Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/Advance Wikipedia Awareness and Training at Abdu Gusau Polytechnic and Historical Documentation of Gusau, Zamfara States. Follow up to our Previous Initiative. (ID: 23526700)
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Applicant Details
[edit]- 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
[edit]- 1. Please state the title of your proposal. This will also be the Meta-Wiki page title.
Advance Wikipedia Awareness and Training at Abdu Gusau Polytechnic and Historical Documentation of Gusau, Zamfara States. Follow up to our Previous Initiative.
- 2. and 3. Proposed start and end dates for the proposal.
2026-01-01 - 2026-03-31
- 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)
WikiGap
- 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)
Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, located in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, Nigeria, is a state government polytechnic established in 1992. The polytechnic offers various programs, including National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) courses in fields like: The Polytechnic has:19 departments, Over 4000 students Modern facilities, including workshops, laboratories, a library, and ICT center. The polytechnic aims to provide quality technical and vocational education, contributing to Nigeria's socio-economic development.
While 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. Zamfara is one of the most historic and culturally rich states in Nigeria and remains an important center of Islamic learning, Hausa tradition, and Northern Nigerian heritage. Zamfara is still underrepresented in Wikimedia projects in spite of its importance. Wikimedia Commons has extremely few images of its landmarks, while Wikipedia and Wikidata have a large number of missing, insufficient, or out-of-date articles about Zamfara. We want to change that. Our goal is to document and showcase Zamfara history and culture through Wikimedia projects, especially by:
- Uploading quality photos of important sites to Wikimedia Commons,
- Creating and improving Wikipedia articles,
- Generating new Wikidata items,
- Enriching travel information on Wikivoyage,
- And training local people to contribute to Wikimedia projects.
This project concept came after I meet with Nura a local Wikimedian residing in Gusau. Participants gave extremely positive feedback. Many young people and students wanted to get engaged and learn more. We made contact in order to work together and advance this interest. Together, we made the decision to create a larger initiative that incorporates practical Wikimedia training and awareness with visual documentation.
We are tackling the following issues:
- Insufficient photo documentation of significant Zamfara locations on Wikimedia Commons
- Low regional awareness of Wikimedia and free knowledge initiatives
- Limited involvement of Zamfara locals in Wikipedia, Wikidata, and other Wikimedia projects
Sites for planned photo documentation Five photowalk days will then follow, during which the crew will visit certain locations throughout the state to take pictures of the following:
- Abdu Gusau Polytechnic
- Federal Medecal Center
- Gusau Central Mosque
- Wander the Bustling Gusau Central Market
- Hike the Rock Formations at Kwatarkwashi Hills
- Visit the Palace of the Emir of Gusau
- Discover Hausa Crafts at Sokoto Road Artisans’ Village
- Enjoy Street Food at Sabon Gari Night Spots
- Explore the Gusau Museum and Cultural Center
- Attend a Traditional Durbar Festival
- Relax Along the Gusau Dam and Picnic Areas
- Shop for Colorful Fabrics and Local Leather Goods
Following the documentation, students, young people, and cultural vultures will be the focus of a two-day Wikimedia training and awareness program. Practical workshops on how to edit Wikipedia, upload media files, contribute to Wikipedia and WikiCommons, and enhance Wikidata content will be offered throughout the event.
In addition to enhancing online information on Zamfara, this project will enable locals to share their own tales, protect their culture, and join the worldwide open knowledge movement.
- 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.
Wikimedia awareness and training for new and potential contributors in Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, as well as visual documenting of historical and public locations in Gusau , are the two main pillars of this project. Main planned activities: 1. Planning and Mobilization:
• Notifying the community and announcing the project on pertinent Wikimedia projects • Coordinating local logistics, permissions, and safety with Nura, a Gusau-based Wikimedian • Interaction with possible participants, especially Gusau's youth groups and Abdul Gusau polytechnic students
2. Photo Documentation Tour:
• Visit designated public and heritage sites in Gusau City and the surrounding areas; • Take excellent pictures and videos of certain locations; Site information documentation for upgrades to Wikipedia and Wikidata
3. Uploading and Contribution:
• Upload all images to Wikimedia Commons under relevant categories/Hot cat and licenses • Create and edit related articles on Wikipedia • Add or update Wikidata elements for recorded locations • Enhance Wikivoyage content relating to travel and tourism in Zamfara
4. Workshop on Wikimedia Awareness and Training:
• Two-day in-person event in Gusau • Overview of Wikimedia projects, including Wikipedia, Commons, Wikidata. • Hands-on, practical lessons on editing, uploading, and contributing Certificate distribution and assistance with participant onboarding
5. Following up and reporting after an event; mentoring new editors one-on-one via online platforms, mostly WhatsApp groups; submitting the final grant report and monitoring metrics through the Outreach Dashboard; and publishing a learning report. Partnerships and Support:
• We are collaborating with Nura, a local Wikimedian in Gusau, who will assist with venue arrangements, participant outreach, and documentation. • We may also seek informal partnerships with Zamfara Youth initiative, Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, Zamfara, especially those focused on history, education, and ICT, to attract participants and secure space for the training session.
- 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.
The project team is made up of experienced Hausa Wikimedians and local volunteers who are passionate about promoting free knowledge in Northern Nigeria. Each team member brings their own unique skills and experiences that are essential to the success of this project. User: Abubakar Yusuf Gusau– Project Lead I’m a seasoned Wikimedian with years of experience Facilitating projects across Hausa Wikipedia, Wikidata, and other sister projects. I successful implements Mini-Grant at Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau Zamfara states Wikimedia User Group Nigeria -funded projects. As the project lead, I will:
- Oversee the entire project from start to finish
- Manage the grant funds and ensure financial accountability
- Coordinate activities and communication among the team
- Supervise the implementation and timely reporting of the project
User:Uncle bash007 – Facilitator and Trainer is an administrator on Hausa Wikipedia also patroller in English Wikipedia an experienced project lead in several Wikimedia campaigns. He will:
- Serve as a key trainer during the Wikimedia workshop
- Support the photo documentation process and content verification
- Guide new participants on contributing to Wikipedia, Wikidata, Commons, and Wikivoyage.
User:Nura Bello – Local Coordinator and Facilitator Nura is an active Wikimedian based in Gusau. He was among the participants that participate previously in Wikipedia Awareness and Training at Federal University Gusau, which I was one of the facilitator. For this project, he will:
- Coordinate logistics in Gusau including permissions and local support
- Identify and guide the team through key locations for photo documentation
- Mobilize participants from Zamfara and surrounding areas
- Support as a facilitator during the training workshop
User: Abdulrahman tahir shika - Facilitator and Documentation Support is an active contributor to Hausa Wikipedia. He has supported many Wikimedia activities and brings in useful communication and technical skills. He will:
- Help in uploading and organizing photo content on Wikimedia Commons
- Take behind-the-scenes pictures and notes to support reporting
User:Mahuta – Online Facilitator and New Editor Support
is known for mentoring new editors and has served as a project lead in previous Wikimedia projects. In this project, he will:
- Provide guidance to new editors during the online training
- Monitor and support their contributions after the event
- Help manage the Outreach Dashboard and communication channels.
User:Alameen khalid. Support Facilitator: He will Assist participants during the practical editing sessions. And the group also consists of professional photographer BoltGrowthMedia. All team members are contributing to this project as volunteers.
- 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)
Our target participants are Zamfara youth initiatives, Abdu Gusau polytechnic students, and professionals from Gusau and surrounding areas, especially those interested in history, technology, and free knowledge. We will engage them before the event through social media, College outreach, and flyers. A WhatsApp group will be created for orientation and communication. During the event, we will provide hands-on training and mentorship. After the event, we will follow up via the group, assign editing tasks, and monitor contributions through the Dashboard to ensure continued engagement and participation in future Wikimedia activities.
- 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.
The project idea was initiated during Teach The Trainers North West organized by WUGN through a private conversation with I User: Abubakar Yusuf Gusau, User: Nura, Uncle Bash007 as well as User: Mahuta who previously organized a Rapid Grant Wikimedia event at Federal University Gusau I am among the facilitators. Following the success of that event, many participants and local contacts expressed interest in deeper Wikimedia engagement. We discussed the project with members of the Hausa Wikimedia Community https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Hausa_Wikimedians_User_Group[1] and calls. Team members to shared input and shape the activities. The proposal aligns with ongoing community outreach efforts in Northern Nigeria. The project was discussed with the Hausa Wikimedians User Group community through various channels, including: Discussion Pages: The project idea was shared on the Hausa Wikimedians User Group and Hausa Wikipedia discussion pages to gather feedback and input from community members. The project was also shared in a relevant WhatsApp group for more direct communication and engagement with community members. The project received official approval from the Hausa Wikimedians User Group community leaders, indicating their support and recognition of its value.
- 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)
Geography
- 13. Does your proposal include any of these areas or thematic focus? Select one option that most applies to your work. (required)
Education
- 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)
Innovate in Free Knowledge
Learning and metrics
[edit]- 17. What do you hope to learn from your work in this project or proposal? (required)
Through this project, I aim to achieve several key outcomes, including:
1. Building strong partnerships with Abdu Gusau Polytechnic and Zamfara youths initiative fostering a vibrant Wikimedia community.
2. We aim to discover the best strategies for presenting Wikimedia to a fresh audience that hasn't seen it much before. To determine which approaches best engage participants, we plan to evaluate various approaches, including hands-on picture documentation, real-time editing support, and visual teaching.
3. We hope to see how well visual content like this may contribute to the enrichment of Wikimedia projects like Commons, Wikidata, Wikipedia, and Wikivoyage through our photo documentation of important locations in Zamfara. This will assist us in assessing the caliber, applicability, and worth of contributions to local content.
4. Preserving and promoting Hausa language and culture while encouraging cross-cultural understanding.
5. I hope to get knowledge from participants to strengthen my community interactions and abilities that will increase editor contributions and the sustainability of new editors in various Wikimedia tactics.
- 18. What are your Wikimedia project targets in numbers (metrics)? (required)
| Other Metrics | Target | Optional description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of participants | 50 | Total number of participants to participate in this project. |
| Number of editors | 20 | Total number of participants to be retained. |
| Number of organizers | 5 | Total number of organizers |
| Wikimedia project | Number of content created or improved |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | 1000 |
| Wikimedia Commons | 200 |
| Wikidata | 50 |
| Wiktionary | |
| Wikisource | |
| Wikimedia Incubator | 50 |
| Translatewiki | |
| MediaWiki | 50 |
| Wikiquote | |
| Wikivoyage | 30 |
| Wikibooks | |
| Wikiversity | |
| Wikinews | |
| Wikispecies | |
| Wikifunctions or Abstract Wikipedia |
- Optional description for content contributions.
The project will contribute through but offline and online training
- 19. Do you have any other project targets in numbers (metrics)? (optional)
No
| 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 are going to use the hashtag tool to measure the 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/13gyVlWB3iL2gZFs3aNJ4k4-_K-6s2rge9qBFcpNfp5s/edit
- 22. and 22.1. What is the amount you are requesting for this proposal? Please provide the amount in your local currency. (required)
4342000 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.
2988.32 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).