Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/Wikibility for Sign Language Documentation (ID: 22680216)/Final Report
Application type: Standard application
Part 1: Project and impact
1. Describe the implemented activities and results achieved. Additionally, share which approaches were most effective in supporting you to achieve the results. (required)
The project implementation was carried out through a series of local sign language documentation activities in Indonesia. The project successfully engaged five local Wiki communities and disability communities, including Komunitas Wiki Malang, Komunitas Wiki Madura, Komunitas Wiki Yogyakarta, Komunitas Wiki Jakarta, and Komunitas Wiki Bandung.
We replaced the originally planned local partner, Wiki Medan Community, with the Wiki Bandung Community. This decision was made considering that the proposed schedule for collaboration was not feasible, and the travel accommodation costs were quite high. As a result, we reached out to several communities and finalized a collaboration with the Wiki Bandung Community.
Activities were conducted continuously from August to October 2024, culminating in a dissemination seminar attended by over 100 participants. The sign language documentation was held at the Photo and Documentation Room, 5th Floor of the Malang Creative Center (MCC) building, East Java, while the dissemination seminar took place at the Nuswantara Auditorium, FISIP Building, Universitas Brawijaya.
Each project partner actively contributed by engaging their respective disability communities, who traveled to Malang City, East Java, for the documentation activities. This project successfully documented more than 200 words in both Indonesian and local languages in video format, uploaded to Wiki Commons, and 15 sentences visualized in sign language embedded in Wikipedia articles. The uploaded videos have since been accessed by researchers and educators as supplementary materials in their work.
The seminar not only presented project results but also facilitated discussions about the importance of preserving local sign languages as a cultural heritage and communication tool. Participants, including academics, disability activists, and local government representatives, exchanged insights on future opportunities for collaboration.
While the project achieved its primary goals, some challenges emerged, particularly in team coordination. A lack of balanced decision-making power within the team caused difficulties during implementation, highlighting the need for stronger leadership structures. The dominance of decision-making by certain team members limited the project leader’s ability to fully oversee the implementation, resulting in some execution difficulties. Despite these challenges, the project overall met its targets. Key achievements included more than 200 uploads to Wiki Commons and the editing of 15 Wikipedia articles by disability groups.
One target that was not met was the number of contributions to Wikidata, which fell short of the 100-edit goal. This was due to the team’s limited time to understand the technical aspects of uploading data to Wikidata and the data structure being more suitable for Wiki Commons. A gradual improvement plan will be implemented after this report, focusing on enhancing the team’s technical skills for uploading data to Wikidata.
Looking ahead, improvements for future projects include forming a more proportional team composition, particularly for projects involving underserved groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. Additionally, a thorough analysis of the most appropriate Wikimedia content platform for development is necessary, along with detailed schemes for data uploading processes, especially for Wikidata.
2. Documentation of your impact. Please use space below to share links that help tell your story, impact, and evaluation. (required)
Share links to:
- Project page on Meta-Wiki or any other Wikimedia project
- Dashboards and tools that you used to track contributions
- Some photos or videos from your event. Remember to share access.
You can also share links to:
- Important social media posts
- Surveys and their results
- Infographics and sound files
- Examples of content edited on Wikimedia projects
The documentation results of the local sign language project in Indonesia were uploaded to Wiki Commons and can be accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wikibility
This project also hosted a dissemination seminar attended by audiences from various communities, including Komunitas Lingkar Sosial, PLSD Universitas Brawijaya, Komunitas Omah Difabel, and FORMAPI Universitas Brawijaya. Some of the event's documentation can be found at: Photobooth https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rdNVwbdWohGln1yhcUWp8wcbO3fzi9y9?usp=drive_link
Seminar https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NNG_oVloZYdnk0nj4GQjV05-M1V5kZC4?usp=sharing
Wikilatih https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1i_420h2jpQxtYDAURDO21Yl9MjbI6GIk?usp=drive_link
Following the seminar, the project successfully organized a Wikipedia article editing workshop for disability groups in Malang City. The documentation of the edited articles can be found at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qyk87s4_IegoPoUY_Px5-cetVJhn-dVOmb9lg9RCWU8/edit?gid=0#gid=0
The editing activity featured an experienced editor named Ms. Ari from Malang, who provided technical training on Wikipedia editing to 15 participants from the disability community. The materials delivered by Ms. Ari can be accessed at: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xqDm74uq0BBkOvsEe8QNgXrnvA2zSO0FyzBKic2FIDc/edit?usp=sharing
The impact of this activity successfully increased awareness and participation of the disability community in Wikipedia editing. However, for similar activities in the future, it is necessary to prepare adjustments to meet the specific needs of participants with disabilities, including required infrastructure and facilities. One key consideration is ensuring that visually impaired participants can access materials that are not readily accessible. These adjustments can be supported through collaborative projects aligned with such goals, such as the existing Wikitutur project in Indonesia.
Additionally, share the materials and resources that you used in the implementation of your project. (required)
For example:
- Training materials and guides
- Presentations and slides
- Work processes and plans
- Any other materials your team has created or adapted and can be shared with others
This activity included a dissemination seminar following the documentation of sign languages from five regions, each with its unique local sign language.
The materials presented during the seminar covered topics such as disability inclusion in higher education by Mahalli, raising awareness about disability groups by Athallah Rafid, and empowering disability communities in collaboration with Lingkar Sosial Indonesia by Ken Kerta. These materials aimed to highlight the importance of engaging with disability communities and can be accessed at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1smqvHPqRzrpiu9fOn9Mhff3tmT3KsI85?usp=sharing
At the end of the seminar, an overview of the "Local Sign Language Documentation in Indonesia" project was presented by Arin Khurota. This session aimed to share the project outcomes and identify areas for improvement in similar future projects. The presentation materials can be accessed at: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGVWVLy42k/XCUts9mTD0ZmTmkEATtBaA/view?utm_content=DAGVWVLy42k&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor
The training focused on editing Wikipedia content related to psychology and mental health. This focus was chosen to align with the interests and needs of the target audience invited to the Wikilatih Wikibility program. A total of 15 participants, representing the communities involved in the project, were registered for the training. The material of Wikilatih Wikibility can accessed through bit.ly/wmid-wlub
3. To what extent do you agree with the following statements regarding the work carried out with this Rapid Fund? You can choose “not applicable” if your work does not relate to these goals. Required. Select one option per question. (required)
| A. Bring in participants from underrepresented groups | Strongly agree |
| B. Create a more inclusive and connected culture in our community | Strongly agree |
| C. Develop content about underrepresented topics/groups | Strongly agree |
| D. Develop content from underrepresented perspectives | Strongly agree |
| E. Encourage the retention of editors | Strongly agree |
| F. Encourage the retention of organizers | Agree |
| G. Increased participants' feelings of belonging and connection to the movement | Agree |
| F. Other (optional) |
Part 2: Learning
4. In your application, you outlined some learning questions. What did you learn from these learning questions when you implemented your project? How do you hope to use this learnings in the future? You can recall these learning questions below. (required)
You can recall these learning questions below: 1. Gain a deeper understanding of the nuances and variations of sign language across different regions in Indonesia. 2. Learn about the cultural contexts in which different sign languages have developed and how they reflect the identities and experiences of the Deaf communities. 3. Discover effective methods for engaging with Deaf communities and teman dengar, respecting their expertise, and ensuring the documentation process is collaborative and ethical.
During the project’s implementation, we discovered the rich diversity of local sign languages in Indonesia. For example, the sign for "angry" differs between Javanese and Sundanese sign languages. Understanding the need for facilities and infrastructure to support these linguistic differences is crucial for the development and preservation of sign languages. Each regional sign language reflects unique cultural, traditional, and historical influences, underscoring the deep connection between language and identity within the Deaf community. This insight highlights the importance of cultural context in documenting linguistic and cultural practices.
This project served as a bridge to understand the richness of sign language variations in Indonesia and as a reference for anyone interested in developing it further through research. The diversity of sign languages demonstrates that each region has unique characteristics shaping these differences. I also learned how cultural nuances influence the evolution of sign languages and how these languages reflect the lived experiences of Deaf individuals. This cultural context provides a perspective for appreciating the resilience and creativity of the Deaf community in preserving their linguistic heritage.
Interacting with the Deaf community and hearing peers taught me the importance of building trust, respecting expertise, and prioritizing inclusivity in collaborative efforts. I found that open communication, active listening, and ensuring mutual benefit are key to conducting an ethical and effective documentation process. Throughout my experience, I noticed that Deaf individuals and other people with disabilities are often underestimated, which can negatively impact their psychological well-being. Their peers need to show greater respect and listen to their voices.
This project is a reminder that all humans are equal, with differences that enrich our ability to respect and listen to one another. Moving forward, I hope to apply these lessons to refine my approach to community-based projects. This includes fostering greater inclusivity in linguistic documentation, contributing to the recognition of sign language as a vital cultural asset, and building sustainable partnerships that empower marginalized communities to share their knowledge and experiences in their own way.
5. Did anything unexpected or surprising happen when implementing your activities? This can include both positive and negative situations. What did you learn from those experiences? (required)
The experience I faced while leading this project taught me many things, especially about team dynamics and decision-making. At one point, the team composition had already been determined, and I found it difficult to propose new team members. When I expressed my opinion, sometimes there were arguments that I felt were less relevant, but they still had to be considered. I also learned the importance of respecting every differing opinion, even if it sometimes contradicted my own views. Throughout the project's execution, I realized that teamwork is indeed full of challenges, but it also gave me the opportunity to grow in patience and openness. Despite some challenging moments, I am grateful that I was able to complete the project with the team.
From this experience, I also learned to seek partners who share the same vision and mission, as well as the importance of empathy towards minority groups. In some ways, this project taught me to be more careful in choosing people to collaborate with and to maintain open and understanding communication.
Another challenge was the allocation of funds, which did not align with the initial plan and deviated slightly from the agreed-upon approval. Although this caused some disappointment, I viewed it as a learning experience to be firmer in monitoring and managing the budget. I also learned that as a leader, it is sometimes necessary to express opinions firmly and ensure that every decision made is in line with the project's goals.
This project taught me the importance of assertiveness and the courage to express opinions, as well as how to maintain integrity while carrying out a project. It also reminded me of the significance of finding the right team, one that not only has the competence but also shares integrity and commitment aligned with the common goals.
Despite some disappointments, I would like to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work of all the team members who persevered until the completion of this project. Even though we faced challenges, we were able to finish the project with a spirit of collaboration. Without their contributions, this project would not have been successful. Moving forward, I hope this experience will enrich my approach to leading community-based projects, foster greater inclusivity and better cooperation in the future, and help shape a more assertive and reliable personality in me.
6. What is your plan to share your project learnings and results with other community members? If you have already done it, describe how. (required)
The plan we developed to share the results of this project was implemented through a results dissemination seminar on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the Nuswantara Auditorium, FISIP Universitas Brawijaya. We invited delegations from four communities in Malang: Lingkar Sosial Malang, Formapi UB, PLSD UB, and Omah Gembira. Before the event, we posted information about the activity through a poster/flyer on the WikiKlub UB Instagram, which can be accessed at: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBxdEZvSPig/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
We also provided a group channel for seminar participants to stay connected and share information after the event. Additionally, we sent a press release about the event to Tugu Malang media through Pak Herlianto.
Part 3: Metrics
7. Wikimedia Metrics results. (required)
In your application, you set some Wikimedia targets in numbers (Wikimedia metrics). In this section, you will describe the achieved results and provide links to the tools used.
| Target | Results | Comments and tools used | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of participants | 40 | 99 | Participant tracking: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eMJb2Vl1A8ywf1Q8WyrQr5CbaekTmdWZIXKsaOQ5fZM/edit?usp=sharing |
| Number of editors | 10 | 9 | 9 total participants in Wikilatih Wikibility, the number of participants can access through: https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kategori:Pengguna_peserta_WikiLatih_tanggal_8_November_2024 |
| Number of organizers | 11 | 29 | 5 Main organizer, 5 Freelance, 13 volunteer, 4 Speaker (Pak Ken, Atalla, Pak Mahalli, dan Mbak Ari) |
| Wikimedia project | Target | Result - Number of created pages | Result - Number of improved pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wikipedia | 15 | ||
| Wikimedia Commons | 100 | ||
| Wikidata | 100 | ||
| Wiktionary | |||
| Wikisource | |||
| Wikimedia Incubator | |||
| Translatewiki | |||
| MediaWiki | |||
| Wikiquote | |||
| Wikivoyage | |||
| Wikibooks | |||
| Wikiversity | |||
| Wikinews | |||
| Wikispecies | |||
| Wikifunctions or Abstract Wikipedia |
8. Other Metrics results.
In your proposal, you could also set Other Metrics targets. Please describe the achieved results and provide links to the tools used if you set Other Metrics in your application.
| Other Metrics name | Metrics Description | Target | Result | Tools and comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9. Did you have any difficulties collecting data to measure your results? (required)
No
9.1. Please state what difficulties you had. How do you hope to overcome these challenges in the future? Do you have any recommendations for the Foundation to support you in addressing these challenges? (required)
Part 4: Financial reporting
[edit]10. Please state the total amount spent in your local currency. (required)
71476785
11. Please state the total amount spent in US dollars. (required)
4485.33
12. Report the funds spent in the currency of your fund. (required)
Provide the link to the financial report Budgeting managed by the finance in person: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eOvL0CXx5fqpmBdPr2LGAd2LoEZMBsDd5VJCIgbw6XA/edit?usp=sharing
Finalized budget in the template provided managed by the Project Manager: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1erGGo8nqBaL6OAHbanIsknCCRPyGIAaIy4SU82i9eUc/edit?usp=sharing
12.2. If you have not already done so in your financial spending report, please provide information on changes in the budget in relation to your original proposal. (optional)
13. Do you have any unspent funds from the Fund?
Yes
13.1. Please list the amount and currency you did not use and explain why.
There is a remaining balance of Rp2,117,211 in the budget realization, of which a portion comes from the finance account. From this amount, Rp823,065 from the Project Manager account is allocated as honorarium for the Project Manager. Meanwhile, the remaining funds from the Sakila account, Finance Team, amounting to Rp7,200,618, are allocated as honorarium for the organizers other than the Project Manager, so each individual receives Rp1,800,000.
We replaced the initial collaboration plan with the Wiki Medan Community. However, for the project implementation, we collaborated with the Wiki Bandung Community. Some initial funds were also not used for transportation support, such as in the case of the Wiki Jakarta documentation, as they had received travel subsidies from the office. The allocated funds were then used as fees for the documenters involved in the documentation activities in Malang.
Some budget realization reports differ from the initial plan because the finance team did not always consult regarding each change in fund usage. In some cases, the finance team proposed additional activities outside the approved plan, such as a visit to Kayutangan, Malang. However, this activity was considered too risky by the Project Manager and was not approved. Nevertheless, the team continued to contact the ESEAP Project Officer without the Project Manager’s knowledge to discuss the plan.
The team's difficulty in coordinating was compounded by each member's strong desire to make independent decisions, while the Project Leader could not be fully present due to having to complete research outside the island. This situation resulted in the responsibility of running the project not being fully centralized under the Project Leader, leading to cases such as the one explained above.
13.2. What are you planning to do with the underspent funds?
A. Propose to use the underspent funds within this Fund period with PO approval
13.3. Please provide details of hope to spend these funds.
There is a remaining balance of Rp2,117,211 in the budget realization, with the remaining amount in the finance account, and the balance from the Project Manager account of Rp823,065 is allocated as the Project Manager's fee. Meanwhile, the remaining balance in the Sakila account, Finance Team, amounting to Rp7,200,618 is allocated as fees for organizers other than the Project Manager, so each individual receives Rp1,800,000.
14.1. Are you in compliance with the terms outlined in the fund agreement?
No
14.2. Are you in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in the grant agreement?
No
14.3. Are you in compliance with provisions of the United States Internal Revenue Code (“Code”), and with relevant tax laws and regulations restricting the use of the Funds as outlined in the grant agreement? In summary, this is to confirm that the funds were used in alignment with the WMF mission and for charitable/nonprofit/educational purposes.
No
15. If you have additional recommendations or reflections that don’t fit into the above sections, please write them here. (optional)
Review notes
[edit]Review notes from Program Officer:
N/A
Applicant's response to the review feedback.
N/A