* Task Force.
Session
Since 2024, Wikimedia Ukraine has developed a program engaging seniors with Wikipedia. We launched offline courses in Poltava and partnered with a national charity in Kyiv to teach seniors Wikipedia editing through 5-6 lessons – from account creation to article development. Nearly 30 participants have graduated, with some becoming enthusiastic contributors beyond the curriculum.
Despite challenges including limited computer literacy and wartime logistics, students have shown remarkable dedication. This session will showcase how including seniors enhances editor diversity, present our program results, and share practical insights for communities interested in implementing similar initiatives.