Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/Fante Wikimedians Community Activities, 2025 -26 (ID: 23553171)/Final Report
Application type: Standard application
Part 1: Project and impact
1. Describe the implemented activities and results achieved. Additionally, share which approaches were most effective in supporting you to achieve the results. (required)
During the grant period (15 November 2025 – 1 February 2026), the Fante Wikimedians Community implemented a coordinated set of activities aimed at strengthening the visibility, usability, and sustainability of Fante-language contributions across Wikimedia platforms. Our work focused on technical localization, community engagement, partnerships, and contributor development.
A major achievement was the continued progress toward completing the Translatewiki localization work. Community members collaborated to translate remaining interface messages, improving the accessibility and readability of Wikimedia platforms for Fante speakers. This effort helped lower technical barriers for new users and strengthened confidence among contributors who prefer navigating platforms in their native language.
To increase awareness and participation, we conducted a localized outreach campaign combining social media promotion, printed awareness materials, and community engagement. These efforts helped introduce the Fante Wikipedia to new audiences who were previously unaware of its existence. Many participants successfully created or improved articles during the sessions.
We also strengthened public engagement through a live educational radio session in partnership with a local station. Broadcasting in Fante allowed us to reach a broader audience, including individuals outside typical digital communities. The interactive format encouraged listeners to ask questions and learn how to contribute, which helped build trust and visibility for the project.
At the movement level, community members participated virtually in Africa Baraza Session. This reflective discussion enabled participants to share lessons learned, explore global movement themes, and identify practical strategies applicable to the Fante community. This approach proved effective in bridging global conversations with local implementation.
Institutional outreach was another key component. We engaged cultural and educational stakeholders, particularly language and heritage institutions, to explore long-term collaboration opportunities. These conversations strengthened relationships that can support future documentation, research, and open knowledge initiatives in Fante.
As part of the global Wikipedia @25 celebrations, we hosted a small community gathering to showcase achievements, recognize contributors, and recruit new members. This event reinforced community identity and motivated continued participation.
Throughout the project, mentorship and follow-up remained essential. Experienced editors supported newcomers through peer guidance and regular check-ins, which improved retention and confidence. Recognition initiatives and consistent communication channels helped sustain enthusiasm and participation.
2. Documentation of your impact. Please use space below to share links that help tell your story, impact, and evaluation. (required)
Share links to:
- Project page on Meta-Wiki or any other Wikimedia project
- Dashboards and tools that you used to track contributions
- Some photos or videos from your event. Remember to share access.
You can also share links to:
- Important social media posts
- Surveys and their results
- Infographics and sound files
- Examples of content edited on Wikimedia projects
https://x.com/FanteCommunity/status/1891835734295711999?t=TEEqcbHGzInKdmoBy360UQ&s=19 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fante-_Radio_Tour.jpg https://x.com/FanteCommunity/status/1898441147040608424?t=BU3nSAgVP6LuesIwjtd-RA&s=19 https://x.com/FanteCommunity/status/1895065576986263573?t=a-15_ScNnTe1I-s7sz_zLQ&s=19 https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fante_Wikimedians_Community/Feminism_and_Folklore_2025 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fante_Wiki_Radio_Tour_(4).jpg https://x.com/FanteCommunity/status/1898069078469693562?t=SY7QDx2OLojYD3shdg77zQ&s=19 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fante_Wikimedians_Celebrate_Womens_Day_2025_(3).jpg https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Feminism_%26_Folklore_2025_Contest_Workshop_-fat_(2).jpg https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Fante_Wikimedians_Community_Photowalk https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Feminism_%26_Folklore_2025_Contest_-fat.jpg https://x.com/FanteCommunity/status/1897223323035296067?t=ifh1qX4iZfSNd1VB9ffeDg&s=19 https://x.com/FanteCommunity/status/1915394536450240694?t=jrHyvr3wXVSSMqviFnvGKA&s=19 https://x.com/FanteCommunity/status/1897223323035296067?t=ifh1qX4iZfSNd1VB9ffeDg&s=19
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Additionally, share the materials and resources that you used in the implementation of your project. (required)
For example:
- Training materials and guides
- Presentations and slides
- Work processes and plans
- Any other materials your team has created or adapted and can be shared with others
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16x4CrCRxAivX1nbVBkYXBCnSNfFA7ai31z6Lmu2N4RE/edit?usp=sharing
3. To what extent do you agree with the following statements regarding the work carried out with this Rapid Fund? You can choose “not applicable” if your work does not relate to these goals. Required. Select one option per question. (required)
| A. Bring in participants from underrepresented groups | Strongly agree |
| B. Create a more inclusive and connected culture in our community | Strongly agree |
| C. Develop content about underrepresented topics/groups | Strongly agree |
| D. Develop content from underrepresented perspectives | Agree |
| E. Encourage the retention of editors | Strongly agree |
| F. Encourage the retention of organizers | Strongly agree |
| G. Increased participants' feelings of belonging and connection to the movement | Strongly agree |
| F. Other (optional) |
Part 2: Learning
4. In your application, you outlined some learning questions. What did you learn from these learning questions when you implemented your project? How do you hope to use this learnings in the future? You can recall these learning questions below. (required)
You can recall these learning questions below: 1. How effective localized outreach methods (radio, posters, social media) are in raising awareness and recruiting contributors
2. The impact of completing the Translatewiki project on user experience and contributions in Fante
3. How participation in global Wikimedia events strengthens community connection and engagement
4. How small community-led projects can increase the visibility of underrepresented languages online
rom this project, we learned that localized outreach methods are highly effective when they are culturally relevant. Radio engagement in Fante generated strong trust and interest, while social media helped us reach younger audiences. Combining both approaches proved more effective than relying on one channel alone. In future projects, we will continue blending offline and online outreach.
We also learned that completing Translatewiki localization improves user confidence and strengthens contributors’ sense of ownership. While localization alone does not immediately increase edits, it creates a more welcoming environment for growth. We plan to sustain translation sprints and community review processes going forward.
Participation in global Wikimedia events helped deepen our connection to the movement and inspired local strategic discussions. Organizing a local reflection session after Wiki Indaba made the experience more impactful, and we will continue this approach in the future.
5. Did anything unexpected or surprising happen when implementing your activities? This can include both positive and negative situations. What did you learn from those experiences? (required)
One positive surprise was the level of interest generated through localized outreach, particularly from individuals who had never edited before but were excited to see Fante represented online. Some participants expressed strong emotional connection to contributing in their mother tongue, which reinforced the cultural importance of the project. This showed us that language-based identity is a powerful motivator for engagement.
On the challenging side, we experienced slower-than-expected progress in completing some Translatewiki tasks due to volunteer availability and competing commitments. This reminded us that community-led projects require realistic pacing and flexibility. We learned the importance of breaking technical work into smaller milestones and maintaining consistent follow-up to avoid burnout.
6. What is your plan to share your project learnings and results with other community members? If you have already done it, describe how. (required)
We will share our project plans and training materials with other community members who are interested in learning from our experience
Part 3: Metrics
7. Wikimedia Metrics results. (required)
In your application, you set some Wikimedia targets in numbers (Wikimedia metrics). In this section, you will describe the achieved results and provide links to the tools used.
| Target | Results | Comments and tools used | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of participants | 60 | 70 | https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Fante_Wikimedians_Community/Fante_Wikimedians_Community_Activities_-_2025_2nd_Half |
| Number of editors | 20 | 30 | https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Fante_Wikimedians_Community/Fante_Wikimedians_Community_Activities_-_2025_2nd_Half |
| Number of organizers | 3 | 3 |
| Wikimedia project | Target | Result - Number of created pages | Result - Number of improved pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wikipedia | 70 | 40 | 76 |
| Wikimedia Commons | 10 | 20 | 15 |
| Wikidata | 20 | 20 | 30 |
| Wiktionary | |||
| Wikisource | |||
| Wikimedia Incubator | |||
| Translatewiki | 500 | 505 | 100 |
| MediaWiki | |||
| Wikiquote | |||
| Wikivoyage | |||
| Wikibooks | |||
| Wikiversity | |||
| Wikinews | |||
| Wikispecies | |||
| Wikifunctions or Abstract Wikipedia |
8. Other Metrics results.
In your proposal, you could also set Other Metrics targets. Please describe the achieved results and provide links to the tools used if you set Other Metrics in your application.
| Other Metrics name | Metrics Description | Target | Result | Tools and comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9. Did you have any difficulties collecting data to measure your results? (required)
No
9.1. Please state what difficulties you had. How do you hope to overcome these challenges in the future? Do you have any recommendations for the Foundation to support you in addressing these challenges? (required)
Part 4: Financial reporting
[edit]10. Please state the total amount spent in your local currency. (required)
32544.6
11. Please state the total amount spent in US dollars. (required)
3000
12. Report the funds spent in the currency of your fund. (required)
Provide the link to the financial report https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1q5K8QthGdatND1GHAEWq4WJYUsZAc8BkgpNf0nwWjsA/edit?usp=sharing
12.2. If you have not already done so in your financial spending report, please provide information on changes in the budget in relation to your original proposal. (optional)
13. Do you have any unspent funds from the Fund?
No
13.1. Please list the amount and currency you did not use and explain why.
N/A
13.2. What are you planning to do with the underspent funds?
N/A
13.3. Please provide details of hope to spend these funds.
N/A
14.1. Are you in compliance with the terms outlined in the fund agreement?
Yes
14.2. Are you in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in the grant agreement?
Yes
14.3. Are you in compliance with provisions of the United States Internal Revenue Code (“Code”), and with relevant tax laws and regulations restricting the use of the Funds as outlined in the grant agreement? In summary, this is to confirm that the funds were used in alignment with the WMF mission and for charitable/nonprofit/educational purposes.
Yes
15. If you have additional recommendations or reflections that don’t fit into the above sections, please write them here. (optional)