Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/Wikipusaka:A Digital Journey To Preserve Indigenous Wisdom (ID: 23757125)

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Applicant Details

Main Wikimedia username. (required)

barbiemaripossa (talk • accounts • contributions • edit count)

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

1. Please state the title of your proposal. This will also be the Meta-Wiki page title.

Wikipusaka: A Digital Journey To Preserve Indigenous Wisdom

2. and 3. Proposed start and end dates for the proposal.

2026-04-03 - 2026-05-03

4. Where will this proposal be implemented? (required)

Malaysia

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)

This proposal seeks to address the underrepresentation of Orang Asli communities, specifically Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Lagong, Malaysia in open digital knowledge platforms such as Wiktionary and Wikimedia Commons. Although Orang Asli communities possess rich cultural heritage, language, and traditional knowledge, much of this knowledge remains undocumented or inaccessible to the wider public, especially in formats that are community-approved and ethically collected. The change we aim to bring is a shift from external narratives about indigenous people communities to community-informed and community-consented digital representation. By documenting cultural practices, language elements, and daily life with the involvement and permission of the community, this project contributes to a more inclusive, accurate, and respectful representation of indigenous heritage in Wikimedia and Wiktionary projects. In the long term, this helps preserve cultural knowledge, raises public awareness, and affirms the community’s ownership over their own stories. As this project is part of a university course, it has strong potential to be sustained through continuous activities in subsequent semesters using Wikimedia platforms. This enables regular outreach to multiple indigenous communities and allows the initiative to develop into a recognized class project within the university. Furthermore, collaboration with Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli (JAKOA), the government agency responsible for the development and welfare of Orang Asli communities in Malaysia, can provide enhanced support for the community, particularly in terms of future infrastructure development and long-term cultural preservation planning. One of the key challenges this project seeks to address is the lack of accessible and accurate documentation of Orang Asli culture on Wikimedia and Wiktionary platforms. This challenge is compounded by limited internet connectivity in Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Lagong, which makes live participation in online platforms difficult and often impractical. In addition, unfamiliarity with Wikimedia and Wiktionary projects and concerns about how photos, recordings, and stories may be used can create hesitation among community members. These factors collectively limit opportunities for the community to engage directly in digital knowledge-sharing initiatives and contribute to the ongoing marginalization of indigenous knowledge in open-access platforms. To respond to these challenges, the project adopts a community-centered and context-sensitive approach. Trust-building is prioritized through an initial engagement visit that focuses on transparent communication, ethical consent, and relationship-building with community leaders and members. By explaining Wikimedia and Wiktionary platforms in simple, visual terms and clearly outlining the purpose and outcomes of documentation activities, the project ensures that participation is voluntary, informed, and respectful of cultural boundaries. This approach is informed by participatory documentation practices, which emphasize community agency as a prerequisite for sustainable and ethical cultural preservation. Given the constraints of digital infrastructure, the project employs an offline-first documentation strategy. Cultural knowledge, photographs, audio recordings, and written drafts are collected using low-tech and offline methods, allowing community members to focus on sharing knowledge without the pressure of technical complexity or unstable connectivity. Content is later uploaded by the project team in areas with stable internet access, with selected symbolic uploads conducted to demonstrate visibility and impact. This strategy is chosen over live-editing workshops because it is better suited to the local context and reduces frustration, technical failure, and exclusion. Rather than imposing full technical training, the project emphasizes capacity building through exposure and gradual learning. Community members are introduced to Wikimedia and Wiktionary concepts through demonstrations and simplified guides, enabling understanding without overwhelming participants. This phased approach acknowledges varying levels of digital literacy while laying the groundwork for future engagement should connectivity and interest increase. At the same time, the project upholds strict ethical standards by allowing the community to determine what cultural elements may be documented and shared publicly, ensuring that the process does not extract sensitive or sacred knowledge. Regular engagement sessions with indigenous community members will help build trust and familiarity over time, encouraging participants to stay involved in the project. As the activities continue, returning contributors can deepen their skills and participation, while each new session also creates opportunities to attract additional community members. This approach supports both sustained involvement and gradual expansion, contributing to the long-term growth and impact of the project. At the conclusion of the project, a university symposium will be held to present the outcomes of the Wiktionary and Wikimedia Commons activities. A university symposium is an academic event where students, faculty, and invited guests come together to showcase research, projects, and creative works while engaging in discussion and knowledge exchange. As part of the symposium, the project team will prepare a dedicated booth to display the vocabulary entries contributed to Wiktionary and the photographs uploaded to Wikimedia Commons. To attract students and lecturers to the booth, interactive games with small gifts will be organized, encouraging participation and engagement with the project materials. The symposium aims to share project outputs, receive feedback, promote awareness of indigenous knowledge preservation, and recognize the contributions of participants. By combining the booth, interactive activities, and presentations, the project ensures its outcomes are effectively showcased to the wider university community, fostering both academic learning and long-term engagement.

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.

This project will be implemented through a series of structured activities conducted across three visits to Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Lagong, with each activity directly supporting the project’s strategies of community-centered engagement, ethical documentation, and offline-first participation. (1) The first visit focuses on relationship-building and feasibility assessment. The project team will meet with the Tok Batin (Mr. Muhammad Asran) and village representatives to introduce the project, explain Wikimedia platforms using simple visual examples, and discuss consent, cultural boundaries, and expectations. During this visit, basic technical recce activities, including testing mobile network connectivity, will be carried out to ensure later activities are realistic and appropriate to the local context. This initial engagement is essential to build trust and reduce ethical and technical risks. (2) The second visit forms the core of the project and centers on cultural learning and documentation. Community members will share knowledge related to traditional food, clothing, daily practices, local language, and selected non-sensitive cultural elements. Documentation will be conducted through guided activities such as photography, audio recording of basic language and oral explanations, and offline drafting of short cultural descriptions using paper or offline note-taking tools. Live uploading will not be attempted due to connectivity limitations; instead, all materials will be prepared offline. This approach allows participants to focus on storytelling and knowledge sharing rather than technical challenges, making the activity more inclusive and effective. (3) Following the documentation phase, the project team will upload the community-approved content to relevant Wikimedia platforms using stable internet access off-site. The final visit will then focus on validation, appreciation, and closure. The team will present the published Wikimedia content to the community, demonstrating how their culture and knowledge are now represented in open digital spaces. Printed photographs and simple explanatory materials will be handed over as a form of knowledge return, followed by a closing appreciation session with the community. A public project page on Meta-Wiki will document the project activities and outcomes. These activities were chosen because they are context-appropriate, ethically grounded, and proven to be effective in participatory and community-based documentation initiatives. 4) The preparation and execution of the university symposium will follow a clear timeline to ensure its success. Two to three weeks prior to the event, the project team will focus on planning and preparation, which includes reserving the venue, designing the booth layout, preparing posters and digital displays, and organizing interactive games with small gifts to attract participants. One to two weeks before the symposium, content finalization will take place, ensuring that vocabulary entries for Wiktionary and photographs for Wikimedia Commons are complete, along with handouts or brochures summarizing the project outcomes. Three to five days before the event, the booth will be assembled, digital presentations and interactive elements will be tested, and gifts for the games will be organized. On the day of the symposium, the booth will be set up, interactive games conducted, and the project outcomes presented to students, lecturers, and guests, while feedback is collected from attendees. Finally, within a week after the symposium, the team will review feedback, record engagement metrics, and plan for future outreach or continuation of the project in subsequent semesters.

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.

The project team consists of dedicated student volunteers committed to advancing free knowledge and ethically documenting the cultural heritage of the Orang Asli community in Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Lagong. The team brings together a range of skills and experiences in community engagement, cultural documentation, and Wikimedia participation to support the successful implementation of this project. Below are the key team members and their respective roles: 1. MUHAMMAD AZRI BIN FAHRUL RAZI (Username: azrifrb). Role: Program Manager: Coordinates project planning and activities, manages timelines, liaises with community partners, ensures ethical consent, and keeps the project aligned with Wikimedia values and objectives. 2. MUHAMMAD KHAIRUL DANIEL BIN KHAIRUDIN (Username: Elster Karambi). Role: Assistant Program Manager: Supports the Program Manager in coordinating activities, managing schedules and logistics, assisting with community engagement, and ensuring smooth implementation of program activities during all project visits. 3. NUR FATEYN ZULAIKHA BINTI ZURAIDY (Username: Matt72002). Role: Secretary: Manages project documentation, meeting notes, and correspondence. 4. ARIDATUL IRDINA BINTI ZULKIFLI (Username: SchweetzyyRole): Assistant Secretary: Supports the Secretary in record-keeping, communication, and administrative tasks. 5. AYULESTARI (Username: barbiemariposa). Role: Financial Controller: Oversees project budget, tracks expenses, and ensures proper financial management. 6. Zarifah binti Zamri (Username: khalifah5156). Role: Assistant Financial Controller: Assists the Financial Controller with budgeting, expense tracking, and financial reporting.

Role: Logistics: Manages transportation, materials, and on-site arrangements to ensure smooth implementation of project activities.1. AHMAD FARID BIN MD. REDUAN (LEADER) (Username: Kentangputarr) 2. MUHAMMAD IRFAN HAKIMI BIN MOHD AMRI (Username: Siuuuuu12) 3. ADILAH ASYIKIN BINTI MAMAT (Username: adellejasmine) 4. AINUL MARDHIAH BINTI ZAKARIA (Username: Nulattee) 5. AIMAN DARWEISH BIN SHAFIQUE IRWANDY (Username: eiimanns)

Role: Media Team: Handles photography, video, and social media coverage, and documents project activities for reporting and publicity. 1. FARAH WAHIDAH BINTI ZAINUDDIN (LEADER) (Username: strwbrrycheesecake) 2. ZETY BATRISYIA BINTI ADLIN SHAH (Username: Zetyshah151) 3. ADLYN NUR ZAFEERAH BINTI MOHD ZAID (Username: Furlee) 4. AMMAR BIN AZARISMAN SHAH (Username: Ibnu.risman) 5. NURUL NAJWA BINTI SULAIMAN (Username: WAFLY25) 6. MUHAMMAD FAUWAZ BIN ZAWAWI (Username: Paitan666) 7. NUR AINA FARZANAH BINTI SUHAIMI (Username: Ellearden) 8. DEWI NAF’AN QUZANDRIA BINTI KAMAL (Username: seroja qu)

SAEMA NURFITTREE (Username: Nurrii0212) Role: Printing: Prepares and produces printed materials, such as photos, guides, and handouts, for community distribution and project use.

Role: Facilitators/Hospitality: Guides activities, engages participants, and ensures smooth communication between the team and the community.1. SYARIFAH NORAQIELAH BT SYED NOR AZLI (Username: Qiels) 2. NOR IZZIANI BINTI MOHD IKRAM (Username: Izyan29) 3. Siti Sobiah Binti Mohman Zobini (Username: sobiahzobini16)

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 this project are the members of Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Lagong, including elders and adults who are willing to share their cultural knowledge, language, and daily practices. The project aims to engage the community in documenting their heritage, such as traditional food, clothing, language, and local practices, in a respectful and collaborative manner. Before the activities, participants will be engaged through formal communication with the Tok Batin and village representatives to explain the purpose, objectives, and expected outcomes of the project. Consent and permissions will be sought for all documentation activities, and clear information will be provided about how the materials will be used and shared on Wikimedia platforms. Visual examples of Wikipedia and Wikimedia content will be shown to help the community understand the project and its benefits. During the activities, participants will be actively involved in cultural learning sessions, photography, audio recordings, and drafting short descriptions offline. The team will facilitate hands-on engagement while ensuring that participants have full control over what is documented and shared. Community members will guide the process to ensure cultural sensitivity and relevance. After the activities, the team will follow up by sharing the published Wikimedia content with the community, presenting printed photos and simple guides, and conducting a token of appreciation session to acknowledge their contribution. Regular communication with the Tok Batin and village representatives will continue to maintain trust and to explore potential future collaborations, ensuring that the community remains informed and empowered regarding their cultural representation online.

10. Does your project involve work with children or youth? (required)

No

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.

N/A

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 idea for this project was developed through early and continuous discussion with students and instructors. Before finalizing the project location, the team conducted a preliminary survey and outreach to three Orang Asli villages: Kampung Bukit Lagong, Kampung Ulu Batu, and Kampung Batu 12. This initial engagement involved informal communication with community members and leaders to understand their interest, accessibility, readiness for collaboration, and suitability for a cultural documentation project. Based on these consultations and logistical considerations, Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Lagong was selected as the most appropriate site for implementation.

Following the selection, the project team held further discussions with the Tok Batin and village representatives of Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Lagong to introduce the project concept, explain the purpose of documenting cultural heritage through Wikimedia platforms, and clarify issues related to consent, cultural boundaries, and expected outcomes. Community feedback played a key role in shaping the project design, including the decision to focus on non-sensitive cultural elements and to adopt an offline-first documentation approach due to limited internet connectivity.

In parallel, the project concept was shared and discussed within the Wikimedia community through the creation of a public project page on Meta-Wiki, where the objectives, activities, and timeline are documented to allow transparency and community feedback. The project also aligns with existing initiatives in the area by coordinating with JAKOA and avoiding overlap with other ongoing community programs. Through these steps, the project was collaboratively planned with both the Orang Asli community and the wider Wikimedia community to ensure ethical, inclusive, and well-coordinated implementation

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)

Language

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)

Linguistic / Language

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

17. What do you hope to learn from your work in this project or proposal? (required)

Through this project, we hope to learn how to effectively document and share the cultural heritage of Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Lagong in a way that is respectful, ethical, and community-centered. Key learning questions include: How can we build trust and maintain strong relationships with indigenous communities during digital documentation projects? What methods are most effective for capturing cultural knowledge, language, and daily practices in areas with limited internet connectivity? How can offline documentation and participatory approaches support long-term engagement and accurate representation on Wikimedia platforms? Additionally, we aim to understand the challenges and opportunities in empowering community members to participate in preserving and sharing their own cultural heritage. This project also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing accessible knowledge and educational materials, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by amplifying marginalized voices, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by preserving indigenous cultural heritage. By reflecting on these questions, we hope to gain insights that will improve future projects, enhance our skills in community engagement and digital documentation, and contribute to the sustainable and equitable representation of marginalized knowledge in open-access platforms.

18. What are your Wikimedia project targets in numbers (metrics)? (required)

Number of participants, editors, and organizers
Other Metrics	Target	Optional description
Number of participants	29
Number of editors	15	We target at least 100-200 words achieved from this project.
Number of organizers	14

Number of content contributions to Wikimedia projects
Wikimedia project	Number of content created or improved
Wikipedia
Wikimedia Commons	300
Wikidata
Wiktionary	300
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 Data
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)

The project will contribute to Wiktionary and Wikimedia Commons. Wiktionary will be used to document indigenous vocabulary, while Wikimedia Commons will be used to upload and share photographs of cultural artifacts and activities, ensuring proper attribution and ethical documentation.

Financial proposal

21. Please upload your budget for this proposal or indicate the link to it. (required)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_b9SYss-PJftZkPP2o82-mV26ZoLjDZFEXz56fTYih4/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)

3243 MYR

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.

821.82 USD

By submitting your proposal/funding request you confirm that you have read and agree to the Application Privacy Statement, WMF Friendly Space Policy, and the Universal Code of Conduct.

Yes

Endorsements and Feedback

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).

Endorse