From User to Contributor: How to Start Giving Back to Open Source

As we celebrate Black History Month and inspire young Black individuals to chase their dreams, we also recognize the impact of open source—a movement driven by teamwork and shared knowledge.

Think about Wikipedia , the world’s go to online encyclopaedia. Need to learn learn historic events, discoveries or even pop culture? Wikipedia got you covered. This is a perfect example of open source project.This is a platform built by volunteers worldwide who contribute their time and knowledge, to make it better.

If you’ve ever corrected a Wikipedia article or added missing information, you’ve already participated in open source without realising it!

The best part ? Anyone can contribute - whether its’ code in open source projects or edits in articles. All it takes is the willingness to collaborate and make an impact.

Why Contribute to Open Source ?

By contributing, you’re not just fixing issues —you’re improving a software that millions rely on creating a ripple effect of innovation others depend on.

Open Source pushes you to step out of your comfort zone and develop valuable technical skills such as coding, documenting, designing etc. But it’s more that just skill building - its gives an individual satisfaction, knowing your contribution makes a difference.Many contributors find that open-source allows them to focus on meaningful problems that they care deeply about and align with their values.

Beyond personal satisfaction, open source is a career accelerator. Employers value open-source contributions as proof of a candidate’s technical abilities and commitment to continuous learning.Whether you’re looking to land a new role or level up your career, contributing helps build a strong portfolio , especially through Github, personal blogs or technical write-ups.

By joining discussions, reviewing code, and working on projects, you can connect with experienced professionals. These connections can lead to mentorship, collaborations, or even job opportunities. Open-source relationships can open doors to careers, freelance work, and valuable networks you might not have found otherwise

I am Interested , How Can l Start Contributing ?

• Find the right project - look for beginner-friendly projects with clear documentation.

• Understand the project - Read the Readme file, check existing issues, and explore the codebase to get an idea of how the project works.

• Start small - You don’t have to jump into coding immediately, you can simply fix typos, improve the documentations or testing.

• Engage the community - Open source projects often have active communities on Slack or Discord. Ask questions, participate in discussions, and stay involved

Where to Contribute ? Exciting Open Source Projects to explore

Thinking about diving into open source but not sure where to start ?Lets explore possible opportunities :

• Outreachy program - This program provides internships in open source. Outreachy offers internships to from underrepresented backgrounds in tech. You can contribute and move to the different levels, the fields include data science, cloud computing , documentation among others.

  Applications Timeline: The first phase is usually open in early February. and the deadline around February 15th.If you missed it, don’t worry there’s a second round later in the year. In the meantime you can check if you meet the eligibility criteria.

• Google Summer of Code(GSoC) - If you love coding and problem-solving, this is a great way to level up your skills while working on impactful projects.

• Google Summer of Docs - Calling all technical writers! This program allows qualified writers to collaborate with open-source organizations and get paid for creating high-quality documentations

  Application Timeline :Applications typically open around March , so mark your calendar!

• Major League Hacking Fellowship (MLH)- This program looks for ways to empowers students and professionals to work on open-source projects for hackers and support our growing community.One Learns, Builds, and Share their knowledge.

  Timeline Applications: The next cohort closes on April 30th.

• HNG Contribution (The “Squid Game” of Open Source ) - Think you can handle the pressure? The HNG program is an intesne, fun and competitive way to contribute to open source. You’ll face tasks at every stage - complete them or get eliminated! It’s a thrilling way to sharpen your skills while working with others.

• Linux Foundation Mentorship Program - This program is designed to help developers , who might be first-time contributors to learn contribute effectively to open source projects.You can apply for the different programs under CNCF, Graphql , LF Networking and more. Check their official site for the timeline.

Final Thoughts - You’ve Got This!

Everyone can contribute , whether a beginner or an expert what matters is one’s consistency.

Guess what ? Contributing to She Code Africa Nairobi’s blog is also a form of open-source!So why not start right here ? Share your knowledge, write an article and make an impact.

If you’re a first-time contributor, consider finding a mentor or connecting with experienced project members who can review your work and help you grow.Its all about collaboration.

Thanks for reading - we can’t wait to see what you build! 💻