Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/RELIABLENEWSPAPER DRIVE FOR WIKIPEDIA 1.0 (ID: 22591953)
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Applicant Details[edit]
- Main Wikimedia username. (required)
Usmanagm
- Organization
OPEN KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
- 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)
I'm a board member or president of a Wikimedia Affiliate or mission-allied organization., I'm a group leader of an informal Wikimedia group., I'm a bank account signatory for the joint bank account of a Wikimedia affiliate, group, or organization.
- Describe all relevant roles with the name of the group or organization and description of the role. (required)
The Executive Director of the Open Knowledge Development Initiative is the head and overall leader of the User Group. He:
1. Leads the work of the Executive Board of the Group. 2. Presides over all meetings of the Executive Committee. 3. Represents and acts on behalf of the organization in all legal dealings of the Group involving third parties or within the Wikimedia movement.
Main Proposal[edit]
- 1. Please state the title of your proposal. This will also be the Meta-Wiki page title.
RELIABLENEWSPAPER DRIVE FOR WIKIPEDIA 1.0
- 2. and 3. Proposed start and end dates for the proposal.
2024-06-15 - 2024-07-31
- 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)
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)
The "ReliableNewspaper Drive 4 Wikipedia" is a project of the OPEN KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (OKDI), which targets the persistent challenge faced by Wikipedia editors in the north sourcing reliable information. This deficiency results in a notable number of articles lacking credible sources in local languages such as Hausa and Fulfulbe, thereby jeopardizing their notability status. The first edition of the project, that is, RELIABLENEWSPAPER DRIVE 4 WIKIPEDIA 1.0 targeting Wikipedia editors in the northeast region endeavors to tackle this issue through a multifaceted strategy encompassing online training sessions, editathons, outreach programs, and onboarding newspaper journalists.
In North Nigeria, Wikipedia editors, particularly those utilizing local languages like Hausa and Fulfulbe, face persistent challenges in sourcing reliable information for articles. This difficulty results in a notable number of articles lacking credible sources, thereby compromising their notability. Our project seeks to address this issue comprehensively. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing training sessions, both online and offline, editathons, outreach programs, and collaboration with reputable newspaper journalists, we aim to elevate the quality and integrity of Wikipedia content in the region.
Our strategy begins with intensive training sessions designed to educate editors on the significance of reliable sourcing and notability criteria. These sessions will equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to identify and utilize credible sources effectively. Additionally, we will organize editathons, providing a collaborative platform for editors to create and enhance Wikipedia articles while emphasizing the importance of sourcing information from reputable sources. Through one of the Team’s previous programs, editors have created over 100 reliable and standing Wikipedia articles (https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/The_AfroDemics_Project), and we hope through this new project, to create a solution on the use of reliable sources for Wikipedia.
Furthermore, we recognize the vital role that newspaper journalists play in contributing to reliable information dissemination. Through outreach programs and targeted onboarding initiatives, we will engage and encourage reliable newspaper journalists to join the Wikimedia space. By fostering collaboration between journalists and Wikipedia editors, we aim to bridge the gap of notable articles lacking reliable sources, while also empowering journalists to contribute directly to Wikipedia.
Our ultimate goal is to create vibrant communities dedicated to producing reliable articles in local languages, especially in underrepresented regions like North Nigeria. Through adherence to notability measures and utilization of reliable sources, we aspire to ensure that Wikipedia accurately represents the diverse communities and languages of the region.
Main Challenges or Problems:
1. Difficulty in Sourcing Reliable Information: Editors, particularly those in the Northeast region of Nigeria, encounter challenges in sourcing reliable information for Wikipedia, especially for Hausa and Fulfulbe Wikipedia. This leads to a significant number of articles lacking credible sources, which undermines their notability and reliability.
2. Lack of Collaboration with Journalists: There is a gap in collaboration between Wikipedia editors and reputable newspaper journalists in the region. This lack of collaboration limits access to reliable sources and hinders efforts to improve the quality of Wikipedia content.
Main Approaches to Achieve Change:
1. Training and Capacity Building: Our first approach involves conducting comprehensive training sessions, both online and offline, to educate Wikipedia editors in the Northeast region of Nigeria. These sessions will focus on the importance of reliable sourcing and notability criteria, equipping editors with the necessary skills to identify credible sources and adhere to Wikipedia's content guidelines.
2. Collaborative Editathons: We will organize collaborative editathons in the Northeast region, bringing together editors and journalists to create and improve Wikipedia articles using reliable sources. By providing a platform for collaboration, we aim to enhance the quality and reliability of Wikipedia content while fostering partnerships between editors and journalists.
3. Outreach and Engagement: Our initiative will include targeted outreach campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of reliable sourcing and collaboration between Wikipedia editors and journalists. Through public events, webinars, and seminars, we will engage editors, journalists, and the general public in the Northeast region, emphasizing the benefits of working together to improve Wikipedia content.
4. Partnership Development: We will actively reach out to reputable newspaper journalists and media organizations in the Northeast region to establish partnerships. By fostering collaboration with journalists, we aim to bridge the gap between notable articles and reliable sources, thereby enhancing the overall quality of Wikipedia content in the region.
Rationale for Approaches:
We have chosen these approaches because they directly address the root causes of the reliability challenge faced by Wikipedia editors in the Northeast region of Nigeria. By providing training and resources, fostering collaboration with journalists, and raising awareness about the importance of reliable sourcing, we believe we can bring about a positive change in the quality and reliability of Wikipedia content in the region. Additionally, these approaches are based on evidence and research showing the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in improving the quality of online content.
- 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. Online Training Sessions for Editors in the Northeast Region:
- Conduct 8 online training sessions aimed at educating editors in the northeast region about reliable sourcing, notability measures, and the use of sources. - Topics covered will include identifying credible sources, evaluating source reliability, and understanding Wikipedia's content guidelines. - These sessions will be conducted via video conferencing platforms and will be interactive, allowing participants to ask questions and engage with the material.
2. Physical Session with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Branch in the Northeast Region:
- Organize a two-day physical session with a branch of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the northeast region to onboard their staff. - The session will focus on familiarizing journalists with Wikipedia's editing process, guidelines, and the importance of reliable sourcing. - Through this partnership, we aim to bridge the gap between journalists and Wikipedia editors, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding.
3. Edit-a-thon:
- Host a two-week edit-a-thon where participants will have the opportunity to edit and create Wikipedia articles using eligible sources. - Participants will be provided with guidelines on sourcing information from reliable sources, and they will be encouraged to adhere to Wikipedia's notability criteria. - The edit-a-thon will serve as a practical application of the knowledge gained from the training sessions, allowing participants to put their skills into practice.
4. Open Hub:
- Create high-quality video guidance in local languages such as Hausa and Fulfulbe to provide participants with ongoing support and guidance on the use of reliable sources. - Share the video guidance with participants and user groups, as well as on platforms like YouTube and the Wikimedia Meta page, to ensure accessibility and reach a wider audience. - The Open Hub will serve as a valuable resource for editors, providing them with visual guidance on sourcing information and maintaining the integrity of Wikipedia articles.
5. Review and Award Presentation:
- Allocate three days for a review session following the edit-a-thon, where participants' contributions will be evaluated based on adherence to sourcing guidelines and article quality. - Recognize and award Edit-a-thon winners with certificates of distinction to acknowledge their contributions and encourage continued engagement with Wikipedia editing. - The review and award presentation will provide participants with feedback on their work and recognize their efforts in improving the quality of Wikipedia content.
These activities have been carefully chosen to align with the project's broader strategies and objectives. The online training sessions and physical session with the Nigerian Union of Journalists aim to build capacity and foster collaboration between editors and journalists. The edit-a-thon provides participants with a practical opportunity to apply their knowledge and contribute to Wikipedia articles, while the creation of video guidance ensures ongoing support and accessibility of resources. Finally, the review and award presentation serve to recognize participants' efforts and incentivize continued engagement with Wikipedia editing. Together, these activities form a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges of sourcing reliable information and improving the quality of Wikipedia content in the northeast region of Nigeria. Find the Project Timeline: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bqwmnVTe_x6Q7ZtdzyE7siKAaiQBqrwGA6L3gZZWYBw/edit?usp=sharing
- 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.
We have a committed team, with individuals such as Usmanagm serving as the Executive Director of the organization. He is a multifaceted Wikipedia editor with majors in Hausa and Fulfulbe. Additionally, he is a certified Train The Trainer and has led three projects. As a journalist and contributor, he has made contributions to Daily Trust Newspaper, Blue Print Newspaper, The Punch, The Guardian Nigeria, and others. He is a member of the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety and the UNESCO Global Youth Community. Usmanagm collaborated with the Bold Age Group to deliver the AT-RISK CHILDREN PROGRAM over a two-year period, covering the northeast region with support from the MacArthur Foundation and the Centre for Democratic Development. Another integral member of our team is Ibjaja055, who serves as the Program Manager of the organization and the director of Afrodemics, a project that has created hundreds of high-quality Wikipedia articles in its first edition. Ibjaja055 is an experienced Wikimedia projects editor, serving as a reviewer at Wikipedia and being awarded the Wikimedia Nigeria Editor of the year 2023. He founded the Federal University of Kashere Wikimedia Fan Club and has participated in various Wikimedia projects. Notably, he was the 4th highest contributor during the third edition of the African Librarians Week held from 22-29 May 2022. He is the first Prize Winner of the WikiProject Public Domain Contest in Nigeria and the First Prize Winner of Wikipedia Awareness for Librarians at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria edit-a-thon. Additionally, he has created hundreds of notable and quality articles around African academics and scientists on Wikipedia. Our team also includes a Communication Officer, Yahuzaish, who is a certified participant of the ORGANIZERS CLUB 2024 by the Wikimedia Foundation. Yahuzaish brings extensive experience as a Wikipedia projects editor, having facilitated two distinct Wikimedia programs. He has actively participated in numerous Wikimedia events, including the Wikimedia Awareness in Akko, Wiki Loves Africa 2023 in Northeastern Nigeria organized by the Fulfulde Wikimedia Community, and the Wikimedia Fulfulde Community Capacity Building and Thematic Weeks. Yahuzaish has also taken part in the Hausa Wikipedia Article Writing Contest and had the privilege of facilitating the Wikimedia Awareness at Pen Resource University and Wikimedia Awareness in Ummah College of Health Sciences and Technology. Currently, he is a participant in the 2023 Organizer’s Lab Cohort. Additionally, two volunteers and staff members of the organization will join in the delivery, including Muhammad Auwal, who serves as the operation officer of the organization. In some of the online sessions, we will invite a leader or representative from the executives, especially the chairpersons, of the Hausa User Group and the Fulfulbe Wikimedia Community to fully address the challenges and forge partnerships. Additionally, we extend our materials to them for distribution to their members.
- 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 target participants for the "ReliableNewspaper Drive 4 Wikipedia" are Wikipedia editors, particularly those based in the northeast region of Nigeria. This includes editors who primarily work in local languages such as Hausa and Fulfulbe, as well as journalists affiliated with newspapers and media organizations in the region.
Engagement Before and During Activities:
Before the activities: 1. Communication Channels: Establish communication channels such as email newsletters, WhatsApp groups, and social media platforms to disseminate information about the initiative and upcoming activities. 2. Invitations: Send personalized invitations to potential participants, including editors and journalists, inviting them to take part in the project. 3. Information Sessions: Conduct informational sessions or webinars to introduce participants to the project, its objectives, and the benefits of participation. 4. Collaboration Opportunities: Highlight opportunities for collaboration and partnership between Wikipedia editors and journalists, emphasizing the importance of reliable sourcing and notability criteria.
During the activities: 1. Interactive Sessions: Ensure that training sessions and edit-a-thons are interactive, allowing participants to actively engage with the material and ask questions. 2. Feedback Mechanisms: Provide opportunities for participants to provide feedback during and after the activities, allowing them to share their thoughts, suggestions, and concerns. 3. Support and Guidance: Offer ongoing support and guidance to participants, including troubleshooting assistance, resource sharing, and access to mentorship. 4. Recognition: Acknowledge participants' contributions and achievements during the activities, celebrating milestones and successes to foster motivation and engagement. Follow-up After Activities: 1. Feedback Surveys: Distribute feedback surveys to participants to gather insights into their experience with the activities, including what worked well and areas for improvement. 2. Post-Activity Resources: Share resources and materials related to the activities, such as training materials, video recordings, and relevant articles, to encourage continued learning and engagement. 3. Community Building: Facilitate opportunities for participants to stay connected and continue collaborating, such as through online forums, networking events, and community meetups. 4. Evaluation and Reflection: Evaluate the impact of the activities based on predefined metrics and objectives, reflecting on lessons learned and identifying areas for future improvement. 5. Recognition and Appreciation: Recognize participants' contributions and achievements publicly, showcasing their work and expressing gratitude for their involvement in the project.
Open Hub Unveiling: During the project, an Open Hub will be unveiled, featuring a dedicated YouTube channel where participants and individuals from anywhere can access content related to the proper use of reliable sources. This platform will serve as a repository of resources and guidance materials, enhancing participants' knowledge and skills beyond the duration of the project activities.
- 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.
We will strictly adhere to the Wikimedia friendly space policy before the event starts. We are also taking active measures to create a safe, supportive, and equitable environment for all participants. This includes providing a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. We are also providing the necessary resources and materials to assist participants and addressing any concerns or issues that may arise during the activities. https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Policy:Friendly_space_policy#Youth_Safety
- 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.
Throughout my previous projects, I have consistently upheld a strong connection with the Hausa Wikimedians User Group, ensuring they were well-informed about project developments both before and after delivery. This ongoing interaction has proven invaluable, as their encouragement and guidance have consistently played a pivotal role in the success of my initiatives.
Given the particular significance of this project, we are committed to maintaining open communication and fostering collaboration with the Hausa User Group. Their involvement is paramount to the project's success, and I am confident that their insights and support will be instrumental.
Pre-Delivery Engagement:
1. Project Updates: From the project's inception, I will provide regular updates to the Hausa User Group, keeping them informed about our progress, plans, and any significant milestones. This ensures they are aligned with our objectives and understand the steps we are taking to achieve them.
2. Sharing Developments: As the project unfolds, I will share visual updates, such as pictures of project activities and developments. This transparent approach enables them to witness the impact of their support and fosters a sense of inclusion in the project's journey.
Post-Outcomes Engagement:
1. Lessons and Outcomes: Even after the project's completion, I will continue to engage with the Hausa User Group to share lessons learned and outcomes achieved. This feedback loop is crucial for mutual learning and improvement.
2. Stakeholder Involvement: I am confident that stakeholders within the Hausa User Group will remain supportive. I will ensure they are kept informed throughout the project, providing insights into challenges, successes, and the valuable contributions made by participants.
- 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)
Culture, heritage or GLAM
- 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)
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)
Learning Goals: 1. Effectiveness of Training Sessions: We aim to assess the effectiveness of our training sessions in educating Wikipedia editors about reliable sourcing, notability measures, and the use of sources in local languages. Learning questions include:
- Did participants demonstrate improved understanding of reliable sourcing after the training sessions? - Were participants able to apply the concepts learned during the sessions to their Wikipedia editing practices?
2. Engagement and Collaboration: We seek to understand the level of engagement and collaboration between Wikipedia editors and newspaper journalists during edit-a-thons and outreach programs. Learning questions include:
- To what extent did participants actively collaborate with journalists during edit-a-thons? - How effectively did outreach programs facilitate collaboration between editors and journalists?
3. Impact on Wikipedia Articles: We aim to evaluate the impact of the project on the quality and reliability of Wikipedia articles, particularly those in local languages. Learning questions include:
- Did the project lead to an increase in the number of Wikipedia articles with reliable sources? - Were there noticeable improvements in the notability and reliability of articles edited or created during the project period?
4. Community Building: We hope to assess the effectiveness of community-building efforts in fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants. Learning questions include:
- Did participants feel a sense of belonging to the Wikipedia community after engaging in project activities? - Were there noticeable improvements in community engagement and participation over the project duration?
5. Long-term Sustainability: We aim to gather insights into the long-term sustainability of the project outcomes and community initiatives beyond the project period. Learning questions include:
- What strategies or resources are necessary to sustain the momentum of the project's impact? - How can partnerships and collaborations be leveraged to ensure ongoing support for Wikipedia initiatives in the northeast region?
- 18. What are your Wikimedia project targets in numbers (metrics)? (required)
| Other Metrics | Target | Optional description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of participants | ||
| Number of editors | ||
| Number of organizers |
| Wikimedia project | Number of content created or improved |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | 500 |
| Wikimedia Commons | |
| Wikidata | |
| 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 | 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)
Financial proposal[edit]
- 21. Please upload your budget for this proposal or indicate the link to it. (required)
- 22. and 22.1. What is the amount you are requesting for this proposal? Please provide the amount in your local currency. (required)
- 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.
USD
- We/I have read the Application Privacy Statement, WMF Friendly Space Policy and Universal Code of Conduct.
No
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).