Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/Strength within:Unveiling the Power of Disability (ID: 22583370)
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Applicant Details[edit]
- Main Wikimedia username. (required)
Abdulazeez Taufeeq
- 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.
Strength within: Unveiling the Power of Disability
- 2. and 3. Proposed start and end dates for the proposal.
2024-06-07 - 2024-07-07
- 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) Other (please specify) Other (please specify) Wikimedia awareness, capacity building and community development
- 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 main aim of the "Strength within: Unveiling the Power of Disability in New Bussa Wikimedia Awareness" project is to tackle the persistent issue of the underrepresentation of individuals with physical disabilities in Wikimedia projects. This exclusion, though unintentional, stems from a lack of accessibility and readiness needed to encourage participation. The objective is to address this by actively involving individuals with physical disabilities, particularly by collaborating with the Deaf Association in the North Central region. They have shown interest in training their 50 active members and officials. These trained members will then take on the task of training others in different locations, thereby expanding the project's reach.
Challenges and Problems:
1. Lack of Accessibility: Physically challenged individuals, particularly members of the Deaf Association in the Northeast region, our target group, have shown a keen interest in participating in Wikimedia projects.
2. Communication Barriers: Individuals with disabilities may face challenges in communication, including difficulty in accessing information, expressing themselves, or understanding others. However, they encounter significant accessibility challenges that hinder their engagement. A major barrier is the absence of sign language interpreters during training sessions. To overcome this obstacle, our approach involves providing proficient sign language interpreters to ensure effective communication and engagement.
3. Social Isolation: Attitudinal barriers, inaccessible environments, and limited social opportunities can lead to social isolation and loneliness among people with disabilities.
4 Inadequate Training Format: Another substantial challenge arises from the standard format of Wikimedia training, which often occurs online. While this format suits many participants, it may not be inclusive enough for physically challenged individuals who require more personalized, one-on-one training sessions. In response, our project addresses this by offering tailored training sessions designed to accommodate their unique needs and preferences.
3. Lack of Preparedness: Wikimedia projects frequently lack specific preparations to facilitate the participation of physically challenged individuals. This oversight creates difficulties for their full engagement. To address this, we propose integrating inclusive practices into Wikimedia activities. This may involve considerations for accessibility features in event planning, the formulation of guidelines to accommodate various types of disabilities, and actively seeking input from physically challenged participants to continuously enhance the overall experience.
- Importance of the Training:
The participation of individuals with physical disabilities in the Wikimedia movement is highly important. Their distinct viewpoints and life journeys offer invaluable contributions to the platform. Additionally, their involvement can play a key role in addressing the existing content gaps concerning disability-related topics across Wikimedia projects. This not only fosters diversity but also ensures a more thorough exploration of subjects, enhancing Wikimedia's status as an inclusive knowledge hub. Moreover, through actively involving individuals with physical disabilities, we empower them to advocate for the free knowledge movement. They can serve as influential figures in raising awareness about the significance of open knowledge and motivate others in their communities to actively engage with Wikimedia projects.
1. Sustainable Collaboration:
- Partnership with Hausa Wikimedians User Group: Building on past successful collaborations, our project will partner with the Hausa Wikimedians User Group, an active and experienced user group in the region. This partnership ensures the long-term sustainability of the project.
- Integration as User Group Members: Participants in our project will be integrated as members of the Hausa Wikimedians User Group. This integration goes beyond the project's duration and provides them with continuous support, guidance, and a sense of belonging to a larger Wikimedia community. This collaborative effort ensures ongoing engagement and growth within the Wikimedia movement.
2. Building mutual understanding and Awareness:
- Expand mutual understanding: Our first approach focuses on expanding trust in Wikipedia and its sister projects within the target group, both locally and online. To achieve this, our team of experienced Wikimedia editors will launch comprehensive online and offline campaigns. These campaigns will emphasize that Wikimedia is an inclusive platform, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds into the movement.
- Create Informative Flyers: As part of these efforts, we will design informative flyers that highlight the accessibility and openness of Wikimedia projects. These flyers will be strategically distributed to draw maximum attention within the target community. By doing so, we aim to break down misconceptions and inspire confidence in the Wikimedia platform.
3. Engaging the Deaf Association
- Empower Deaf Association: Our second approach focuses on actively engaging the Deaf Association in the community to become contributors to Wikimedia projects. Their expressed interest provides a strong foundation, and our next step is to provide them with the necessary training and resources.
- Promote Contribution and Learning: Through this approach, the project will promote awareness among the Deaf Association on how to contribute to Wikimedia projects effectively. Participants will not only learn how to contribute but also how to enhance the content of these platforms, ensuring that their unique perspectives and knowledge are well-represented.
4. Social Support Service
- Providing social support services such as counseling, peer support groups, and recreational activities can help combat social isolation, promote social inclusion, and enhance the well-being of people with disabilities.
- Implementing inclusive education practices ensures that children with disabilities have equal access to quality education alongside their peers. This may involve providing support services, assistive technologies, and training for teachers to accommodate diverse learning needs.
Adopting these approaches and working collaboratively, societies can create environments that promote the full inclusion, participation, and dignity of people with disabilities.
- 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 run for a period of one month to introduce Wikimedia to the targeted member of the community. The "Strength within: Unveiling the Power of Disability in New Bussa " project will consist of four sessions and activities designed to engage the Deaf Association and other physically challenged individuals in Wikimedia projects. The following planned activities will be executed:
1. Two days of an in-person (physical) workshop: With the help of three of the four facilitators and a Sign Language Interpreter to be engaged, the two day physical sessions hope to avail the participants the basic knowledge about Wikimedia. This will also involve account creation and on-site minor edits by all the participants.
second face to face (physical) workshop: This session will involve one-on-one interaction with the fifty recruited participants, allowing for personalized guidance. Practical sessions: practical sessions will be conducted to teach participants how to effectively improve Wikipedia and its sister projects.
third (physical) workshop: Problem solving: participants who have gained an understanding of editing will be given the opportunity to explain any challenges they are facing. Issue resolution: the project team will address the issues raised by the participants, ensuring their concerns are heard and resolved.
Four (physical) workshop: Catenate Editors: this session will connect both the new and existing editors. Certificate of excellence: participants will be awarded a certificate of excellence for their active participation and contribution. Introduction to Wikimedia community: participants will be introduced to the Hausa user group and provided with access to join the broader Wikimedia community, fostering ongoing engagement and collaboration
- 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.
Absolutely, and their commitment is unwavering—they are poised to be the driving force behind the triumphant execution of our project. Let me introduce you to the formidable team ready to take Strength within: Unveiling the Power of Disability in New Bussa Wikimedia Awareness by storm:
Abdulazeez Taufeeq: A maestro in the world of Wikimedia, Abdulazeez is a skilled editor and trainer and an experienced organizer with a remarkable track record. As our project lead, he spearheaded awareness campaigns in the Federal College of Horticulture Dadin Kowa. His accolades include clinching the third prize in the Wikipedia Awareness and Trainee program at the Gombe edit-a-thon. From the public domain contest to the Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo project, Wikimedia promotion in Akure, and Wiki climate tours in Federal University Kashere, Abdulazeez is a powerhouse ready to make a lasting impact.
M I Idrees: A dedicated volunteer and seasoned Wikimedia editor on the Hausa Wikipedia, M I Idrees brings a wealth of experience to the table. His expertise lies in organizing and facilitating Wikipedia projects across Northern Nigeria, making him an invaluable addition to our team as one of the offline facilitators.
Mubarak Saeed Aliyu: Our Communication Officer, Mubarak, is not just an experienced Wikimedia editor but a diligent and hard-working force in the North Centre region. His dedication aims to build capacity and bridge the gap among experienced facilitators in the region. he stands as a communication officer for the training.
Bello Na’im: A seasoned trainer and skilled organizer, Bello plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Wikimedia projects in Northern Nigeria. His expertise adds a layer of finesse to our team, ensuring a seamless development and execution of our initiatives. he stands as a facilitator,
And 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 participants for our project are members of the Deaf Association in the north central region new bussa community . Specifically, we are engaging with their active members and executive committee (escos) within their community. It's 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 mayo mosque 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 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 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:
Hausa Wikimedians User Group Membership: To ensure sustainability and continued engagement, we will welcome participants into the Hausa Wikimedians User Group. 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. By employing these engagement and follow-up strategies, we aim to create a lasting impact, empower participants to become active editors, and contribute to the development and enrichment of Wikimedia projects while fostering a sense of belonging.
- 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 from Wikipedia [ https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Policy:Friendly_space_policy#Youth_Safety%7C ] will be summarised and read at the beginning of any program carried out during the project
- 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 Wikimedia Nigeria Community has been notified [ https://meta.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Wikimedia_User_Group_Nigeria#Strength_within:_Unveiling_the_Power_of_Disability] and Throughout my previous projects, I have consistently nurtured a strong relationship with the Hausa Wikimedians User Group, keeping them abreast of project developments, both prior to and following delivery. This approach has proven invaluable, as their words of encouragement and guidance have consistently bolstered the success of my initiatives.
For this particular project, which carries significant importance, I will continue to prioritize communication and 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 pivotal.
Pre-Delivery Engagement:
Project Updates: From the project's inception, I will ensure the Hausa User Group is kept informed about our progress, plans, and any notable milestones. Regular updates will maintain their understanding of our objectives and the strategies we employ to achieve them. Sharing Progress: As the project unfolds, I will provide visual updates, including images of project activities and advancements. This transparent approach allows them to witness the impact of their support and fosters a sense of inclusion in the project's evolution. Post-Outcome Engagement:
Learning and Achievements: Beyond the project's conclusion, I will continue engaging with the Hausa User Group to share lessons learned and outcomes achieved. This feedback loop is crucial for mutual learning and enhancement. Stakeholder Participation: I am confident in the welcoming and supportive nature of stakeholders within the Hausa User Group. I will ensure they are kept informed throughout, offering insights into project challenges, successes, and the invaluable contributions made by participants. By maintaining this open channel of communication with the Hausa User Group, my aim is not only to keep them informed of our progress but also to ensure their active involvement and guidance, which will be instrumental in the successful delivery of this vital 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)
Cultural background, ethnicity, religion, racial
- 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[edit]
- 17. What do you hope to learn from your work in this project or proposal? (required)
1. Increase Active Editors with Disabilities: I aspire to witness more individuals with physical challenges becoming active editors on Wikimedia projects. By breaking down barriers and providing tailored support, we aim to empower these individuals to contribute actively and make their unique perspectives and knowledge available to a wider audience.
2. Enhance Disability-Related Content: Another objective is to see a significant increase in the creation and improvement of content related to disabilities on Wikimedia Projects. This expansion will contribute to a more comprehensive and inclusive representation of disability-related topics, making Wikimedia a valuable resource for diverse audiences.
3. Empower People with Disabilities as Facilitators: Beyond participation, I hope to learn how individuals with disabilities can take on facilitator roles in projects. Their firsthand experiences and insights can be incredibly influential in reaching and inspiring more people within their communities. Empowering them as facilitators has the potential to create a positive ripple effect.
4. Sharing Lessons Widely: Just as in my past projects, the lessons learned in this initiative will be made readily available to user groups, communities, and other stakeholders. Sharing these insights will enable others to benefit from the experiences, challenges, and successes of this project, fostering knowledge exchange and growth within the Wikimedia community.
- 18. What are your Wikimedia project targets in numbers (metrics)? (required)
| Other Metrics | Target | Optional description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of participants | 60 | Participants: These are the total number of people that will be available for the online and offline events. This includes the editors, organizers, and institution representatives.
New Participants: There forty-six new participants which are representatives of the targeted disable community and the newly recruited editors. Returning participants: There will be fourteen returning participants which consists of the facilitators and the existing editors. |
| Number of editors | 50 | Forty New Editors: These are the total number of disability people that will create new accounts and will be monitored on the modus operandi of contributing positively to Wikimedia Foundation Projects.
Ten Returning Editors: These are the total number of Returning Editors who already have their accounts and will be further trained. |
| Number of organizers | 5 | Abdulazeez Taufeeq: A maestro in the world of Wikimedia, Abdulazeez is a skilled editor and trainer and an experienced organizer with a remarkable track record. As our project lead, he spearheaded awareness campaigns in the Federal College of Horticulture Dadin Kowa. His accolades include clinching the third prize in the Wikipedia Awareness and Trainee program at the Gombe edit-a-thon. From the public domain contest to the Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo project, Wikimedia promotion in Akure, and Wiki climate tours in Federal University Kashere, Abdulazeez is a powerhouse ready to make a lasting impact.
M I Idrees: A dedicated volunteer and seasoned Wikimedia editor on the Hausa Wikipedia, M I Idrees brings a wealth of experience to the table. His expertise lies in organizing and facilitating Wikipedia projects across Northern Nigeria, making him an invaluable addition to our team as one of the offline facilitators. Mubarak Saeed Aliyu: Our Communication Officer, Mubarak, is not just an experienced Wikimedia editor but a diligent and hard-working force in the North Centre region. His dedication aims to build capacity and bridge the gap among experienced facilitators in the region. he stands as a communication officer for the training. Bello Na’im: A seasoned trainer and skilled organizer, Bello plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Wikimedia projects in Northern Nigeria. His expertise adds a layer of finesse to our team, ensuring a seamless development and execution of our initiatives. he stands as a facilitator. And 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. |
| Wikimedia project | Number of content created or improved |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | 50 |
| Wikimedia Commons | 200 |
| Wikidata | 50 |
| 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)
We will be using the Wikimedia Outreach dashboard where we will monitor the participant's activities. It will also be used to measure some project metrics such as the number of participants, the number of articles created/improved, number of references added to articles.
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)
1668500 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.
2077.52 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).