Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/Wikipedia Awareness and Workshops/Edit-a-Ethon In Zamfara State. (ID: 22667770)

statusDraft
Wikipedia Awareness and Workshops/Edit-a-Ethon In Zamfara State.
proposed start date2024-08-01
proposed end date2024-09-15
budget (local currency) 
budget (USD) USD
grant typeIndividual
funding regionunknown region
decision fiscal year2023-24
applicant• Abubakar Yusuf Gusau
organization (if applicable)• N/A

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Applicant Details

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Main Wikimedia username. (required)

Abubakar Yusuf Gusau

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

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

Wikipedia Awareness and Workshops/Edit-a-Ethon In Zamfara State.

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

2024-08-01 - 2024-09-15

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)

Other (please specify) Wikipedia Awareness and Workshops/Edit-a-thon in Zamfara State.

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)

Zamfara is one of the seven states that form the North-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It shares an international border with the Republic of Niger to the North and interstate boundaries with Katsina State to the East, Sokoto State to the West, and Kebbi States to the South.

Tertiary institutions in the state are Federal University,Zamfara State University,Federal Polytechnic,Federal College of Education,Zamfara State College of Education and Zamfara State College of Art and Sciences.etc

Unfortunately regrettably, despite the positive developments in the state, there is a complete lack of editors. I feel obligated to launch the first Wikimedia promotion Awareness /Workshop in Zamfara State as a indigene of the state were Residents asking to know more about Wikipedia in order to contribute with free knowledge.

is fortunate to have found Wikipedia in order to encourage the general ascent of new editors as well as the emergence of active editors of the Wikipedia projects. the establishment of Wikipedia and its sister project In Zamfara aims to firm platform for the widespread embrace and use of Wikimedia among people in the state also the historical landmarks, research and other Zamfara tourism attractions are not well covered in Wikipedia. There has never been any training or other activity to inform people about Wikimedia projects and how they can participate in them in Zamfara unlike other communities where there has been a series of training.

The change I am trying to bring is to promote free knowledge and digital inclusion in Zamfara State, Nigeria, by increasing awareness and contributions to Wikipedia. The main challenges or problems I am trying to solve are:

1. Limited access to knowledge and information in Zamfara State, particularly in rural areas. 2. Lack of representation and visibility of Zamfara State's history, culture, and notable figures on Wikipedia. 3. Limited digital literacy and online engagement among residents. 4. Limited availability of high-quality content on Wikipedia in Hausa language, spoken by the majority of the population.

To achieve this change, my main approaches are:

1. Awareness campaigns and workshops to introduce Wikipedia and its benefits. 2. Editathon events and training sessions to empower individuals to contribute to Wikipedia. 3. Mentorship programs to support new editors and ensure high-quality content. 4. Community building and outreach to engage residents and promote digital literacy. 5. Collaboration with local institutions, organizations, and journalists to promote the project and ensure sustainability.

By addressing these challenges, I aim to bring about a change that:

1. Increases access to knowledge and information in Zamfara State. 2. Promotes the preservation and visibility of Zamfara State's cultural heritage. 3. Empowers residents to share their knowledge and experiences with the world. 4. Fosters digital literacy and online engagement among residents. 5. Contributes to the global knowledge repository, promoting free knowledge and understanding.

If approved, the project will aid in organizing the first-ever Wiki community meeting in Zamfara, which will be used to keep track of the editors' progress as new Wikipedia editors as well as to stay up with current and upcoming activities of Wikipedia in the state.

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.

Here are the planned activities for the Wikipedia Awareness and Editathon in Zamfara State:

1. Awareness Campaign (Weeks 1):

   - Social media campaigns (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
   - Posters and flyers distribution in public spaces
   - Local newspaper and radio advertisements
   - Partner with local influencers and thought leaders

2. Wikipedia Workshop (Week 2):

   - Introduction to Wikipedia and its benefits
   - Hands-on training on editing and contributing
   - Overview of Wikipedia policies and guidelines

3. Editathon Events (Weeks 3):

   - Host editathons in Gusau and other major cities
   - Provide training and guidance on editing and content creation
   - Focus on creating and improving articles related to Zamfara State

4. Mentorship Program (Weeks 4):

   - Pair new editors with experienced Wikipedia editors
   - Regular check-ins and support for new editors
   - Encourage continuous contribution and improvement

5. Community Building and Outreach (Ongoing):

   - Establish a WhatsApp group and social media channels for editors
   - Organize meetups and events for editors and contributors
   - Engage with local institutions, organizations, and government

6. Content Creation and Improvement (Ongoing):

   - Focus on creating and improving articles on Zamfara State's history, culture, and notable figures
   - Ensure high-quality content and adherence to Wikipedia policies

7. Evaluation and Monitoring (Ongoing):

   - Track project progress and impact
   - Monitor Wikipedia page views and engagement metrics
   - Assess the quality and quantity of content created

These activities aim to raise awareness, build a community of editors, and create high-quality content on Wikipedia, promoting free knowledge and digital inclusion in Zamfara State.


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.

1. Abubakar Yusuf Gusau (Team Lead)

   - Role: Project Coordinator and Wikipedia Editor
   - Bio: Abubakar a seasoned Wikipedia editor and project manager with experience in coordinating community projects. I’m an experienced editor from Hausa community. I helped organise many workshops and trainings I also successfully organized mini grants in (FCETG). I will oversee the project's progress, ensure effective communication and contribute to content creation.

2. Gwanki (Content Specialist)

   - Role: Researcher and Wikipedia Editor
   - Wikimedia Username: Gwanki
   - Bio: Gwanki is a skilled researcher and writer with expertise in history and culture. Many Wikipedia projects in Northern Nigeria have been organized and facilitated by him. Online facilitators include him. . He will focus on creating high-quality content, conducting research, and ensuring accuracy and reliability of information.

3. Yusuf Sa'adu (Community Outreach Specialist)

   - Role: Community Engagement and Social Media Manager
   - Wikimedia Username: YusufSaadu
   - Bio: Yusuf Sa’ad is a veteran editor with experience in working on Wikimedia projects who is a volunteer and has completed several Wikimedia projects in Northern Nigeria. He is a facilitator himself. Yusuf is a social media enthusiast with experience in community engagement and outreach. He will manage social media campaigns, facilitate community building, and promote the project to local institutions and organizations.

4. Umar Askira

   - Role: Workshop Facilitator
   - Wikimedia Username: Umar-Askira
   - Bio: Umar is an experienced trainer and facilitator with expertise in Wikipedia editing and content creation. He has led several workshops and training sessions and is skilled in adapting content to meet the needs of diverse audiences.

Team Strengths:

  • Strong Wikimedia experience and expertise
  • Excellent community outreach and engagement skills
  • Ability to create high-quality content and adapt it for diverse audiences
  • Experience in leading workshops and training sessions
  • Passionate about promoting cultural heritage and digital inclusion

Together with my team brings a diverse set of skills and expertise, ensuring a well-rounded approach to the Wikipedia Awareness and Editathon project in Zamfara State.

The event's location is not far from where all of the facilitators live.

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:

  • University staff (history, culture, and language departments)
  • Local historians and researchers
  • Cultural institutions and organization representatives
  • Social media influencers and content creators
  • Local government officials and policymakers

Community:

  • Academic and research communities
  • Cultural and historical preservation organizations
  • Local government and civil society organizations
  • Social media communities and online forums

Engagement before activities:

  • Social media campaigns (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to raise awareness and interest
  • Posters and flyers distribution in universities, cultural institutions, and public spaces
  • Partner with local organizations and institutions to promote the event
  • Personal invitations to key stakeholders and influencers

Engagement during activities:

  • Interactive workshops and training sessions
  • Group discussions and brainstorming sessions
  • One-on-one support and mentorship
  • Encouragement to contribute to Wikipedia and share knowledge

Follow-up after activities:

  • Regular meetups and editathons to sustain momentum
  • Online support and mentorship through WhatsApp and social media groups
  • Recognition and reward for active contributors
  • Impact evaluation and progress monitoring
  • Continuous promotion of Wikipedia and the project through social media and local channels

By engaging participants from diverse backgrounds and communities, we can ensure a rich exchange of knowledge and perspectives, fostering a sustainable community of Wikipedia contributors and promoters in Zamfara State.

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.

I will inform Hausa Wikimedians Community through the talk page. A link will be share here:

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)

Content Gender gap

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)

Digital Access

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

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

Through this project, I hope to learn:

1. Effective strategies for promoting Wikipedia awareness and adoption in diverse communities. 2. Best practices for training and supporting new editors, particularly in low-resource settings. 3. The importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in content creation and knowledge sharing. 4. How to foster sustainable community engagement and ownership of Wikipedia projects. 5. The impact of Wikipedia contributions on promoting cultural heritage and digital inclusion. 6. Innovative approaches to addressing the gender gap and promoting diversity on Wikipedia. 7. The role of Wikipedia in preserving and promoting local languages and cultures. 8. Effective evaluation methods for measuring project impact and progress. 9. Collaboration and partnership building with local organizations and stakeholders. 10. Adapting project approaches to suit specific community needs and contexts.

By learning from this project, I aim to enhance my skills in community engagement, project management, and knowledge sharing, ultimately contributing to the growth and diversification of Wikipedia's global community.

Here are the learning questions that I hope to answer through this project:

1. What is the most effective way to raise awareness about Wikipedia and promote editing among diverse communities in Zamfara State?

Learning Question: What strategies and messaging resonate most with local communities, and how can we adapt our approach to best reach and engage them?

2. How can we sustainably support and mentor new editors to ensure continued contributions and growth?

Learning Question: What types of support and resources do new editors need to succeed, and how can we provide them in a way that fosters independence and community ownership?

3. What is the impact of Wikipedia contributions on promoting cultural heritage and digital inclusion in Zamfara State?

Learning Question: How do Wikipedia contributions affect the visibility and recognition of local culture and history, and what role can Wikipedia play in promoting digital inclusion and access to knowledge?

4. How can we address the gender gap and promote diversity on Wikipedia in Zamfara State?

Learning Question: What barriers and challenges do women and underrepresented groups face in contributing to Wikipedia, and how can we design inclusive programs and support to address these issues?

5. What are the most effective ways to collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders to promote Wikipedia and support community engagement?

Learning Question: How can we build and maintain strong partnerships with local organizations, and what roles and responsibilities are best shared or delegated to ensure successful collaboration?

By answering these learning questions, we can refine our approach, improve project outcomes, and contribute to the growth and diversity of Wikipedia's global community. The data collected will help us understand what works, what doesn't, and how to adapt and improve our strategies for maximum impact.

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 We expect 50 participants to participate in the event.
Number of editors 30 We expect 30 editors. 20 newly and 10 returned editors.
Number of organizers 10 10 organizers, facilitators/Volunteers.
Number of content contributions to Wikimedia projects
Wikimedia project Number of content created or improved
Wikipedia 200
Wikimedia Commons 100
Wikidata 50
Wiktionary 50
Wikisource
Wikimedia Incubator
Translatewiki 50
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)

We will use the outreach dashboard to track contributions and provide one-on-one support with the assistance of the offline and online editors.

Financial proposal

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


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


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.

 USD

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

No

Endorsements and Feedback

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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