Free Knowledge Africa/Strategic Plan for Free Knowledge Africa 2024 - 2026

Overall Organisational Theory of Change

Free Knowledge Africa (FKA) envisions a future where free knowledge about African culture, sports, travel, and tourism is widely accessible and actively contributed to by diverse communities across the continent. To achieve this vision, FKA implements a multifaceted approach centred around three core activities: promoting open access practices, raising awareness about the importance of free knowledge, and providing capacity-building opportunities for African contributors.

Strategic Aim 1: Build Community Capacity and Awareness of Open Knowledge Initiatives

Long-term outcome

Increased participation and engagement of local communities in open knowledge initiatives, leading to greater access to and preservation of cultural heritage resources and enhanced contributions to Wikimedia projects.

Assumptions

1. Communities are receptive to learning about open knowledge concepts and actively participating in related activities.
2. Access to training and capacity-building opportunities will empower community members to become advocates for open knowledge and contribute meaningfully to Wikimedia projects.
3. Collaborative efforts with local institutions and organizations will facilitate the documentation, digitization, and dissemination of cultural heritage resources.

Theory of change

By building community capacity and awareness of open knowledge initiatives, we believe that individuals will be empowered to preserve and share their cultural heritage, leading to increased representation and visibility of African knowledge on global platforms like Wikimedia. This increased engagement will foster a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration, ultimately contributing to the long-term sustainability of open knowledge ecosystems.

Where is our intervention

Our intervention focuses on engaging with local communities across Nigeria through targeted workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns. By providing access to educational resources and hands-on training, we aim to equip community members with the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in open knowledge initiatives effectively.

Strategic objectives

1. Raise awareness: Increase awareness among community members about the importance of open knowledge, public domain works, and the role of Wikimedia projects in preserving cultural heritage.
2. Build capacity: Empower community members with the skills and resources needed to contribute to Wikimedia projects, digitize cultural heritage resources, and advocate for open access to knowledge.
3. Foster collaboration: Facilitate partnerships and collaboration with local institutions, libraries, and community centres to support ongoing learning opportunities and cultural heritage preservation efforts.

Why us

Free Knowledge Africa has a proven track record of successfully implementing community-centred initiatives to promote open knowledge and preserve cultural heritage in Africa. With our expertise in organizing workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns, we are well-positioned to lead efforts to build community capacity and awareness of open knowledge initiatives in Nigeria.

Activities

1. Conduct community workshops and training sessions on open knowledge concepts, Wikimedia editing, and cultural heritage preservation.
2. Collaborate with local communities to document and digitize cultural heritage resources, including oral histories, traditional practices, and indigenous knowledge.
3. Launch awareness campaigns targeting students, educators, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts to promote understanding and appreciation of open knowledge initiatives.
4. Develop specialized training programs on Wikipedia editing, digital storytelling, and open data analysis to empower community members with relevant skills and knowledge.
5. Facilitate partnerships with local institutions, libraries, and community centres to host capacity-building workshops and ongoing learning opportunities.

Evidence that it’s working + Who are we reaching (Metrics)

1. Number of community workshops and training sessions conducted.
2. Participation rates in community capacity-building initiatives.
3. Number of cultural heritage resources documented and digitized.
4. Reach and engagement metrics for awareness campaigns (e.g., social media impressions, event attendance).
5. Feedback and testimonials from community members on the impact of capacity-building activities.
6. Growth in the number of active contributors to Wikimedia projects from targeted communities.
7. Increased awareness and understanding of open knowledge concepts among community members, as measured by pre- and post-training assessments.

Strategic Aim 2:Partnerships with Stakeholders to Promote Open Access Policies

Long term outcome

Enhanced collaboration and partnerships between Free Knowledge Africa and key stakeholders, leading to increased support for open knowledge initiatives and cultural heritage preservation efforts in Nigeria.

Assumptions

1. Stakeholders recognize the value and importance of open knowledge initiatives and are willing to engage in collaborative efforts.
2. Building partnerships with government agencies, cultural institutions, academia, and civil society organizations will facilitate access to resources and expertise needed to advance open knowledge objectives.
3. Establishing and maintaining partnerships with existing and new stakeholders will contribute to the long-term sustainability and scalability of open knowledge initiatives.

Theory of Change

By actively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, Free Knowledge Africa aims to leverage collective expertise and resources to drive meaningful change in the open knowledge ecosystem. Building strategic partnerships with government agencies, cultural institutions, academia, and civil society organizations will foster collaboration and support for initiatives aimed at preserving cultural heritage and promoting open access to knowledge.

Where is our intervention

Our intervention focuses on establishing and nurturing partnerships with key stakeholders across various sectors in Nigeria. Through advocacy efforts, networking opportunities, and collaborative projects, we aim to build relationships and engage stakeholders in supporting open knowledge initiatives and cultural heritage preservation efforts.

Strategic objectives

1. Forge partnerships: Establish strategic partnerships with government agencies, cultural institutions, academia, and civil society organizations to support open knowledge initiatives and cultural heritage preservation efforts.
2. Advocate for open access: Engage stakeholders in advocacy efforts to promote open access to knowledge and encourage the release of public domain works by institutions and organizations.
3. Collaborative projects: Identify and implement collaborative projects with stakeholders to address common goals and objectives related to open knowledge and cultural heritage preservation.

Why us

Free Knowledge Africa has a track record of successful stakeholder engagement and collaboration in promoting open knowledge and preserving cultural heritage in Africa. With our expertise in building partnerships and fostering collaboration, we are well-positioned to lead efforts to engage stakeholders in supporting open knowledge initiatives in Nigeria.

Activities

1. Conduct stakeholder mapping and analysis to identify key partners and potential collaborators.
2. Organize stakeholder meetings, workshops, and roundtable discussions to facilitate dialogue and collaboration on open knowledge initiatives.
3. Develop joint projects and initiatives with stakeholders to address shared objectives related to open access to knowledge and cultural heritage preservation.
4. Advocate for policy changes and institutional support for open knowledge initiatives through engagement with government agencies and decision-makers.
5. Promote awareness and understanding of open knowledge concepts and initiatives among stakeholders through targeted communication and outreach efforts.

Evidence that it’s working + Who are we reaching (Metrics)

1. Number of strategic partnerships established with government agencies, cultural institutions, academia, and civil society organizations.
2. Level of engagement and participation of stakeholders in collaborative projects and initiatives.
3. Impact of advocacy efforts on policy changes and institutional support for open knowledge initiatives.
4. Feedback and testimonials from stakeholders on the value and impact of collaboration with Free Knowledge Africa.
5. Increased awareness and understanding of open knowledge concepts among stakeholders, as measured by pre and post-engagement assessments.

Strategic Aim 3:Digitization and Dissemination of Public Domain Works

Long term outcome

Establishment of a robust digital infrastructure for the digitization, cataloguing, and dissemination of public domain works in Nigeria, leading to increased accessibility and reuse of cultural heritage resources.

Assumptions

1. Technical experts possess the necessary skills and expertise to develop and maintain digital platforms and tools tailored to the needs of Free Knowledge Africa.
2. Leveraging existing platforms such as Wikimedia Commons and Wikidata will enhance efficiency and effectiveness in hosting and disseminating media files and other resources.
3. The availability of digital infrastructure will incentivize stakeholders to contribute and engage in efforts to digitize and preserve public domain works.

Theory of change

By investing in the establishment of a digital infrastructure, Free Knowledge Africa aims to provide the necessary infrastructure and tools to support the digitization, cataloguing, and dissemination of public domain works in Nigeria. This infrastructure will enable stakeholders to access, contribute to, and reuse cultural heritage resources, thereby fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and preservation.

Where is our intervention

Our intervention focuses on collaborating with technical experts to design, develop, and maintain digital platforms and tools for hosting and disseminating public domain works. We will also engage stakeholders to contribute to the digitization and cataloguing process, ensuring the inclusivity and sustainability of the digital infrastructure.

Strategic objectives

1. Develop digital platforms: Design and develop user-friendly digital platforms and tools tailored to the needs of Free Knowledge Africa for hosting media files, metadata, and other resources.
2. Leverage existing platforms: Utilize existing platforms such as Wikimedia Commons and Wikidata to maximize efficiency and impact in hosting and disseminating public domain works.
3. Facilitate digitization efforts: Engage stakeholders in digitization efforts to contribute to the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage resources in Nigeria.

Why us

Free Knowledge Africa is uniquely positioned to lead efforts in establishing a digital infrastructure for preserving and disseminating public domain works in Nigeria. With our expertise in open knowledge initiatives and partnerships, we can effectively collaborate with technical experts and stakeholders to develop and maintain digital platforms tailored to the needs of our community.

Activities

1. Collaborate with technical experts: Partner with technical experts to design, develop, and maintain digital platforms and tools for hosting and disseminating public domain works.
2. Utilize Wikimedia platforms: Leverage existing platforms such as Wikimedia Commons and Wikidata to host media files and metadata related to public domain works.
3. Engage stakeholders: Encourage stakeholders to contribute to digitization efforts by providing access to resources, training, and support.
4. Promote accessibility: Ensure the accessibility and usability of digital platforms for users to access, contribute to, and reuse public domain works.
5. Monitor and evaluate: Regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the digital infrastructure in facilitating the digitization, cataloguing, and dissemination of public domain works.

Evidence that it’s working + Who are we reaching (Metrics)

1. Number of public domain works digitized and catalogued on digital platforms.
2. Level of engagement and participation of stakeholders in digitization efforts.
3. Accessibility and usability of digital platforms for users to access, contribute to, and reuse public domain works.
4. Feedback and testimonials from stakeholders on the value and impact of the digital infrastructure.
5. Increased awareness and utilization of digital platforms among target users, as measured by user engagement metrics and surveys.

Strategic Aim 4:Advocate for Policy Changes that Support Open Access and Public Domain Access

Long term outcome

Increased awareness and support for open access to information and cultural heritage resources, leading to broader societal change and a stronger culture of knowledge sharing and preservation.

Assumptions

1. Target audiences are receptive to advocacy efforts promoting open access to information and cultural heritage resources.
2. Engagement with traditional and social media platforms will effectively reach and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
3. Participation in public events and visits to GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) institutions will raise awareness and garner support for open knowledge initiatives.

Theory of change

By actively advocating for open access to information and cultural heritage resources, Free Knowledge Africa aims to raise awareness and generate support for its initiatives, driving broader societal change and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and preservation. Through targeted advocacy campaigns, engagement with traditional and social media platforms, and participation in public events, Free Knowledge Africa seeks to amplify its message and mobilize stakeholders to take action towards advancing open knowledge.

Where is our intervention

Our intervention focuses on engaging with traditional and social media platforms, organizing public events, and visiting GLAM institutions to advocate for open access to information and cultural heritage resources. By leveraging various communication channels and platforms, we aim to reach and influence a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, cultural institutions, academia, and the general public.

Strategic objectives

1. Raise awareness: Increase awareness of the importance of open access to information and cultural heritage resources through targeted advocacy campaigns and engagement with traditional and social media platforms.
2. Garner support: Mobilize stakeholders to support open knowledge initiatives and advocate for policies that promote open access to information and cultural heritage resources.
3. Drive societal change: Foster a culture of knowledge sharing and preservation by promoting awareness of the public domain and advocating for policies and practices that facilitate access and reuse of cultural heritage resources.

Why us

Free Knowledge Africa is uniquely positioned to lead advocacy and public engagement efforts in promoting open access to information and cultural heritage resources in Nigeria. With our expertise in open knowledge initiatives and partnerships, we can effectively engage with stakeholders and mobilize support for our initiatives, driving broader societal change and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and preservation.

Activities

1. Advocacy campaigns: Develop and implement targeted advocacy campaigns to raise awareness of open access issues and promote support for open knowledge initiatives.
2. Engagement with media: Engage with traditional and social media platforms to amplify our message and reach a broader audience.
3. Public events: Organize public events, such as workshops, seminars, and conferences, to raise awareness and facilitate dialogue on open access issues.
4. Visits to GLAM institutions: Conduct visits to GLAM institutions to engage with stakeholders, raise awareness of open access issues, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
5. Social media challenges: Organize social media challenges to spark conversation and generate actions that advance our theory of change, such as finding works in the public domain and promoting access and reuse.

Evidence that it’s working + Who are we reaching (Metrics)

1. Number of advocacy campaigns launched and their reach and impact on awareness and support for open access initiatives.
2. Engagement metrics on traditional and social media platforms, including reach, impressions, and interactions.
3. Attendance and participation in public events organized by Free Knowledge Africa.
4. Feedback and testimonials from stakeholders on the effectiveness and impact of advocacy and public engagement efforts.
5. Increased awareness and understanding of open access issues among target audiences, as measured by surveys and interviews.

Strategic Aim 5: Content Drives and Contests on Thematic Area of Interest

Long-term outcome

Increased engagement and participation in open knowledge initiatives, leading to a richer and more diverse open knowledge ecosystem and enhanced access to public domain works.

Assumptions

1. Target audiences are interested in participating in campaigns and content drives promoting open knowledge.
2. Themed campaigns and content creation challenges will stimulate interest and generate momentum among participants.
3. Collaborative content drives will foster a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration within and beyond communities.

Theory of change

By implementing targeted campaigns and content drives, Free Knowledge Africa aims to promote open knowledge and facilitate the accessibility of public domain works. These initiatives will engage a wider audience, encourage active participation, and enrich the open knowledge ecosystem. Through themed campaigns, content creation challenges, and collaborative content drives, Free Knowledge Africa seeks to stimulate interest, generate momentum, and foster a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration within and beyond communities, ultimately leading to increased access to public domain works and a more vibrant open knowledge ecosystem.

Where is our intervention

Our intervention focuses on organizing themed campaigns, content creation challenges, and collaborative content drives to promote open knowledge and facilitate access to public domain works. By providing opportunities for engagement and participation, we aim to stimulate interest, generate momentum, and foster a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration within and beyond communities.

Strategic objectives

1. Stimulate interest: Develop and implement themed campaigns and content creation challenges to engage audiences and stimulate interest in open knowledge initiatives.
2. Generate momentum: Organize collaborative content drives to generate momentum and encourage active participation in contributing to and utilizing open knowledge resources.
3. Foster collaboration: Facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants through collaborative content drives, workshops, and edit-a-thons.
4. Attract new contributors: Attract new contributors to Wikimedia projects and improve the skills of existing editors through campaigns, contests, and editing workshops.

Why us

Free Knowledge Africa has the expertise and experience to lead campaigns and content drives promoting open knowledge in Nigeria. With our knowledge of the local context and partnerships with cultural institutions and academia, we can effectively engage audiences and foster collaboration within and beyond communities, driving increased participation in open knowledge initiatives and enhancing access to public domain works.

Activities

1. Themed campaigns: Develop and implement themed campaigns focusing on specific topics such as Afrosports and Explore Africa to engage audiences and stimulate interest in open knowledge.
2. Content creation challenges: Organize content creation challenges to encourage active participation in contributing to and utilizing open knowledge resources.
3. Collaborative content drives: Facilitate collaborative content drives to generate momentum and foster collaboration among participants in creating and improving content on Wikimedia projects.
4. Editing workshops: Host editing workshops and edit-a-thons to attract new contributors to Wikimedia projects and improve the skills of existing editors.
5. Social media promotion: Promote campaigns, contests, and workshops on social media platforms to reach a wider audience and attract participants.

Evidence that it’s working + Who are we reaching (Metrics)

1. Participation metrics: Measure participation levels in campaigns, content creation challenges, and collaborative content drives.
2. Content metrics: Track the creation and improvement of content on Wikimedia projects resulting from campaigns and content drives.
3. Engagement metrics: Monitor engagement levels on social media platforms and campaign-specific hashtags.
4. Feedback and testimonials: Gather feedback and testimonials from participants on their experience and the impact of participating in campaigns and content drives.
5. Diversity of contributors: Assess the diversity of contributors participating in campaigns and content drives, including demographic information and geographic distribution.