Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Conference Fund/Language Diversity Conference Ghana 2026
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Applicant details
[edit]- A. Are you applying as a(n)
Wikimedia Affiliate (chapter, thematic org., or user group)
- B. Full name of organization presenting the proposal.
Wikitongues, Inc.
- F. Do you have an account on a Wikimedia project?
Yes
- F1. Please provide your main Wikimedia Username.
Bogreudell
- F2. Please provide the Usernames of people related to this proposal.
- User:Bogreudell
- User:Tochiprecious
- User:Shahadusadik
- User:ktchernes
- G. Are you legally registered?
Yes
If you are applying as an individual or your group is not a legally registered nonprofit in your country, we require that you have a fiscal sponsor.
- I. Fiscal organization name.
N/A
Objectives and Strategy
[edit]- 1. Please state the title of your proposal.
Language Diversity Conference Ghana 2026
- 2.1. When will the event begin? Please enter the event start date.
2026-07-16
- 2.2. When is the last day of your event?
2026-07-18
- 3.1. When will you begin preparing for your event?
2025-12-01T00:00:00Z
- 3.2. When will you expect to complete your last event payment?
2026-08-31T00:00:00Z
- 4. In which country will the conference take place?
Ghana
- 4.1. In which city will the conference take place?
Accra
- 5. Is it a remote or in-person event?
Hybrid event (in person + streaming)
- 5.1. What will be the total number of participants at the event? (including scholarship recipients + organizing team + other guests + self funded guests) (required)
100
- 6. 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.
International
- 6.1. If you have answered regional, please write the country names and any other information that is useful for understanding your proposal.
The Language Diversity Conference themed: Strengthening Language Communities in the Open Knowledge Movement will be a global gathering dedicated to advancing linguistic diversity and inclusion within the Wikimedia ecosystem and the broader open knowledge movement hence covering the different continents.
- 7. If you would like, please share any websites or social media accounts that your group or organization has.
https://wikitongues.org/ https://wikimedia.org.uk/ https://www.languagediversityhub.org/ https://www.dagbaniwikimedia.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/wikimedia-uk/posts/?feedView=all https://www.youtube.com/@Wikitongues https://www.youtube.com/@dagbaniwikimedians https://www.youtube.com/@wikimedialanguagediversity4327 https://www.facebook.com/WikimediaUK https://www.instagram.com/wikitongues/ https://www.facebook.com/dagbaniwikimedians https://x.com/dagbanliwiki
- 8. Do you work with any thematic or regional platforms such as WISCom, CEE, Iberocoop, etc.
Yes
- 8.1. Please describe what platforms and your work with them.
The conference is hosted by Wikitongues & the Wikimedia Language Diversity Hub, in collaboration with the Dagbani Wikimedians User Group as our regional partner, the conference will feature keynote talks, panel discussions, and interactive workshops
- 9. Please describe the target participants for this event.
The target participants for this event are individuals and groups engaged in or interested in advancing underrepresented languages within the Wikimedia movement. This includes active contributors from Wikimedia Incubator and small-language projects, members of emerging or regional affiliates, and volunteers supporting language documentation, education, and digital activism. We also aim to include newcomers with little-to-no Wikimedia experience who bring valuable perspectives from language communities not yet represented online, as well as external partners such as linguists, cultural organizations, and educators. A minimum level of Wikimedia experience is not required to participate; activities will be designed to be accessible to both newcomers and experienced Wikimedians. We will prioritize diversity of language, geography, gender, and roles to ensure a representative mix that fosters peer learning and sustainable collaboration.
- 10. Please provide the link to the event's page if you already have one.
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Language_Diversity_Conference
The following questions (11-14) will refer to the Community Engagement Survey which is required in order to submit a proposal. Here is the survey form that you can copy and use (if the link does not work): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ieEI8EFf2vxjD9wN_h8-srYeRCp4fhSp7_1_wiR2jh8/edit. This survey is required to access a Conference grant.
- 11. How many people did you send the community engagement survey to?
500
- 11.1. When did you conduct the survey, and for how long?
It was shared across different Wikimedia Community channels (Telegram, mailing lists, and social media). March to May 2025.
- 12. How many people responded to the survey?
80
- 13. What are the main objectives of the event?
The Language Diversity Conference is envisioned as a milestone moment for the Wikimedia movement.For years,communities have raised the urgent need to better support Indigenous and minoritized languages,which remain underrepresented on Wikimedia projects despite being vital to global knowledge equity.It builds on the foundation laid by community efforts such as the Celtic Knot and regional language gatherings,while connecting directly to the mission of the Language Diversity Hub and the long-standing work of Wikitongues.
Our goals are to strengthen the presence of underrepresented languages on Wikimedia projects, tackle barriers to multilingual content creation, explore ethical ways of digitizing oral traditions, and critically examine how emerging technologies like AI and speech-to-text tools can be used responsibly for language revitalization. As well as focus on building partnerships that extend beyond the conference,ensuring that the work continues in sustainable and inclusive ways.
- 14. Based on survey responses, what are the most important things your community should do at the conference to achieve these objectives?
Based on the responses, the community wants the conference to be practical and inclusive. The most important request is for hands-on workshops on language documentation, tools, and community growth. These workshops will help both new and experienced Wikimedians learn and overcome challenges.
People also asked for sessions on funding and outreach, and they prefer interactive formats like panels, training, and labs instead of long lectures.
Another key need is networking and collaboration time, where participants can share ideas and build projects together. To be inclusive, the conference should offer interpretation, hybrid participation, and travel support.
Finally, the community values community-led planning and real project work.
- 15. 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, Language, Important Topics (topics considered to be of impact or important in the specific context)
- 15.1. In a few sentences, explain how your work is specifically addressing this content gap (or Knowledge inequity) to ensure a greater representation of knowledge. (optional recommended).
The Language Diversity Conference directly addresses language-based knowledge inequity by centering underrepresented languages and marginalized linguistic communities. By focusing on documentation, revitalization, and Wikimedia content creation in Indigenous and minority languages, we aim to amplify voices often excluded from digital spaces. The conference will prioritize contributions from regions and cultures historically underrepresented on Wikimedia platforms, offering capacity building, tools, and cross-cultural exchange to close these gaps. Participants will co-create strategies to sustain content development rooted in diverse cultural and linguistic identities.
- 16. 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 , Diversity
- 17. Will your work focus on involving participants from any underrepresented communities?
Ethnic/racial/religious or cultural background, Linguistic / Language, Digital Access
- 18. Do you intend to invite or engage with non-Wikimedian individuals or organizations? If so – can you explain your intention for this outreach?
Yes, we plan to involve a few non-Wikimedian partners, but in ways that support not distract from the main goal of strengthening language communities on Wikimedia. Most participants will be Wikimedians, both newcomers and experienced contributors, but we also see value in inviting organizations that can connect our work to broader cultural and educational efforts.
For example, the UNESCO Ghana Office has been active in language preservation across Africa. Their role at the conference would be to share lessons from their work and help us link Wikimedia language projects to global initiatives on safeguarding Indigenous languages. Likewise, officials from Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, and Ministry of Education can show how Wikimedia projects align with national policies. Their involvement is not about leading the program, but about creating bridges so that what communities are building online also has recognition and support offline.
These external partners will mainly take part in panels sessions, while the core of the program, which is skills-building, strategy, and collaboration remains centered on Wikimedia contributors. This way, the conference stays community-focused while still opening doors for longer-term support and visibility.
We also plan for the event to be hybrid. In-person participation while sessions will be streamed or opened online for those who cannot travel, including some partners. We know hybrid formats can be tricky, so we will prepare with facilitation, translation, and technical support to make it as inclusive as possible.
- 19. What will you do to make sure participants continue to engage in your activities after the event?
To ensure continued engagement after the event, we will establish follow-up structures, including a post-conference communication channel (e.g., our already existing mailing list and Telegram chat group), a community report with key outcomes, and regular virtual check-ins or learning clinics. We also plan to create shared resources (toolkits, recordings, and project templates) that communities can use and adapt locally. By involving participants in the planning and documentation processes and connecting them with the Language Diversity Hub and Wikitongues networks, we will foster a sense of ownership, ensure shared accountability, and keep momentum going through mentorship, peer support, and future campaigns or regional events.
- 20. 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, Provide for Safety and Inclusion, Innovate in Free Knowledge
Logistical Aspects
[edit]- 21. Do you have any proposed venue for the event?
Ibis Styles Hotel Accra, Ghana
Located just about 15 minutes from Kotoka International Airport, Ibis Styles Hotel Accra offers a convenient venue for hosting international conferences, including the Language Diversity Conference. The facility is fully accessible, ensuring inclusivity for participants with disabilities, and provides ample capacity to accommodate a large number of attendees.
- 22. Is the event venue and hotel accessible for people with physical disabilities?
Yes
- 23. How many scholarships would you like to offer?
As this is the inaugural version, we will offer 67 scholarships: 40 full scholarships, 20 partial scholarships, and 7 COT.
- 24. What expenses will the scholarship cover?
The scholarship will cover return flights, accommodation, conference registration and feeding.
- 25. How will scholarship recipients be selected?
The scholarship recipients will be carefully selected through an open and transparent application process reviewed by a diverse scholarship committee. We will prioritize applicants from underrepresented and emerging language communities, especially those working with Incubator or recently approved Wikimedia projects. Selection will balance regional representation, gender diversity, and active community engagement. Criteria include demonstrated commitment to language preservation, prior or potential contributions to Wikimedia projects, and plans to share learnings after the conference. Preference will be given to applicants without access to other funding opportunities. Final selections will ensure a mix of experienced contributors and newcomers, fostering peer learning and inclusive participation.
- 26. In which ways can Wikimedia Foundation staff support your event onsite?
Based on our experience hosting the language preconference at Wikimania 2025 with support from WMF staff and the Wikimania team, we would appreciate Wikimedia Foundation staff support in several ways, like:
- Program contributions: Facilitating or co-leading sessions on topics such as knowledge equity, safety & inclusion, funding opportunities, or sustainability of language communities.
- Outreach and visibility: Supporting communication efforts before and during the event to amplify participation and highlight outcomes.
- Capacity building: Providing guidance on program design, monitoring & evaluation, and connections to broader Wikimedia initiatives.
- Safety and well-being: Offering expertise on friendly space expectations and handling safety-related issues if needed.
- 26.2. Do you intend to invite any WMF staff members to your event? (please note that all WMF staff travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the foundation). Please indicate what is the limit number of WMF staff members you would like to welcome at your event.
Yes, we plan to invite Wikimedia Foundation staff whose expertise aligns with the objectives of the conference. Their participation will provide valuable insights into language equity, community sustainability, and inclusion within the Wikimedia movement. We anticipate welcoming up to 10 or more WMF staff members, particularly from teams such as Community Resources, Language and Product, Partnerships, Communications, Events, Trust & Safety, the Movement Strategy (Hub Team), and Abstract Wikipedia. This number strikes a balance between fostering meaningful engagement and ensuring that community voices remain at the core of the discussions.
- 27. Please outline the roles and responsibilities of the organizing team for the conference.
Logistics - Sadik Shahadu (LDH & Dagbani UG) will support the WMF team which is in charge of handling logistics Conference Program - Daria Cybulska (WMUK), Kristen Tscherneshoff (WKT) Scholarships - Daniel Udell (WKT) Communications - Tochiprecious (WKT & LDH) Volunteer Coordinators - Oscar Costerio (LDH) Onsite Organization - vacant WMF Liaison - vacant Other team members - Jon Herald (LDH)
- 28. Do you have plans to co-organize the event with other Wikimedia communities, groups or affiliates?
Yes
- 28.1. If yes, can you please explain how you are going to co-organize the event and what responsibilities each partner will have.
The event will be co-organized through close collaboration among Wikimedia UK, the Dagbani Wikimedians User Group, Wikitongues, and the Language Diversity Hub, with each partner bringing specific expertise. Wikimedia UK will take the lead on conference programming, drawing on their extensive experience in organizing the Celtic Knot Conference, event design and facilitation. The Dagbani Wikimedians User Group will manage in-country hosting and logistics, including venue arrangements, local partnerships, and participant support. Wikitongues and the Language Diversity Hub will oversee overall coordination, communications, and alignment with global language diversity priorities, ensuring the program reflects the needs of underrepresented language communities. We will maintain regular planning meetings, shared documentation, and clear decision-making processes to ensure a cohesive and inclusive event.
- 29. What kind of risks do you anticipate and how would you mitigate these?
Based on our experience from the Ghanaian languages Wikimedia Community mini-conferences and the pre-conference at Wikimania 2025, the major potential risks we anticipate are :
- Logistical and travel challenges: Visa delays or travel restrictions may affect participant attendance. To solve this, we will encourage participants to start the visa process early and prioritize hybrid/remote participation options.
- Financial risks: Currency fluctuations or unexpected costs may impact the budget. To help reduce this, we included a contingency fund and clear financial tracking.
- Governance/leadership changes: Shifts within partner organizations could affect coordination. We will establish shared documentation, clear role division, and collective decision-making processes to solve this.
- Safety and well-being: Just as with any large gatherings, there may be health, security, or Friendly Space risks. We will enforce a clear Friendly Space Policy, have designated safety contacts, and follow local health guidelines, as well as have first aid available for emergencies.
- Low engagement or representation gaps: Risk of some communities being underrepresented. To reduce this gap, we will target outreach and scholarships for underrepresented language communities.
- Language accessibility: this is a unique risk which we encountered during the language pre-conference. As much as w e can not cover interpretation in the 7000 languages of the world, we will start with 3 languages to make it inclusive while we expand as time goes on.
- 30. Friendly space policy - Please add the link to the friendly space policy that your community will be using for this event.
This event will follow the Wikimedia Foundation Friendly Space Policy to ensure a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants. A designated safety team, including a local contact person, will be available on-site to address any concerns and ensure the policy is upheld.
Learning, Sharing, and Evaluation
[edit]- 31. What do you hope to learn from your work organising this conference?
The Language Diversity Conference is designed to address structural gaps in representation, equity, and collaboration within the Wikimedia movement, especially for underrepresented language communities. Through the planning, execution, and follow-up of this event, we hope to learn whether our strategies have effectively contributed to more inclusive participation, stronger partnerships, and sustainable content production in marginalized languages. Key Learning Questions 1. Participation & Inclusion
- Did the conference successfully engage a diverse and representative group of participants, particularly from underrepresented language communities?
- Were the accessibility measures (e.g. translation, travel support, inclusive formats) effective in lowering barriers to participation?
2. Content & Capacity Impact
- Did participants gain practical knowledge and tools to strengthen their language communities on Wikimedia platforms?
- What types of sessions or formats led to the most engagement, learning, or collaboration?
- Did the conference spark new or expanded Wikimedia projects in underrepresented languages?
3. Sustainability & Continued Engagement
- Did participants stay involved in Wikimedia-related language work after the event?
- How effective were the follow-up structures (e.g. working groups, mentorship, shared resources) in sustaining collaboration post-conference?
4. Partnership & Movement Integration
- Did collaboration with the Language Diversity Hub, WMUK, and regional groups enhance impact and inclusivity?
- How can we better structure partnerships in future events to distribute leadership and avoid bottlenecks?
5. Event Design & Strategy
- What lessons can we take from this experience to improve the design of future regional or global language conferences?
- Which aspects of the conference model (e.g. committees, program structure, grant approach) were most and least effective in achieving our goals?
How we will collect and analyze data To answer these questions, we will collect data through:
- Pre- and post-conference surveys
- Session evaluations and feedback forms
- Observation logs and facilitator notes
- Interviews and focus groups with selected participants
- Metrics on content creation, campaign participation, and community activity after the event
- 32. Main open metrics
- Representation of underrepresented language communities.
- Participant ratings of accessibility measures (translation, travel, and inclusive formats).
| Main Open Metrics | Description | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Participation & Inclusion | ||
| 100 | ||
| Content & Capacity Impact | Follow up survey to check
% of participants reporting new skills or tools gained. Session evaluation scores (usefulness). Number of new projects/ideas proposed or started. Examples of Wikimedia projects/campaigns expanded in underrepresented languages. |
5 |
| Sustainability & Continued Engagement | % of participants engaged in follow-up structures (working groups, mentorship, mailing lists).
Retention rate of participants active in Wikimedia language work after the event. Number of collaborative initiatives sustained post-conference. |
20 |
| Partnership & Movement Integration | Feedback from partner organizations on collaboration effectiveness.
Number/type of cross-partner initiatives resulting from the event. |
2 |
| Event Design & Strategy | Participant/organizer feedback on committees, program structure, and grant process.
Identification of most and least effective event design aspects. Recommendations collected for future language conferences. |
5 |
Financial Proposal
[edit]- 33. What is the amount you are requesting from Wikimedia Foundation? Please provide this amount in your local currency.
200210
- 34. Select your local currency.
USD
- 35. Please upload your budget for this proposal or indicate the link to it.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VvyvJOMoKh1LlW4Bjrr0SmGIWgth4qx7B-Mz_2YqWNY/edit?usp=sharing
- 36. Do you expect to receive funding for this conference from other organizations to support your work?
No
- 36.1. If yes, what kind of resources are you expecting to get?
- We/I have read the Application Privacy Statement, WMF Friendly Space Policy and Universal Code of Conduct.
Yes
- Please use this optional space to upload any documents that you feel are important for further understanding your proposal.
- Other public document(s): 1. Conference Abstract: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17BuqpiPrfpy3HsUKvF26q5AU4hoR6HAbyks7d_jO6Dw/edit?usp=sharing
2. More about our proposal: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gWUzSC3fiuI-RQevRwTs3c4yqUcVGtqHvhxxdxwq6VM/edit?usp=sharing 3. Survey Analysis: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TcCq1SjyL2wfrYI8b7wu2ZqkQi9DXZLzcrdf5PNt3-w/edit?usp=sharing
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).