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Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/Disability Minority Need a Voice (ID: 23749895)

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statusFunded
Disability Minority Need a Voice
request or grant IDG-RF-2601-21576
proposed start date2026-04-30
proposed end date2026-07-31
requested budget (local currency)5045000 NGN
requested budget (USD)3567.35 USD
amount funded (USD)850
amount funded (local currency)1177157 NGN
grant typeIndividual
funding regionSSA
decision fiscal year2025-26
organization (if applicable)N/A
Review Final Report

This is an automatically generated Meta-Wiki page. The page was copied from Fluxx, the web service of Wikimedia Foundation Funds, 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

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Main Wikimedia username. (required)

Mustybdc (talk accounts contributions edit count)

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.

Disability Minority Need a Voice

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

2026-04-30 - 2026-07-31

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)

Other (please specify) Wiki for Minorities

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)

The project aims to advance knowledge equity on Wikimedia platforms by increasing the visibility, representation, and participation of persons with disabilities, particularly from minority and underrepresented communities. The changes we are seeking is to move from systemic underrepresentation and silence to active contribution and inclusion, where persons with disabilities are empowered to document their own histories, experiences, and achievements on Wikipedia and related Wikimedia projects. This project will contribute to a more balanced and inclusive knowledge ecosystem by ensuring that disability-related content is created, improved, and curated with meaningful input from people with lived experiences.

""The main challenges or problems we are trying to solve?""

1. Content gaps related to disability and disability minorities: There is limited high-quality, locally relevant content about persons with disabilities, disability rights advocates, organizations, and lived experiences, especially from Nigeria across Wikimedia projects.
2. Underrepresentation of contributors with disabilities: Persons with disabilities face multiple barriers to participation, including lack of access, limited digital skills training, and exclusion from Wikimedia community spaces.
3. Systemic bias and lack of local context: Existing disability-related content often reflects external or non-local perspectives, reinforcing systemic bias and failing to capture community-specific realities.
4. Limited awareness of Wikimedia as a platform for advocacy through knowledge: Many disability-focused communities are unaware of how Wikimedia projects can be used to preserve knowledge, amplify voices, and influence public understanding.

""The main approaches to achieve this change?""

* Capacity building and onboarding: Train and mentor persons with disabilities and allies to contribute to Wikipedia and Wikimedia projects through accessible workshops, edit-a-thons, and guided mentorship.
* Content creation and improvement: Facilitate the creation and enhancement of articles related to disability minorities, notable individuals, organizations, and disability-related topics, with a focus on local and underrepresented narratives.
* Inclusive and accessible participation: Design activities with accessibility considerations to ensure participants can meaningfully engage, reducing participation barriers within the Wikimedia ecosystem.
* Community building and sustainability: Connect participants to existing Wikimedia communities to support long-term engagement, retention, and continued contribution beyond the project period.
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 project will be implemented through five structured sessions and activities designed to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities particularly members of the Deaf Association and other physically challenged individuals by engaging them as active contributors to Wikimedia projects. The project focuses on awareness, capacity building, mentorship, and long-term community inclusion.

1. Awareness and Community Outreach Trips: Sensitization and awareness trips will be conducted to engage disability minority communities and introduce them to Wikimedia platforms as tools for representation and knowledge equity.

  • Community Sensitization: Outreach visits will be organized within disability communities to explain the role of Wikipedia and its sister projects in giving marginalized groups a voice and visibility online.
  • Distribution of Informational Materials: Flyers and handbills containing essential information about Wikimedia projects, participation opportunities, and the importance of disability representation will be distributed.
  • Participant Mobilization: During these visits, fifty (50) interested participants from the Deaf Association and other physically challenged groups will be identified and invited to take part in the project.
  • Peer Knowledge Sharing: Participants will be encouraged to further share the knowledge gained with other members of their communities, ensuring broader awareness and inclusion beyond direct beneficiaries.

2. First Physical Onboarding Session: This session will formally onboard participants and introduce them to Wikimedia as a platform for advocacy and storytelling.

  • Introduction to Wikimedia and Minority Representation: Participants will learn about Wikimedia projects and how they can be used to document disability-related topics, local experiences, and minority perspectives.
  • Account Creation and Basic Editing: Facilitators will guide participants through account creation and introduce them to minor editing tasks in an accessible and supportive environment.
  • Baseline Onsite Surveys: Onsite surveys will be conducted to collect data on participants’ backgrounds, experiences, and challenges. The findings will help inform inclusive programming and will be shared with relevant user groups and organizations.

3. Second Physical Workshop (Practical Capacity Building): This session will focus on hands-on training and personalized support.

  • One-on-One Mentorship: Facilitators will work closely with participants through one-on-one interactions to address individual learning needs and accessibility challenges.
  • Practical Editing Sessions: Participants will receive practical training on how to contribute meaningful content to Wikipedia and its sister projects, with a focus on improving disability-related and minority-representation content.

4. Third Physical Workshop (Challenges and Problem-Solving): This workshop will create a safe space for participants to express difficulties and seek solutions .

  • Experience Sharing: Participants will openly discuss challenges encountered while editing or participating in Wikimedia projects.
  • Issue Resolution and Support: The project team will address these challenges, provide solutions, and offer mentorship to strengthen participants’ confidence and continued participation.

5. Final Training and Community Integration Session: The final session will consolidate skills, recognize participation, and promote sustainability.

  • Advanced Editing and Skill Enhancement: Additional training will be provided to further strengthen participants’ editing skills and understanding of Wikimedia community norms.
  • Recognition and Motivation: Participants will receive Digital Certificates of Excellence in recognition of their active participation and contributions to amplifying disability minority voices.
  • Community Integration: Participants will be introduced to the Wiki for Minorities Community and supported to join the wider Wikimedia community, ensuring long-term engagement, collaboration, and continued advocacy.


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.

User: Mustybdc (Project Leads)

Background: Mustybdc has a track record of successful facilitation and project delivery in the Wiki for Minorities community. His efforts have resulted in recruiting a lot of editors in the community across Africa, which contribute significantly to Wikimedia Projects.

Role: As the project lead, Mustybdc will guide the team towards the successful delivery of the project. His experience and leadership have already led to a transformation in Wikimedia Projects in the community, making him a valuable asset to the project.

User: El-hussain14 (Facilitator and Moderator)

Background: is a seasoned and accomplished editor with a deep understanding of Wikimedia projects. El-hussain14 is the founder of Bole Wikipedia Community a minority language in Yobe state, his extensive expertise has been instrumental throughout his career. El-hussain14 has actively participated in numerous impactful Wikimedia initiatives, including Nigeria Wikimedia Community user Group local grant review Committee, Train the Trainers program. He has received multiple awards for his contribution to Wikimedia projects and also serves as facilitator in various Wikimedia initiatives.

Role: El-hussain14 will serve as a facilitator and moderator for the project. He will ensure that all sessions run smoothly and align with the project target

User: Igallards7 (Online Facilitator)

Background: Is a Chilean Wikimedian volunteer since 2008 with versatile experience that is always willing to collaborate with local Wikipedia User Group, advocate for linguistic Minority across Africa. Igallads7 is a founder of wiki for Minority, he participate in so many Wikimedia training both at National and International level. He was the former 2 times Director at Wikimedia User Group Chile

Sign Interpreter

Background: A sign language interpreter will be an essential addition to the team to facilitate effective communication with the Deaf Association participants.

Role: The interpreter will play a crucial role in bridging communication gaps and ensuring that all participants, including those with hearing impairments, can fully engage in the project activities.

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 primary target participant of our project are people with disabilities particularly members of the Deaf Association in the northern Nigeria. specifically, we are engaging them within their active members and executive committee within the community. its important to note that no prior experience with Wikimedia is necessary to participate in our project.

""Engagement Strategies Before and During Activities:""

Engaging participants is a key aspect of our project's success. We will employ various strategies to ensure their active involvement:

  • Community Interaction: We will actively engage with potential participants within Northern Nigeria community and nearby places, where the Deaf Association is predominant. Through community interactions, we will introduce the project, its goals, and the benefits of participating. This approach will ensures that potential participants are well-informed and enthusiastic about joining the project.
  • Personal Outreach: We will conduct personal outreach to members of the Deaf Association, explaining the project's objectives and how their participation can contribute to Wikimedia projects. This approach allows us to address any specific questions or concerns they may have.
  • Clear Communication: Throughout the project, we will maintain clear and open communication channels with participants. Regular updates, reminders, and notifications about project activities will be shared to keep participants engaged and informed.
  • Tailored Training: During the training sessions, we will provide personalized instruction and support to ensure that participants, regardless of their prior experience, gain the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to Wikipedia and sister projects. This approach will fosters a positive learning environment.

""Follow-up with Participants After Activities:""

Our commitment to participant engagement extends beyond the project's activities. We have a robust plan for follow-up:

Wiki for Minorities: To ensure sustainability and continued engagement, we will welcome participants into the Wiki for Minorities, This affiliation provides a sense of community and ongoing support, allowing participants to stay connected to Wikimedia projects and receive guidance as they continue their contributions.

  • Feedback and Support: We will actively seek feedback from participants about their experiences and challenges post-project. This feedback will inform any necessary adjustments or additional support. Regular check-ins and assistance will be provided to address any issues that may arise.
  • Encouraging Continued Contributions: Participants will be encouraged to continue contributing to Wikipedia, Wikidata, and Wikimedia Commons. We will offer guidance on how to find and work on projects of interest to them, ensuring their sustained involvement in the Wikimedia community.
10. Does your project involve work with children or youth? (required)

Yes

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.

The Youth Safety Policy https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Policy:Friendly_space_policy#Youth_Safety] (https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Policy:Friendly_space_policy#Youth_Safety) would be summarised and read at the beginning of each event

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 have informed the Wiki for Minorities and other Disability Association such as Joint National Association of Person with Disabilities (JONAPWD)

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)

Socioeconomic Status

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

Advocacy

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

Disabilities

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

Provide for Safety and Inclusion

Learning and metrics

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17. What do you hope to learn from your work in this project or proposal? (required)
  • We hope to learn the effective way of engaging the disability minority communities?
  • We hope to understand the barriers disabilities face in accessing and contributing to Wikimedia project?
  • We hope to find out the best practices for amplifying underrepresented voices, promoting leadership among persons with disabilities, and using open knowledge as a tools for equity and social inclusion?
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 100 Participants: This represents the total number of people available for activities, including both editors and organizers.
Number of editors 50 Editors: This represents the total number of editors that will be editing throughout the project period
Number of organizers 4 User: Mustybdc (Project Leads)

Background: Mustybdc has a track record of successful facilitation and project delivery in the Wiki for Minorities community. His efforts have resulted in recruiting a lot of editors in the community across Africa, which contribute significantly to Wikimedia Projects.

Role: As the project lead, Mustybdc will guide the team towards the successful delivery of the project. His experience and leadership have already led to a transformation in Wikimedia Projects in the community, making him a valuable asset to the project.

User: El-hussain14 (Facilitator and Moderator)

Background: is a seasoned and accomplished editor with a deep understanding of Wikimedia projects. El-hussain14 is the founder of Bole Wikipedia Community a minority language in Yobe state, his extensive expertise has been instrumental throughout his career. El-hussain14 has actively participated in numerous impactful Wikimedia initiatives, including Nigeria Wikimedia Community user Group local grant review Committee, Train the Trainers program. He has received multiple awards for his contribution to Wikimedia projects and also serves as facilitator in various Wikimedia initiatives.

Role: El-hussain14 will serve as a facilitator and moderator for the project. He will ensure that all sessions run smoothly and align with the project target

User: Igallards7 (Online Facilitator)

Background: Is a Chilean Wikimedian volunteer since 2008 with versatile experience that is always willing to collaborate with local Wikipedia User Group, advocate for linguistic Minority across Africa. Igallads7 is a founder of wiki for Minority, he participate in so many Wikimedia training both at National and International level. He was the former 2 times Director at Wikimedia User Group Chile

Sign Interpreter

Background: A sign language interpreter will be an essential addition to the team to facilitate effective communication with the Deaf Association participants.

Role: The interpreter will play a crucial role in bridging communication gaps and ensuring that all participants, including those with hearing impairments, can fully engage in the project activities.

Number of content contributions to Wikimedia projects
Wikimedia project Number of content created or improved
Wikipedia 300
Wikimedia Commons 200
Wikidata 150
Wiktionary
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)

We will use Wikimedia Foundation Dashboard Tools and we will share a google form to our participant at the end of the training to collect feedback

Financial proposal

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

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NPaEMZee7Q-qN3OOTwWF3UKgva515RnkYvQZBOXXACk/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)

5045000 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.

3567.35 USD

By submitting your proposal/funding request you confirm that you have read and agree to the Application Privacy Statement, WMF Friendly Space Policy, and the Universal Code of Conduct.

Yes

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