- Note: This application was originally submitted via this Google Form due to a technical issue with the grant portal; this page was generated on behalf of the applicant by a member of the WikiCred team.
A series of wiki edit-a-thons on the general elections in Nigeria. This idea is centred around creating and fact checking wikipedia articles for confirmed candidates running for election at the regional and national levels. Special attention would be paid to creating articles for women and other marginalised groups contesting for public office during the 2023 elections. We'll organise a series of edit-a-tons in partnership with fact checkers, wiki editors, civic organisations and a media development company.
| Nigeria Ballotpedia Election Edit-a-thon | |
|---|---|
| A WikiCred 2022 Grant Proposal | |
| Project Type | Event |
| Author | (HannahVerve) |
| Contact | hannahojo@gmail.com |
| Requested amount | USD 10,000 |
| Award amount | Unknown |
- What is your idea?
- Why is it important?
A project of this nature is important in the build up to Nigeria's general elections. Our project will make verifiable content about confirmed candidates more visible and accessible on the open web.This would close the gap of data dearth which often fuels the spread of dis and misinformation during elections. The 'ballotpedia' edit-a-thon would also give visibility to candidates such as women and young people who may be marginalised by mainstream media.
- Link(s) to your resume or anything else (CV, GitHub, etc.) that may be relevant
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Jh482Z_TaYgNeD69l4dmTlt2WksqvBC4fN0AvN6guzI/edit
- Is your project already in progress?
No
- How is this project relevant to credibility and Wikipedia?
As a content creation initiative, this project contributes to Wikipedia's publication philosophy. Not only are we creating new content, we would also be fact checking and editing wikipedia content related to the theme of the project.
- What is the ultimate impact of this project?
As election approaches, people are more likely to encounter false information aimed at influencing voters. A series of edit-a-thons with content for confirmed candidates would contribute to reducing the spate of disinformation flying around during the elections. We believe making verified information about electoral candidates available on the open web as our project aims to do will boost fact checking efforts and help reduce voter suppression tactics on digital media platforms.
- Can your project scale?
Our intention is for the project to be replicated for other themes of national significance other than elections. To make this happen, we will establish a structure for sustainability through funding models such as grants, donation and crowdfunding.
- Why are you the people to do it?
FactsmatterNG is an initiative promoting information integrity and public media literacy in Nigeria. The project brings together journalists, fact-checkers and social media influencers to combat mis and disinformation by making facts go viral on social media platforms. We are the first in Africa to key into the power of influence marketing to amplify credible information by using digital strategies that resonate with the cultural nuances of social media users.
We are the people to do this because we have built the expertise, network and the requisite experience needed to successfully execute a project of this nature.
- What is the impact of your idea on diversity and inclusiveness of the Wikimedia movement?
As a content creation effort aimed at combating electoral disinformation by making publicly verified information available, this project keys into Wikipedia’s value of collaborative creation of knowledge. Also, since we are aiming to give special preference to creation of articles for female candidates and other marginalised groups, we believe this impacts positively on the diversity and the inclusiveness of the Wikimedia movement.
- What are the challenges associated with this project and how you will overcome them?
- Challenges with broadband connectivity and ICT skills.
- Recruiting volunteers who would be fully committed to full participation without pay.
- Accessing data and other information for confirmed candidates.
- How will you spend your funds?
Communication and broadband connection Logistics: Venue, transportation, meals and other requirements. Souvenirs and gift vouchers for volunteers and editors Honorarium for project coordinators, experts, editors and other planners.
- How long will your project take?
Planning 4 Weeks Implementation - 6 Weeks Evaluation (Reporting) - 2 Weeks
- Have you worked on projects for previous grants before?
We have received funding from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the Knight fellowship programme of the International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ) to run an election fact checking project.