Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/WikiConnect:Bridging Communities through Wikimedia at Bayero University Kano (ID: 22572933)

statusUnder review
WikiConnect: Bridging Communities through Wikimedia at Bayero University Kano
proposed start date2024-06-01
proposed end date2024-06-30
budget (local currency)1282500 NGN
budget (USD)898.49 USD
grant typeIndividual
funding regionSSA
decision fiscal year2023-24
applicant• Ibrahim Sani Mustapha
organization (if applicable)• N/A

This is an automatically generated Meta-Wiki page. The page was copied from Fluxx, the grantmaking web service of Wikimedia Foundation where the user has submitted their application. Please do not make any changes to this page because all changes will be removed after the next update. Use the discussion page for your feedback. The page was created by CR-FluxxBot.

Applicant Details edit

Main Wikimedia username. (required)

Ibrahim Sani Mustapha

Organization

N/A

If you are a group or organization leader, board member, president, executive director, or staff member at any Wikimedia group, affiliate, or Wikimedia Foundation, you are required to self-identify and present all roles. (required)

N/A

Describe all relevant roles with the name of the group or organization and description of the role. (required)


Main Proposal edit

1. Please state the title of your proposal. This will also be the Meta-Wiki page title.

WikiConnect: Bridging Communities through Wikimedia at Bayero University Kano

2. and 3. Proposed start and end dates for the proposal.

2024-06-01 - 2024-06-30

4. Where will this proposal be implemented? (required)

Nigeria

5. Are your activities part of a Wikimedia movement campaign, project, or event? If so, please select the relevant project or campaign. (required)

Not applicable

6. What is the change you are trying to bring? What are the main challenges or problems you are trying to solve? Describe this change or challenges, as well as main approaches to achieve it. (required)

Change we are trying to bring: Our "WikiConnect" project at Bayero University Kano aims to facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community engagement within the university. By leveraging Wikimedia projects, we seek to bridge gaps between various academic disciplines, departments, and student communities. We believe that promoting digital literacy, open access to information, and research skills development among students and faculty are essential for fostering a thriving academic community.

Main challenges or problems we are trying to solve:

  • Limited access to resources and fragmented communication channels have hindered effective collaboration within the university community.
  • There is a lack of awareness about Wikimedia and its potential benefits, leading to underutilization of its projects for academic purposes.
  • Digital literacy gaps among students and faculty may impede their ability to contribute meaningfully to Wikimedia projects and navigate online resources effectively.
  • Institutional and cultural factors may inhibit community engagement or participation in collaborative initiatives, requiring targeted interventions to overcome.

Approaches to achieve the desired change:

  • We plan to organize workshops, training sessions, and outreach events to raise awareness about Wikimedia and encourage participation in collaborative editing projects.
  • Tailored educational initiatives, including resource materials and hands-on support, will be provided to address digital literacy gaps and empower students and faculty to contribute to Wikimedia effectively.
  • Creating a supportive and inclusive environment for collaboration is paramount. We will actively encourage diverse participation from across the university community and provide ongoing support for newcomers.
  • We intend to establish partnerships and collaborations with relevant stakeholders, both within and outside the university, to enhance the reach and impact of our project and ensure its sustainability.

Through these approaches, we aim to create a vibrant and interconnected academic community at Bayero University Kano, where knowledge is freely shared, and collaboration thrives.

7. What are the planned activities? (required) Please provide a list of main activities. You can also add a link to the public page for your project where details about your project can be found. Alternatively, you can upload a timeline document. When the activities include partnerships, include details about your partners and planned partnerships.

The planned activities: the activities will be held into three days as follows:

Day 1: Physical Events Workshops and Training Sessions:

  • Morning Session: Introductory workshop on Wikimedia editing and contributing.
  • Afternoon Session: Training session focused on digital literacy skills and research techniques.

Edit-a-thons and Content Creation Events:

  • Evening Session: Host an edit-a-thon focused on improving articles related to Bayero University Kano, local history, culture, and academic subjects.

Day 2: Physical Events Outreach and Awareness Campaigns:

  • Morning Session: Launch outreach campaigns to raise awareness about Wikimedia and the benefits of contributing to open knowledge projects.
  • Afternoon Session: Collaborate with student organizations, faculty members, and university departments to promote participation in Wikimedia activities.

Day 3: Online Event Edit-a-thons and Content Creation Events:

  • Host an online content creation event to facilitate participation from a wider audience beyond the physical location.
  • Encourage participants to contribute to Wikimedia Commons by generating multimedia resources, such as photographs and videos.


8. Describe your team. Please provide their roles, Wikimedia Usernames and other details. (required) Include more details of the team, including their roles, usernames, Wikimedia group, and whether they are salaried, volunteers, consultants/contractors, etc. Team members involved in the grant application need to be aware of their involvement in the project.

Team Members:

Ibrahim Sani Mustapha(Project Leader): Role: Project lead responsible for overseeing all aspects of the project, including planning, coordination, and implementation.

Details: Ibrahim has extensive experience in Wikimedia projects, having previously participated a successful initiatives aimed at community engagement and knowledge sharing. Status: Volunteer

A'isha A Ibrahim(Facilitator - Female):

Role: Led and Facilitate workshop sessions and training events, with a focus on engaging female participants and promoting diversity within the project.

Details: She brings a wealth of experience in education and community outreach, with a passion for empowering women through digital literacy initiatives. Status: Volunteer

Usmanmaifada (Facilitator):

Role: Assist in coordinating workshop sessions and training events, contributing to logistics, materials preparation, and participant engagement.

Details: He has a background in event planning and project management, making him a valuable asset to the team in executing successful project activities. Status: Volunteer

A Sulaiman Z (Facilitator):

Role: Support workshop coordination and participant engagement, providing assistance during training sessions and edit-a-thons.

Details: His enthusiasm for knowledge sharing and community building makes him well-suited for facilitating project activities and fostering collaboration among participants. Status: Volunteer

M Bash Ne Role: Technical Support and Online Moderator: He will bring technical expertise as a Wikimedian Editor. With a background in online training and awareness. He will provide essential support for online components. Detail: His commitment to learning and contributing in a new capacity makes him a valuable addition. Status: Volunteer

All team members listed here are aware of their involvement in the project and consent to their information being shared publicly on Meta-Wiki.

9. Who are the target participants and from which community? How will you engage participants before and during the activities? How will you follow up with participants after the activities? (required)

Target Participants and Community: The target participants for the "WikiConnect" project are students, faculty members, and staff members from Bayero University Kano, comprising a diverse community of learners, educators, and researchers. Additionally, we aim to engage members of the wider Kano community, including local residents, cultural and heritage organizations, and other stakeholders interested in contributing to open knowledge initiatives.

Engagement Strategy:

  • Before the Activities:

Utilize various communication channels, including social media, university newsletters, and mailing lists, to promote awareness about the project and invite participation.

  • Conduct targeted outreach efforts to specific student groups, academic departments, and community organizations to ensure broad representation and engagement.
  • Host informational sessions and pre-event meetings to provide participants with an overview of the project goals, activities, and opportunities for involvement.

During the Activities:

  • Employ interactive and participatory formats for workshops, training sessions, and edit-a-thons to encourage active engagement and collaboration among participants.
  • Provide hands-on support and guidance from experienced facilitators to assist participants in navigating Wikimedia platforms, editing articles, and contributing content.
  • Foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that values diverse perspectives and contributions, ensuring that all participants feel empowered to share their knowledge and expertise.

After the Activities:

  • Send follow-up communications to participants, thanking them for their involvement and providing resources, such as links to relevant Wikimedia tutorials and documentation, to support continued engagement.
  • Encourage participants to stay connected through online forums, mailing lists, or social media groups dedicated to Wikimedia activities at Bayero University Kano.
  • Organize post-event meetups or networking sessions to facilitate further collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community building among participants.

Follow-up with Participants:

  • Conduct surveys or feedback sessions to gather input and insights from participants about their experiences during the activities, as well as their suggestions for future improvements or follow-up initiatives.
  • Maintain regular communication with participants through email updates, newsletters, or social media channels to provide updates on project developments, upcoming events, and opportunities for continued involvement.
  • Recognize and celebrate the contributions of participants through acknowledgments on project websites, social media posts, or other platforms, highlighting their role in advancing the goals of the project.
10. Does your project involve work with children or youth? (required)

No

10.1. Please provide a link to your Youth Safety Policy. (required) If the proposal indicates direct contact with children or youth, you are required to outline compliance with international and local laws for working with children and youth, and provide a youth safety policy aligned with these laws. Read more here.

N/A

11. How did you discuss the idea of your project with your community members and/or any relevant groups? Please describe steps taken and provide links to any on-wiki community discussion(s) about the proposal. (required) You need to inform the community and/or group, discuss the project with them, and involve them in planning this proposal. You also need to align the activities with other projects happening in the planned area of implementation to ensure collaboration within the community.

Discussion with Community Members and Relevant Groups:

To ensure alignment with community needs and interests, we engaged in extensive discussions with various stakeholders, including students, faculty members, university administrators, and local community organizations. The following steps were taken to involve them in planning the proposal:

  1. Community Meetings and Consultations:
  • We Organized meetings and consultations with student groups, academic departments, and community organizations to present the project idea, gather feedback, and discuss potential areas of collaboration.
  • We Solicited input and suggestions from participants regarding project objectives, activities, target participants, and expected outcomes.
  1. Online Engagement and Outreach:
  • We utilized online platforms, such as social media groups, mailing lists, and university forums, to share information about the project and invite participation from a wider audience.
  • We Encouraged community members to provide feedback and ideas through online surveys, discussion threads, and email correspondence.
  1. Collaboration with Existing Initiatives:
  • We identified and collaborated with existing Wikimedia initiatives and projects happening within the planned area of implementation to ensure alignment and avoid duplication of efforts.
  • We explored opportunities for synergy and partnership with related activities, such as digital literacy programs, academic research projects, and cultural heritage preservation efforts.
  1. On-Wiki Community Discussions:
  • While we have not yet conducted on-wiki community discussions specifically about this proposal, we plan to initiate such discussions to gather input and feedback from the wider Wikimedia community.
  • We have discussed the project on Hausa Wikipedia Discussion page where community members can review the proposal, ask questions, and provide comments.
12. Does your proposal aim to work to bridge any of the content knowledge gaps (Knowledge Inequity)? Select one option that most apply to your work. (required)

Cultural background, ethnicity, religion, racial

13. Does your proposal include any of these areas or thematic focus? Select one option that most applies to your work. (required)

Culture, heritage or GLAM

14. Will your work focus on involving participants from any underrepresented communities? Select one option that most apply to your work. (required)

Ethnic/racial/religious or cultural background

15. In what ways do you think your proposal most contributes to the Movement Strategy 2030 recommendations. Select one that most applies. (required)

Increase the Sustainability of Our Movement

Learning and metrics edit

17. What do you hope to learn from your work in this project or proposal? (required)

Learning Goals and Questions:

Through our work on the "WikiConnect" project, we hope to gain valuable insights and knowledge that will inform future initiatives and contribute to the broader Wikimedia movement. The main learning questions we aim to address include:

  • How effective are our engagement strategies in attracting and retaining participants from diverse backgrounds within the university community and beyond?
  • What factors contribute to the success or challenges of engaging participants in Wikimedia activities, such as workshops, edit-a-thons, and outreach campaigns?
  • What is the impact of our project on the creation and sharing of knowledge related to Bayero University Kano, local history, culture, and academic subjects on Wikimedia projects?
  • To what extent does participation in Wikimedia activities contribute to participants' digital literacy skills, research abilities, and understanding of open knowledge principles?
  • How does our project foster community building and collaboration among participants, both within the university community and with external stakeholders?
  • What role does Wikimedia play in bridging disciplinary boundaries, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration?
  • What are the key factors influencing the sustainability and scalability of our project beyond the initial implementation phase?
  • How can we leverage lessons learned from our project to inform future initiatives and replicate successful strategies in other contexts or communities?
  • To what extent does our project promote inclusivity and diversity within the Wikimedia community, particularly in terms of gender representation, cultural perspectives, and participation from underrepresented groups?
  • What barriers exist to participation in Wikimedia activities, and how can we address them to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants?

By collecting data and insights to answer these learning questions, we aim to deepen our understanding of the dynamics of community engagement, knowledge creation, and collaboration within the Wikimedia ecosystem, ultimately contributing to the advancement of open knowledge principles and practices.

18. What are your Wikimedia project targets in numbers (metrics)? (required)
Number of participants, editors, and organizers
Other Metrics Target Optional description
Number of participants 50
Number of editors 40
Number of organizers 5
Number of content contributions to Wikimedia projects
Wikimedia project Number of content created or improved
Wikipedia 200
Wikimedia Commons 50
Wikidata 50
Wiktionary 50
Wikisource
Wikimedia Incubator
Translatewiki
MediaWiki
Wikiquote
Wikivoyage
Wikibooks
Wikiversity
Wikinews
Wikispecies
Wikifunctions or Abstract Wikipedia
Optional description for content contributions.

N/A

19. Do you have any other project targets in numbers (metrics)? (optional)

No

Main Open Metrics Data
Main Open 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
20. What tools would you use to measure each metrics? Please refer to the guide for a list of tools. You can also write that you are not sure and need support. (required)

I will use Wikimedia foundation outreach dashboard to measure each metrics.

Financial proposal edit

21. Please upload your budget for this proposal or indicate the link to it. (required)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kpEsCcj0nQQxHZk_vl7b6XtyEtP_eHPAF7moxRabPvg/edit?usp=drivesdk


22. and 22.1. What is the amount you are requesting for this proposal? Please provide the amount in your local currency. (required)

1282500 NGN

22.2. Convert the amount requested into USD using the Oanda converter. This is done only to help you assess the USD equivalent of the requested amount. Your request should be between 500 - 5,000 USD.

898.49 USD

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

Yes

Endorsements and Feedback edit

Please add endorsements and feedback to the grant discussion page only. Endorsements added here will be removed automatically.

Community members are invited to share meaningful feedback on the proposal and include reasons why they endorse the proposal. Consider the following:

  • Stating why the proposal is important for the communities involved and why they think the strategies chosen will achieve the results that are expected.
  • Highlighting any aspects they think are particularly well developed: for instance, the strategies and activities proposed, the levels of community engagement, outreach to underrepresented groups, addressing knowledge gaps, partnerships, the overall budget and learning and evaluation section of the proposal, etc.
  • Highlighting if the proposal focuses on any interesting research, learning or innovation, etc. Also if it builds on learning from past proposals developed by the individual or organization, or other Wikimedia communities.
  • Analyzing if the proposal is going to contribute in any way to important developments around specific Wikimedia projects or Movement Strategy.
  • Analysing if the proposal is coherent in terms of the objectives, strategies, budget, and expected results (metrics).

Endorse