Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Kicking Starting Wikimedia Zambia 2023/24

statusDraft

Wikimedia Community Fund

Kicking Starting Wikimedia Zambia 2023/24

start date2024-01-01

end date2024-12-25

budget (local currency)510000 ZMW

amount requested (USD)25124.13 USD

grant typeIndividual

funding regionunknown region

decision fiscal year2023-24

funding program roundundefined round

applicant and people related to proposalUser:Icem4k

Friendly Space Policy

Universal Code of Conduct

Application Privacy Statement

• Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Kicking Starting Wikimedia Zambia 2023/24

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Applicant details

Wikimedia username(s):

User:Icem4k

Organization:

G. Have you received grants from the Wikimedia Foundation before?

Applied previously and did receive a grant

H. Have you received grants from any non-wiki organization before?

No

H.1 Which organization(s) did you receive grants from?

N/A

M. Do you have a fiscal sponsor?

No

M1. Fiscal organization name.

N/A

Additional information

R. Where will this proposal be implemented?

Zambia

S. Please indicate whether your work will be focused on one country (local), more than one or several countries in your region (regional) or has a cross-regional (global) scope:

Local

S1. If you have answered regional or international, please write the country names and any other information that is useful for understanding your proposal.

T. If you would like, please share any websites or social media accounts that your group or organization has. (optional)

https://www.facebook.com/WLAPaZed

https://www.facebook.com/WLEpaZed/ https://www.facebook.com/WikipediaZambia https://twitter.com/Wikipedia_ny https://twitter.com/WikimediaZM https://www.instagram.com/WikipediaZambia

M. Do you have a fiscal sponsor?

No

M1. Fiscal organization name.

N/A

Proposal

1. What is the overall vision of your organization and how does this proposal contribute to this? How does this proposal connect to past work and learning?

Creating a Wikimedia User Group in Zambia is an excellent way to promote the use of Wikimedia projects, such as Wikipedia, in the country. This user group can bring together like-minded individuals who are interested in contributing to Wikimedia projects and work towards achieving common goals, such as increasing the quality and quantity of content related to Zambia on Wikimedia projects.

The proposed plan can contribute to kick-starting a Wikimedia User Group in Zambia by outlining a clear roadmap for establishing the group, including identifying potential members, organizing meetings and events, and developing strategies to promote Wikimedia projects in Zambia. The proposal also suggests collaborating with existing organizations and groups in Zambia, which can help increase the visibility and reach of the user group.

In terms of connecting to past work and learning, the proposal can draw on the experiences and best practices of other Wikimedia User Groups around the world. By learning from the successes and challenges faced by other user groups, the proposed plan can be optimized to better meet the needs and goals of the Wikimedia community in Zambia.

In addition, the proposal can also build on past efforts to promote Wikimedia projects in Zambia, such as the Wiki Loves Africa photography competition, and Wiki Love Earth photography competition, which were held in Zambia in 2017 and 2022 respectively. By building on past successes and collaborations, the proposed user group can contribute to a growing community of Wikimedia contributors in Zambia and help increase the visibility and representation of the country on Wikimedia projects.

2. What is the change that you are trying to bring about and why is this important?

The kickstarting of a Wikimedia User Group in Zambia is important because it can help build a strong community of Wikimedia contributors in the country, promote the use of Wikimedia projects in Zambia, and increase the visibility and representation of the country on these platforms. This can have a positive impact on education, research, and other domains, and help promote the free and open sharing of knowledge. All in all, kickstarting a Wikimedia User Group in Zambia can bring about several positive changes, including

1. Increased participation: By bringing together individuals who are interested in contributing to Wikimedia projects, the user group can help increase participation in the Wikimedia community in Zambia. This can lead to more articles, images, and other media related to Zambia on Wikimedia projects, which can help increase the visibility and representation of the country on these platforms.

2. Collaboration: The user group can facilitate collaboration between individuals and organizations in Zambia, which can lead to more efficient and effective efforts to promote Wikimedia projects in the country. This can help build a strong community of Wikimedia contributors in Zambia and increase the impact of their work.

3. Skill building: The user group can provide opportunities for members to learn new skills related to contributing to Wikimedia projects, such as writing, editing, and photography. This can help members develop valuable skills that they can use in their personal and professional lives.

4. Advocacy: The user group can advocate for the use of Wikimedia projects in education, research, and other domains in Zambia. This can help increase the awareness and adoption of these platforms in the country and promote the free and open sharing of knowledge.

3. Describe your main approaches or strategies to achieve these changes and why you think they will be effective.

The approaches or strategies that can be employed to achieve the changes outlined above include:

1. Community building: Building a strong community of Wikimedia contributors in Zambia is key to increasing participation and collaboration. This can be achieved through organizing regular meetings and events, creating online spaces for discussion and collaboration, and actively recruiting new members to the user group.

2. Capacity building: Providing opportunities for members to develop skills related to contributing to Wikimedia projects can increase the quality and quantity of content related to Zambia on these platforms. This can be achieved through organizing training workshops, sharing best practices, and providing mentorship to new contributors.

3. Partnerships: Collaborating with other organizations and groups in Zambia can increase the impact and reach of the user group's efforts. This can be achieved through identifying potential partners, building relationships, and identifying areas of common interest.

4. Advocacy: Advocating for the use of Wikimedia projects in education, research, and other domains can increase awareness and adoption of these platforms in Zambia. This can be achieved through engaging with policymakers, educators, and researchers, and highlighting the benefits of using Wikimedia projects for knowledge sharing and dissemination.

4. What are the activities you will be developing and delivering as part of these approaches or strategies?

Some activities that can be done to develop and deliver the approaches or strategies:

1. Community building activities:

• Organizing regular meetups for members to discuss ongoing projects and share knowledge.
• Hosting online forums, such as a mailing list or Discord server, where members can communicate and collaborate.
• Participating in local events, such as conferences or workshops, to promote the user group and Wikimedia projects in Zambia.
• Organizing social events, such as networking events or happy hours, to build relationships and create a sense of community among members.

2. Capacity building activities:

• Hosting training sessions on topics such as writing and editing articles, uploading images and media, and using Wikimedia tools and software.
• Creating mentorship programs where experienced contributors can help new contributors develop their skills and navigate the Wikimedia community.
• Providing access to resources such as online tutorials, user guides, and documentation to support members' learning and skill development.

3. Partnership activities:

• Building relationships with other organizations in Zambia, such as libraries, museums, and universities, to collaborate on projects and share resources.
• Participating in collaborative events, such as edit-a-thons or photography contests, with other organizations to promote Wikimedia projects and increase participation in the Wikimedia community.
• Seeking out and applying for funding opportunities to support the user group's projects and activities.

4. Advocacy activities:

• Engaging with policymakers, educators, and researchers to advocate for the use of Wikimedia projects in education and research in Zambia.
• Creating and distributing educational materials, such as brochures or flyers, to promote the benefits of Wikimedia projects.
• Participating in public events, such as talks or panel discussions, to raise awareness of the user group and Wikimedia projects in Zambia.

These activities will help the user group achieve its goals by building a strong community, increasing knowledge and skill development, collaborating with partners, and advocating for the use of Wikimedia projects in Zambia.

5. Do you want to apply for multi-year funding?      

No

5.1 If yes, provide a brief overview of Year 2 and Year 3 of the proposed plan and how this relates to the current proposal and your strategic plan?

N/A

6. Please include a timeline (operational calendar) for your proposal.

7. Do you have the team that is needed to implement this proposal?

1. Isaac Kanguya, Program Coordinator, is Responsible for the overall project implementation, evaluation, and reporting.

2. Edward Phiri Project Assistant - help in overseeing all projects.

8. Please state if your proposal aims to work to bridge any of the identified CONTENT knowledge gaps (Knowledge Inequity)? Select up to THREE that most apply to your work.

Content Gender gap, Geography, Cultural background, ethnicity, religion, racial

8.1 In a few sentences, explain how your work is specifically addressing this content gap (or Knowledge inequity) to ensure a greater representation of knowledge.

1. Community Outreach: We need to connect with local communities and organizations that share our mission of bridging the content gap. This can be achieved by engaging with media outlets and using social media to highlight the underrepresented content.

2. Visibility and Impact: We must showcase our efforts to other Wikimedia communities to ensure our work has a greater impact. By sharing the activities we undertake to bridge the content gap, we can highlight the importance of our mission and attract more supporters.

3. Participant Engagement: To maintain a vibrant and active community, we need to communicate regularly with our participants. We can achieve this by using email newsletters and social media to engage with our members both online and offline. It is crucial to strategize the communication channels to ensure we maintain a strong and active community.

9. Please state if your proposal includes any of these areas or THEMATIC focus. Select up to THREE that most apply to your work and explain the rationale for identifying these themes.

Education, Culture, heritage or GLAM , Advocacy, Human Rights, Public Policy

10. Will your work focus on involving participants from any underrepresented communities? Please note, we had previously asked about inclusion and diversity in terms of CONTENTS, in this question we are asking about the diversity of PARTICIPANTS. Select up to THREE that most apply to your work.

Gender Identity, Geographic , Ethnic/racial/religious or cultural background

11. What are your strategies for engaging participants, particularly those that currently are non-Wikimedia?

1. Social media outreach: Social media platforms are great for reaching out to new audiences. Wikimedia User Group can use platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to share updates, events, and projects, and encourage non-Wikimedia users to get involved.

2. Collaborations: Partnering with other organizations, groups, or individuals that share a similar mission and values as Wikimedia can help attract new participants. Collaborations can include joint events, content creation projects, or advocacy efforts.

3. Offline events: Organizing offline events, such as meetups, edit-a-thons, workshops, and conferences, can be an effective way to engage non-Wikimedia users. These events can provide opportunities for participants to learn more about Wikimedia, its values, and its mission, as well as meet other community members.

4. Language outreach: Encouraging participation in languages other than English is crucial for building a more diverse and inclusive community. Wikimedia User Group can reach out to non-English speaking communities through language-specific outreach efforts, such as social media accounts and events.

5. Personalized engagement: Personalized engagement can help attract and retain participants. Wikimedia User Group can provide support and guidance to newcomers, such as mentoring programs, onboarding sessions, and training materials.

Overall, it is important for the Wikimedia User Group to adopt a holistic approach that combines multiple strategies to engage non-Wikimedia users. By doing so, the group can build a more diverse and inclusive community that reflects the values and goals of Wikimedia.

12. In what ways are you actively seeking to contribute towards creating a safer, supportive, more equitable environment for participants and promoting the UCOC and Friendly Space Policy, and/or equivalent local policies and processes?

Educate yourself: It is important to understand the principles and goals of UCOC and Friendly Space Policy to promote them effectively. I can familiarize myself with these policies and their implementation by reading through the policies and guidelines provided by Wikimedia Foundation.

Lead by example: I can model behavior that fosters a positive and inclusive environment, including respectful communication, active listening, and empathy toward others. By setting a positive tone, I can encourage others to follow suit.

Speak up: If let's say I witness any behavior that goes against the UCOC and Friendly Space Policy or equivalent local policies and processes, it is important to speak up and address the issue directly, if appropriate. This can help prevent further harm and promote a culture of accountability and respect.

Advocate for change: If let's say I identify areas where the UCOC and Friendly Space Policy or equivalent local policies and processes can be improved, I can advocate for change by providing feedback and suggestions to relevant parties. This can help ensure that the policies are continually updated to reflect the evolving needs of the community.

Support community-led initiatives: Many Wikimedia community-led initiatives work towards creating a safer, more supportive, and more equitable environment for participants. I can actively support these initiatives by volunteering, contributing, or spreading awareness about their work.

By actively contributing towards creating a safer, supportive, and more equitable environment for participants and promoting the UCOC and Friendly Space Policy or equivalent local policies and processes, you can help build a stronger and more inclusive Wikimedia community.

13. Do you have plans to work with Wikimedia communities, groups, or affiliates in your country, or in other countries, to implement this proposal?

No

13.1 If yes, please tell us about these connections online and offline and how you have let Wikimedia communities know about this proposal.

14. Will you be working with other external, non-Wikimedian partners to implement this proposal?

No

14.1 Please describe these partnerships and what motivates the potential partner to be part of the proposal and how they add value to your work.

N/A

15. How do you hope to sustain or expand the work carried out in this proposal after the grant?

1. Build partnerships: Partner with like-minded organizations and individuals to broaden your impact and share resources. You can collaborate with educational institutions, local governments, NGOs, and other community organizations to expand your outreach and leverage their networks.

2. Engage volunteers: Recruit and retain volunteers who are passionate about your mission and can help carry out your activities. You can provide training and support to ensure that they are equipped to represent your organization and contribute effectively.

3. Diversify funding: Seek out additional funding opportunities from donors, grants, and corporate sponsors to support your ongoing activities. You can also explore revenue-generating opportunities, such as merchandise sales or event fees, to supplement your income.

4. Measure impact: Track and report on your activities' impact to demonstrate your organization's effectiveness and attract additional support. You can collect data on metrics such as the number of people reached, content added to Wikimedia projects, and community engagement to showcase your success.

5. Continuously evaluate and improve: Regularly assess your organization's processes, activities, and impact to identify areas for improvement and ensure that you are effectively meeting your mission. Solicit feedback from stakeholders, volunteers, and participants to gain insights into their experiences and ideas for improvement.

16. What kind of risks do you anticipate and how would you mitigate these. This can include factors such as external/contextual issues that may affect implementation, as well as internal issues, such as governance/leadership changes.

There are several risks that I may encounter, both external and internal. These risks can include:

1. Political instability: Zambia has experienced some political instability in the past, and this can affect the implementation of the project. To mitigate this risk, I can regularly monitor the political climate and have contingency plans in place to adjust your activities if necessary.

2. Limited internet connectivity: Some areas in Zambia have limited access to the internet, which can affect the project's implementation. To mitigate this risk, I can prioritize areas with better connectivity and work with local partners to identify ways to improve access.

3. Limited resources: Implementing the project may require significant resources, including funding, equipment, and staff. To mitigate this risk, I can seek out partnerships and additional funding opportunities, as well as prioritize activities that can be carried out with limited resources.

4. Governance/leadership changes: Changes in governance or leadership can affect the project's implementation and sustainability. To mitigate this risk, I can establish clear governance structures and succession plans, as well as involve a diverse group of stakeholders to ensure continuity.

5. Lack of community support: The success of the project relies on community support and engagement. To mitigate this risk, you can involve the community in the planning and implementation of activities, as well as continuously seek feedback and incorporate it into your strategies.

17. In what ways do you think your proposal most contributes to the Movement Strategy 2030 recommendations. Select a maximum of three options that most apply.

Increase the Sustainability of Our Movement, Invest in Skills and Leadership Development, Innovate in Free Knowledge

18. Please state if your organization or group has a Strategic Plan that can help us further understand your proposal. You can also upload it here.  

No

Learning, Sharing, and Evaluation

19. What do you hope to learn from your work in this fund proposal?

20. Based on these learning questions, what is the information or data you need to collect to answer these questions? Please register this information (as metric description) in the following space provided.

Main Metrics	Description	Target
N/A	N/A	N/A
N/A	N/A	N/A
N/A	N/A	N/A
N/A	N/A	N/A
N/A	N/A	N/A

Here are some additional metrics that you can use if they are relevant to your work. Please note that this is just an optional list, mostly of quantitative metrics. They may complement the qualitative metrics you have defined in the previous boxes.

Additional Metrics	Description	Target
Number of editors that continue to participate/retained after activities	N/A	N/A
Number of organizers that continue to participate/retained after activities	N/A	N/A
Number of strategic partnerships that contribute to longer term growth, diversity and sustainability	N/A	N/A
Feedback from participants on effective strategies for attracting and retaining contributors	N/A	N/A
Diversity of participants brought in by grantees	N/A	N/A
Number of people reached through social media publications	N/A	N/A
Number of activities developed	N/A	N/A
Number of volunteer hours	N/A	N/A

21. Additional core quantitative metrics. These core metrics will not tell the whole story about your work, but they are important for measuring some Movement-wide changes. Please try to include these core metrics if they are relevant to your work. If they are not, please use the space provided to explain why they are not relevant or why you can not capture this data. Your explanation will help us review our core metrics and make sure we are using the best ones for the movement as a whole.

Core Metrics Summary

Core metrics	Description	Target
Number of participants	N/A	N/A
Number of editors	N/A	N/A
Number of organizers	N/A	N/A

Number of new content contributions per Wikimedia project

Wikimedia Project	Description	Target
N/A	N/A	N/A
N/A	N/A	N/A
N/A	N/A	N/A
N/A	N/A	N/A
N/A	N/A	N/A

21.1 If for some reason your proposal will not measure these core metrics please provide an explanation.

N/A

22. What tools would you use to measure each metric selected?

Financial Proposal

23. & 23.1 What is the amount you are requesting from WMF? Please provide this amount in your local currency. If you are thinking about a multi-year fund, please provide the amount for the first year.

510000 ZMW

23.2 What is this amount in US Currency (to the best of your knowledge)?

25124.13 USD

23.3 Please upload your budget for this proposal or indicate the link to it.

23.4 Please include any additional observations or comments you would like to include about your budget.

N/A

Please use this optional space to upload any documents that you feel are important for further understanding your proposal.

Other public document(s):

Final Message

By submitting your proposal/funding request you agree that you are in agreement with the Application Privacy Statement, WMF Friendly Space Policy and the Universal Code of Conduct.

We/I have read the Application Privacy Statement, WMF Friendly Space Policy and Universal Code of Conduct.

No

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