Open Source is “everything, everywhere, all at once.” In 2022, GitHub reported over 94 million developers using the platform and over 3.5 billion contributions recorded on the platform. While GitHub does not only have Open Source projects, it is impossible to ignore the changing drumbeat and record investments made into “Open Work” over the last ten years. But when people say “open source” and “free software,” what exactly do they mean? How do we define “free stuff” and what different ways do we produce this “free stuff?” Furthermore, how are companies, businesses, governments, and international NGOs providing opportunities, careers, and jobs to work on “free stuff?” In addition, when you hear about "contributing to opensource" is it just about "code contributions"?

GDG Bamenda is excited to bring to you "Open Source Day" which is aimed at enlightening newbies on open source and how to contribute to it in various ways. We have a set of esteemed speakers who have been actively contributing and creating impact in the world of open source. The goal is to have you learn about opensource from the very best as well as have you start contributing as soon as you can. We are calling on developers, designers, and technical writers to attend this events and explore the various ways they can make quality open source contributions. Bring those burning questions of yours and feel free to ask the speakers.

Speakers

• Justin Flory: In Justin's talk, he will pull the curtain back on the past 40 years of “free & open source,” how we got to where we are today, and advice on how to find competitive careers working on open source products and with open source communities. Justin pulls from both the public history and his own personal experience as an open source contributor for the last 10 years, beginning when he was a high school student. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the different ways “free & open source” are used in industry and gain insight for how open source projects can act as a launchpad for a technology career.
• Marie Nordin: Join in for Marie's session about her Open Source journey, lessons she's learned, and how you can get started in Open Source design. Get an understanding of what to expect, what to avoid, and how being a part of Open Source communities can transform your life!
• Adeyinka Oresanya: Adeyinka's session will focus on how to get started with open source documentation for writers/technical writers.
  

If you're looking forward to participating in programs like Outreachy, Google Summer of Code, the LFX Mentorship, MLH Fellowship that are big on open source, this is the perfect opportunity to prepare you for such opportunities in future.