Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/Harnessing the Power of Open Data 2.0:Wikidata's Technical Tools and Integration Across Wikipedia and Sister Projects (ID: 22830422)
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
[edit]- Main Wikimedia username. (required)
Sylvesterchukwu04
- 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.
Harnessing the Power of Open Data 2.0: Wikidata's Technical Tools and Integration Across Wikipedia and Sister Projects
- 2. and 3. Proposed start and end dates for the proposal.
2024-12-07 - 2025-01-14
- 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)
Not applicable
- 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)
Wikidata Technical Tools are powerful resources that enable users to interact with, manage, and enhance the structured data on Wikidata. Tools like the Wikidata Query Service, QuickStatements, and OpenRefine simplify data editing, retrieval, and analysis, offering editors new opportunities to contribute to the open knowledge ecosystem. Beyond their use on Wikidata, these tools can enrich content across Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects, helping editors seamlessly integrate information, improve data accuracy, and ensure knowledge is up-to-date and accessible worldwide.
Despite the potential of these tools, several challenges limit the widespread use and integration of these tools across Wikimedia projects. The key issues we aim to address include:
Inaccurate and Outdated Information: Wikipedia and its sister projects often face inaccuracies due to manual editing and a lack of efficient data synchronization.
Technical Skill Gap: Many editors lack the expertise needed to effectively use these tools, limiting their ability to enhance content quality and keep information current.This can be seen from the results from our survey(https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EgnqvghFugG5V3QIKjlGA9tNh6tXKSZrtHQMhDARhC8/edit?usp=drivesdk)
To overcome these challenges and fully leverage the potential of Wikidata Technical Tools, we will employ two approaches:
Comprehensive Training Programs: We will organize workshops and hands-on sessions focused on commonly used Wikidata tools. These sessions will target existing editors, equipping them with the skills to integrate data, improve content accuracy, and streamline updates across Wikimedia projects. This will build a knowledgeable community of editors confident in using these tools.
Peer Mentorship and Support Networks: We will establish a mentorship system where outstanding editors from our pilot project will mentor those new to this project. This will foster ongoing support, collaboration, and bridge the technical skill gap, creating a sustainable learning environment that promotes the effective use of Wikidata tools, enhancing content quality across Wikipedia and its sister projects.
Building upon the success of our pilot project, Harnessing the Power of Open Data: Maximizing Wikidata's Technical Tools for Enriching Wikipedia and its Sister Projects, we aim to extend our efforts to a broader range of editors. In the pilot project, we conducted a post-event survey where 85% of participants reported increased confidence in using Wikidata tools, and 90% expressed a strong interest in continuing to contribute to Wikimedia projects(https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DKhokk871rElwI1BresamP62qxcg47qdHXZzXwGuUfk/edit?usp=drivesdk).This feedback underscores the value of our approach and highlights the potential for even greater impact as we expand our reach.
By empowering more contributors to utilize these tools, we aim to drive significant improvements in content accuracy and quality across Wikimedia projects globally.
- 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.
1. Creating Awareness About the Event: We will launch an awareness campaign using e-posters, flyers, and short videos distributed across various platforms to inform and attract Wikimedia editors. Designated communication channels will be utilized, and a WhatsApp group will be created for interested participants to encourage interaction and engagement.
2. Physical Training Event – Day 1: The event will begin with an interactive session introducing participants to the purpose, significance, and goals of the event. This session will focus on Wikidata’s technical tools, demonstrating how they are used. Skilled volunteer facilitators will then conduct hands-on training, covering essential tools such as:
Basic Script Activation: Streamlining the editing interface for efficient contributions. Item Quality Evaluator: Improving the accuracy and completeness of Wikidata items. Mix’n’Match: Connecting external databases to enrich Wikidata content. Query Builder: Visualizing and retrieving specific data from Wikidata. OpenRefine: Cleaning and uploading large datasets to maintain data consistency.
3. Physical Training – Day 2:The second day will cover integrating Wikidata into various Wikimedia projects. Participants will learn how to maximize the use of structured data through:
Wikipedia Infoboxes: Ensuring accurate, up-to-date information. Wikivoyage: Enriching travel-related content using structured data. Wikimedia Commons: Organizing and categorizing media files with appropriate metadata.
4. Physical Edit-a-thon: During the edit-a-thon, participants will apply their skills with real-time support from our team. The participants would be divided into four groups led by mentors—experienced editors who excelled during the pilot project. These mentors will provide personalized guidance, foster collaboration, and help bridge any technical skill gaps, creating a sustainable learning environment that promotes long-term growth and expertise. Participants will collaborate to make meaningful contributions across the target Wikimedia projects. This hands-on experience will reinforce their technical skills in a practical setting, encouraging learning, collaboration, and growth.
5. Online Follow-up Session This online session will serve as a follow-up to the physical training, offering a review of the Wikidata technical tools. Led by experienced facilitators, participants will revisit key concepts, address any challenges they encountered, and deepen their understanding through interactive discussions and demonstrations. This session ensures that participants are fully equipped to apply these tools confidently and effectively in future edits.
6. Contest:To motivate continued participation, a contest will be held, encouraging participants to apply their skills by improving articles and enhancing content quality. This friendly competition will promote collaboration and further contributions to Wikipedia and its sister projects, empowering participants to make a lasting impact on the global knowledge ecosystem.
- 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.
Our team have the qualifications and experience needed to implement this project successfully. Our teams are highly skilled and experienced on the use and application of Wikidata technical tools and have the necessary knowledge, insight and resources to ensure successful completion of this project.
Sylvesterchukwu04 (Project Lead): As an experienced editor and trainer, I have extensive expertise in working with open datasets, integrating them into data analysis, and deriving meaningful insights. I led the Harnessing the Power of Open Data: Maximizing Wikidata Technical Tools project and co-facilitated the EveryBookItsReader campaign, training editors on tools such as QuickStatements. I have strong experience in integrating structured data into Wikipedia and Wikivoyage and have used Wikidata’s Query Builder to craft SPARQL queries for efficient data retrieval and visualization. Additionally, I have mentored editors on OpenRefine and presented at Wikimania Singapore 2023 on the benefits of Wikidata (https://pretalx.com/wm2023/talk/review/DJXC9FTS97JZLW3N8A8GGSBW7PG3EMMA or https://eventyay.com/e/8f889410/session/8339). I am confident that my leadership experience and technical knowledge of incorporating Wikidata technical tools to enrich wikimedia projects will help me facilitate a productive event.
Favourdare123 (Co-facilitator and Communications):He is a seasoned editor and proficient trainer with significant leadership and organizational expertise. He led the Wikimedia Hackathon 2022 in Ilorin and the EveryBookItsReader 2024 project. His skills with tools like Mix’n’Match have streamlined the editing process, and he has made significant contributions in integrating infobox data for historical landmarks on Wikipedia and enhancing Wikimedia Commons with structured data from Wikidata. As co-facilitator, he will guide participants through training sessions while ensuring clear, effective communication and smooth collaboration among all participants.
Abike25 (Co-facilitator and Jury): He is an experienced editor with a proven track record in utilizing Wikidata's technical tools. He was recognized for his outstanding performance in the Harnessing the Power of Open Data: Maximizing Wikidata's Technical Tools for Enriching Wikipedia and its Sister Projects event, where he demonstrated exceptional skill in use and integrating these tools. In this project, he will serve as a co-facilitator, offering training, guidance, and mentorship to participants during the edit-a-thon. Additionally, he will serve as a jury member, ensuring that all contributions meet the highest standards of quality.
- 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 Our project targets existing Wikimedia editors from Nigeria with little to no technical editing skills, as well as individuals interested in exploring the potential of Wikidata for their projects. Participants will be engaged through a three-phase approach:
1. Pre-Event Engagement Before the training/event, we will initiate an outreach campaign to inform and attract participants. Key activities include:
- Distributing e-posters and flyers across Wikimedia groups to raise awareness and generate interest.
- Creating a WhatsApp group for participants to ask questions, share expectations, and connect with each other. This platform will foster community engagement and encourage pre-event discussions.
2. Engagement During the Event During the event, participants will be involved in interactive sessions and presentations designed to foster active participation. Key activities include:
- Interactive Q&A Sessions: Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions with facilitators and peers.
- Hands-On Activities: Edit-a-thons and collaborative tasks will provide practical experience, allowing participants to apply their skills in real time with guidance from facilitators and mentors.
3. Post-Event Follow-Up After the event, we will focus on supporting participants’ continued learning and skill development through various avenues:
- The WhatsApp group will remain active, providing ongoing support, follow-up guidance, and a space for participants to build on their new skills.
- A post-event survey will be distributed to gather feedback on the effectiveness of the training and identify areas for improvement.
- Participants will be invited to join the Wikidata Technical Online Community Nigeria, where they can continue learning and collaborating.
4. Project Impact Assessment To evaluate the effectiveness of integrating Wikidata’s technical tools and training methods, we will implement the following metrics:
- Pre- and Post-Event Surveys: These will assess participants' knowledge and confidence in using Wikidata before and after the event. We will track improvements in technical skills and understanding of the platform.
- Participation Data: We will monitor key performance indicators such as the number of edits, contributions, and completed tasks by participants during and after the event. For example, we aim for a 50% increase in the number of edits by participants over a two-month period following the event.
- Community Retention and Growth: We will track the growth and activity of the Wikidata Technical Online Community Nigeria, focusing on active participants, ongoing contributions, and engagement in follow-up activities such as webinars and edit-a-thons. Our goal is a 30% increase in active participation over six months.
- Qualitative Feedback: In addition to surveys, we will collect qualitative feedback through one-on-one discussions and group chats to gain insights into the long-term impact on participants' projects and editing practices.
5. Ongoing Engagement of the Wikidata Technical Online Community Nigeria To maintain active participation and foster continuous growth, we will implement the following strategies:
- Hosting regular online events such as webinars, workshops, and hackathons to ensure ongoing learning and engagement.
- Providing instructional videos and documentation on useful tools, ensuring participants have easy access to learning resources.
- Assigning weekly tasks to encourage continued learning and help participants build on their skills. These tasks will be directly tied to real-world contributions to Wikidata and integration into wikipedia and its sister projects.
- Organizing community edit-a-thons and sharing updates on the latest tools and techniques relevant to participants' ongoing projects.
- Offering mentorship programs to guide less experienced participants and maintaining resource-sharing platforms within the community, fostering a sense of belonging and sustained participation.
- 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.
To ensure the safety of youth, we will adhere strictly to both international and local laws regarding working with children and young people. At the start of each event, we will review and summarize the Wikimedia Friendly Space Policy[1] to ensure all participants are familiar with the guidelines. Copies of both the Friendly Space Policy and the Universal Code of Conduct (UCoC) will be provided to participants before the event begins. Our commitment is to create a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for everyone involved.
- 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 discussed the idea of my project, seeking support and explaining its goals, on the discussion page of the Wikimedia User Group Nigeria. You can find the details of the discussion via this link:[2]
- 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)
Other Important Topics (topics considered to be of impact or important in the specific context)
- 13. Does your proposal include any of these areas or thematic focus? Select one option that most applies to your work. (required)
Open Technology
- 14. Will your work focus on involving participants from any underrepresented communities? Select one option that most apply to your work. (required)
Ethnic/racial/religious or cultural background
- 15. In what ways do you think your proposal most contributes to the Movement Strategy 2030 recommendations. Select one that most applies. (required)
Improve User Experience
Learning and metrics
[edit]- 17. What do you hope to learn from your work in this project or proposal? (required)
in this proposal, I aim to learn:
1.Improving Technical Skills of Participants: We aim to learn how effective our training modules are in equipping participants, with the technical skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to Wikidata, Wikipedia, Wikivoyage, and Wikimedia Commons. By assessing participants' progress before and after the training, we hope to identify the most effective teaching methods and areas for improvement in delivering technical content.
2.Building Sustainable Online Communities: Our goal is to learn how to sustain a thriving online community, specifically the Wikidata Technical Online Community Nigeria. We will explore which strategies—such as regular events, mentorship programs, and community challenges—best promote engagement, retention, and collaboration among participants.
3.Effectiveness of Long-Term Learning and Engagement Tools: We aim to gain insights into how various tools, such as WhatsApp groups, instructional videos, and follow-up surveys, contribute to long-term learning and ongoing participant engagement. Our focus is to identify which tools are most effective for skill development and continued participation in Wikimedia projects.
4.Measuring the Success of Collaborative Learning: We aim to understand how collaborative learning—through edit-a-thons, workshops, and group mentorship—affects the quality and quantity of contributions to Wikimedia platforms. We will assess how effectively participants collaborate and whether this approach accelerates their individual learning and content creation.
- 18. What are your Wikimedia project targets in numbers (metrics)? (required)
| Other Metrics | Target | Optional description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of participants | 40 | New Participants (Existing Wikimedian Editors): 20
Returning Participants from Pilot Project: 20 |
| Number of editors | 40 | New Participants (Existing Wikimedian Editors): 20
Returning Participants from Pilot Project: 20 |
| Number of organizers | 3 | Facilitators for the event |
| Wikimedia project | Number of content created or improved |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | 200 |
| Wikimedia Commons | 200 |
| Wikidata | 500 |
| Wiktionary | |
| Wikisource | |
| Wikimedia Incubator | |
| Translatewiki | |
| MediaWiki | |
| Wikiquote | |
| Wikivoyage | 200 |
| Wikibooks | |
| Wikiversity | |
| Wikinews | |
| Wikispecies | |
| Wikifunctions or Abstract Wikipedia |
- Optional description for content contributions.
500 items to be created and improved on Wikidata 200 articles to be improved on Wikipedia 200 articles to be improved on Wikivoyage 200 media files to be improved on Wikimedia Commons
- 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 will use outreach dashboard, X tools and WikiMetrics to track editors contributions and edits
Financial proposal
[edit]- 21. Please upload your budget for this proposal or indicate the link to it. (required)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sXwcfGTnS2X0Ko-YQV3uVkbsB0ocKI2zyz71_PyyQiQ/edit?gid=0#gid=0
- 22. and 22.1. What is the amount you are requesting for this proposal? Please provide the amount in your local currency. (required)
2470000 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.
1479.61 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).