Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/Kiwix4Schools 3.0 (ID: 23550363)
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)
Husseyn Issa
- 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.
Kiwix4Schools 3.0
- 2. and 3. Proposed start and end dates for the proposal.
2025-11-15 - 2025-12-15
- 4. Where will this proposal be implemented? (required)
Tanzania
- 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) Open knowledge and Offline programs
- 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)
Kiwix is an offline reader for online content like Wikipedia, Project Gutenberg, or TED Talks. It makes knowledge available to people with no or limited internet access. The software as well as the content is free to use for anyone.On the other hand kiwix4schools is a project or initiative that focuses on bringing the benefits of digital education and knowledge access to the people of Tanzania.
After successfully implementing Kiwix4Schools Phase 1 in 2023 [1] and Phase 2 in January 2025 [2], we have witnessed remarkable impact, reaching Kisutu Girls Secondary School and Benjamin Mkapa High School in Dar es Salaam, as well as Nala Secondary School in Dodoma and Kajengwa Primary School in Zanzibar benefiting over 300 students and teachers across the two programs. Building on this success, we are now launching Kiwix4Schools 3.0, which integrates advanced techniques and methodologies gained from Wikimania 20 in Kenya, where we engaged with key partners including Stephanie (Kiwix CEO), our core advisor, and Dr. James of Internet-in-a-Box. This new phase goes beyond software installation. We now have one Internet-in-a-Box device which we got from the conference, and by buying cheap raspberry we can now duplicate the technology embedded inside into the actual internet in a box and serve in our schools. And with those cost-effective Raspberry Pi units, we aim to expand access to offline educational resources for schools with limited or no internet connectivity. Our target is to supply 5 Internet-in-a-Box devices across two schools in Tanzania, enabling over 500 additional students and teachers to access open knowledge resources further strengthening our milestone of making knowledge accessible for all.
The change we aim to bring. We aim to bridge the digital divide in Tanzania by ensuring that students and teachers in schools with poor or no internet connectivity can access high-quality educational resources. Through Kiwix4Schools 3.0, we want to create equal learning opportunities by making open knowledge available offline, empowering both learners and educators to access the same wealth of information as those in better-connected schools. And thus we will be using Wikipedia contents and other wikimedia foundation projects as a startup open source knowledge sources that schools might be using for their learnings, and other open source knowledge platforms such as project gutenberg can be used to curate their contents into zim files that can be shared to the Kiwix software.
Main challenges and problems we solve.
- Limited or no internet access in many schools, especially in underserved and rural areas.
- High cost of data and infrastructure, which prevents schools from relying on online educational resources.
- Many educators lack awareness of Wikimedia projects such as Wikipedia, Wiktionary, and Wikiquote. This gap contributes to inequality in access to information, leaving many students in under-connected schools behind in both digital literacy and academic opportunities.
Main approaches which we will be using
- Deploy Internet-in-a-Box devices and Raspberry Pi units in schools with poor connectivity, providing offline access to Wikipedia, educational videos, and open resources.
- Provide training that builds on the lessons and methodologies learned at Wikimania 2025 in Kenya, with ongoing support from Kiwix CEO Stephanie and Dr. James from Internet-in-a-Box.
- Target two additional schools in Tanzania, installing five Internet-in-a-Box devices, which will benefit over 500 students and teachers.
- Work closely with educators to integrate offline digital resources into the curriculum, ensuring long-term adoption and impact.
- 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.
Planned Activities
1. Selection of Schools
- Identify and confirm two underserved schools in Tanzania (one in Mainland, one in Zanzibar) that face limited or no internet access.
- Conduct baseline assessments on digital readiness and needs.
2. Setup of Devices
- Purchase and configure 5 Internet-in-a-Box devices using Raspberry Pi.
- Preload devices with Kiwix software, Wikipedia, Wikibooks, educational videos, and offline resources aligned to the school curriculum.
3. Installation & Deployment
- Install and test Internet-in-a-Box devices at the selected schools.
- Set up local Wi-Fi access to enable students and teachers to connect using phones, tablets, or computers without requiring internet data.
4. Capacity Building for Teachers
- Conduct training workshops for teachers on how to integrate offline resources and right now we have been working to curate contents specifically mainly from Wikipedia and Khan Academy and target is to increase and start also curating contents from Project Gutenberg, and TED Talks into their lesson plans.
- Provide handbooks and digital guides for sustainable use.
5. Student Engagement Activities
- Facilitate hands-on sessions where students explore and use offline resources for assignments, projects, and research.
- Promote digital literacy and open knowledge awareness among learners.
6. Monitoring & Evaluation
- Track usage of devices (number of connections, subjects accessed).
- Collect feedback from teachers and students.
- Document impact stories and challenges to inform future scaling.
7. Partnerships & Collaborations Kiwix (CEO Stephanie) – technical guidance and advisory support. Internet-in-a-Box (Dr. James) – integration of content and setup assistance. Local schools (Tanzania Mainland & Zanzibar) – hosting and sustainability of devices.
- 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.
1. Hussein Issa
- Role: Project Lead and Coordinator (Certified Kiwix4Schools by OFWA)
- Wikimedia Username: Husseyn Issa
- Details: I am the driving force behind the Kiwix4schools project in Tanzania. With a background in education and a passion for technology, I am proud to conceptualize the initiative to bridge the digital divide in Tanzanian schools. As the project lead, I oversee all aspects of content curation, partnerships, and implementation. I am a dedicated volunteer committed to realizing the vision of equitable education through offline resources.
2. Jacob – Technical & Content Support
- Role: Responsible for device setup, content curation, and technical troubleshooting for Raspberry Pi and Kiwix installations.
- Experience: Expert in Information Systems, specializes in ICT support and integration of open-source software in education.
- Wikimedia Username: Jacobgijjah
3. Johnson Massawe - Local School Coordinator (Tanzania Mainland & Zanzibar)
- Role: Act as on-the-ground liaisons for school implementation, ensuring sustainability of the program.
- Wikimedia Username: Jonny Frosty
4.Benson Mushi (Certified Kiwix4Schools by OFWA)
- Role: Training Facilitator
- Details: Benson Mushi brings his expertise of using Kiwix software to the team. His role involves creation of detailed procedures of how the students and teachers need to adapt in order to have a good experience when using Kiwix. Ensuring the resources are aligned with curriculum standards. Benson is a dedicated volunteer who believes in the transformative power of accessible knowledge.
- 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)
The primary participants of the Kiwix4Schools project are Tanzanian students, teachers, and schools in areas with limited internet access. The initiative empowers students with offline access to diverse educational resources, promoting self-directed learning and knowledge exploration. Teachers are central to this effort, as they will be trained to integrate these resources into their teaching, ensuring long-term impact. Engagement begins before implementation through awareness campaigns, information sessions, and workshops with schools, teachers, parents, and local institutions to build excitement and understanding of the program. During implementation, we will conduct workshops which act as hands-on experiences where participants can share insights and challenges. Afterward, engagement continues through feedback mechanisms in google forms and ongoing support such as monthly webinars.
- 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.
Our project is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and youth in accordance with both international and local laws. We recognize that working with children requires special considerations and adherence to legal requirements to protect their rights and safety. Our project will strictly follow the guidelines set forth by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and any relevant national laws and regulations regarding child protection here in Tanzania.
A link to the Youth Safety Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PX3uNi2odiVBat6RfswrTc1aqGDojHQR/edit
- 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 development of the Kiwix4Schools in Tanzania project has been shaped through continuous dialogue and collaboration with both local and global open knowledge communities. From the start, the idea was grounded in a passion for education and technology, and was refined through discussions with several communities. These conversations ensured that the project aligns with Wikimedia values while responding to the needs of Tanzanian schools. The project further grew through mentorship and international collaboration from Open Foundation West Africa who provided guidance that aligned our work with global best practices, while Wikimania 20 in Nairobi made us have an engagement with Stephanie (Kiwix CEO) and Doc James (Internet-in-a-Box), not forgetting tim who has been working behind the software installations. These discussions offered us with good insights on scaling and integrating new technologies, and improving this project.
- 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)
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)
Increase the Sustainability of Our Movement
Learning and metrics
[edit]- 17. What do you hope to learn from your work in this project or proposal? (required)
-How does providing offline access through Kiwix and Internet-in-a-Box influence students’ learning outcomes, digital literacy, and curiosity for knowledge in schools with poor internet connectivity?
- What teaching methods and classroom practices do teachers adopt when trained to use offline open knowledge resources, and how do these methods improve lesson delivery and student engagement?
- What are the most effective approaches to sustaining the use of Kiwix and Internet-in-a-Box in schools after installation, and how can community partnerships (teachers, school leaders, parents) contribute to long-term impact?
- 18. What are your Wikimedia project targets in numbers (metrics)? (required)
| Other Metrics | Target | Optional description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of participants | 500 | The Kiwix4schools project envisions involving approximately 500 participants, including students, teachers, and community members, to facilitate offline access to educational resources, empower educators, and create a collaborative learning environment. |
| Number of editors | 10 | Since the project focuses on offline access to educational resources and training for teachers, the emphasis might not be on editing content in the traditional sense of Wikimedia projects like Wikipedia. However, participants could contribute by creating educational materials, sharing insights, and engaging in discussions on the online community platform. |
| Number of organizers | 4 | The Kiwix4schools project is organized by a dedicated team of 4 individuals who collectively drive the project's planning, execution, and impact. |
| Wikimedia project | Number of content created or improved |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | 100 |
| Wikimedia Commons | 50 |
| Wikidata | |
| Wiktionary | 50 |
| Wikisource | |
| Wikimedia Incubator | |
| Translatewiki | |
| MediaWiki | |
| Wikiquote | |
| Wikivoyage | |
| Wikibooks | 50 |
| 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)
Yes
| Main Open Metrics | Description | Target |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Number of schools reached and equipped with Kiwix software and internet in a box device(raspberry pie) | 3 |
| 50 | Number of teachers and students trained to use Kiwix and internet in a box for learning | 50 |
| 500 | Number of students | 500 |
| 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)
- Google Forms
- Meta Event Registration Tool
Financial proposal
[edit]- 21. Please upload your budget for this proposal or indicate the link to it. (required)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16jRx7oFQTWpmdo6wAuY8oiXe2UyF7733cpG1SdEiJYg/edit?usp=sharing
- 22. and 22.1. What is the amount you are requesting for this proposal? Please provide the amount in your local currency. (required)
12600000 TZS
- 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.
4943 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).