Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Tanzanian University Students Wikimedians User Group 2023/2024/Final Report
Report Status: Under review
Due date: 2024-07-30T00:00:00Z
Funding program: Wikimedia Community Fund
Report type: Final
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General information
[edit]This form is for organizations, groups, or individuals receiving Wikimedia Community Funds or Wikimedia Alliances Funds to report on their final results.
- Name of Organization: N/A
- Title of Proposal: Tanzanian University Students Wikimedians User Group 2023/2024
- Amount awarded: 28053.85 USD, 59310465.23 TZS
- Amount spent: 66941741 TZS
Part 1 Understanding your work
[edit]1. Briefly describe how your proposed activities and strategies were implemented.
Our approach to strengthening the Tanzanian University Students Wikimedians User Group involved a multi-faceted strategy focused on community building, education, and outreach. We began by reinforcing our existing Wiki clubs, providing ongoing support and resources to ensure active participation. This was complemented by a series of training workshops across various universities, where students and faculty were equipped with skills in Wikimedia editing, translation, and outreach. These workshops were tailored to the specific needs of participants, resulting in increased engagement and contributions to Wikimedia projects.
Community and collaboration were central to our efforts, with regular online and offline meetings fostering a supportive environment for knowledge sharing and mentorship. These meetings helped build a strong sense of belonging among members, encouraging both new and experienced Wikimedians to remain active in the group. Additionally, we established partnerships with universities, libraries, and other organizations, which facilitated the organization of outreach events like edit-a-thons and photo hunts. These partnerships not only promoted the use of Wikimedia projects for education and civic engagement but also expanded our network and resources.
Visibility and impact were also key focuses, achieved through consistent communication efforts via social media, newsletters, and other channels. By regularly updating our platforms with news and achievements, we attracted new members and partners, significantly raising the profile of the user group. We also made a concerted effort to enhance the quality and quantity of content on Wikimedia, with members contributing to underrepresented areas and improving the overall standard of information available.
Also we placed a strong emphasis on empowering underrepresented groups, particularly women, by organizing targeted events and creating an inclusive environment. Our advocacy for policy change involved engaging educational institutions and government bodies to incorporate Wikimedia projects into their curricula, laying the groundwork for long-term impact. Strengthening our organizational capacity was essential for sustaining these initiatives, and through leadership training and process improvements, we ensured the group’s continued growth and effectiveness.
2. Were there any strategies or approaches that you felt were effective in achieving your goals?
Yes, several strategies proved highly effective in achieving our goals. The focus on community building through regular meetings and mentorship was particularly impactful, as it fostered a strong sense of belonging and collaboration among members. This supportive environment encouraged continuous participation and skill-sharing, which significantly contributed to the success of our initiatives. Additionally, the training workshops we conducted across universities were effective in equipping students with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to Wikimedia projects. The hands-on, tailored approach ensured that participants were engaged and motivated, leading to increased contributions and higher-quality content.
Another effective strategy was our emphasis on visibility and outreach. By actively promoting our activities through social media, newsletters, and partnerships with universities and other organizations, we were able to raise awareness of the Tanzanian University Students Wikimedians User Group and attract new members and collaborators. These efforts not only expanded our reach but also enhanced the overall impact of our work, as more people became involved in and supported our mission. The combination of these strategies created a strong foundation for achieving our goals and ensuring the sustainability of our initiatives.
3. Would you say that your project had any innovations? Are there things that you did very differently than you have seen them done by others?
Yes, our project introduced several innovations that set it apart from similar initiatives. One standout was the weekly drop-in meets, where community members gathered to discuss various issues related to the Wikimedia community and the broader movement. These informal sessions provided a unique platform for peer learning, allowing members to share experiences, troubleshoot challenges, and collaboratively explore new ideas. Unlike more structured or formalized approaches, these drop-in meets fostered a more open and inclusive environment, encouraging spontaneous collaboration and continuous learning among participants. This approach not only strengthened our community but also sparked creative solutions and deeper engagement with the movement's goals.
4. Please describe how different communities participated and/or were informed about your work.
Different communities actively participated in our work, bringing diverse perspectives and contributing to the success of our initiatives. Members from the Wikimedians of Arusha, Wikimedians of Kilimanjaro, Wikimedians of Tabora, and the Wikimedia User Group Tanzania engaged with our activities at various points, attending events like training workshops, edit-a-thons, and the Wiki Student Summit. Their involvement enriched these events by providing regional insights, sharing best practices, and fostering a broader sense of collaboration across different parts of Tanzania. These communities played a vital role in expanding the reach and impact of our efforts, as their participation helped bridge local Wikimedia initiatives with our broader goals.
To keep these communities informed and engaged, we utilized multiple communication channels. Informal events, such as our weekly drop-in meetings, served as a platform for real-time updates and peer learning, where participants could discuss ongoing projects and explore collaborative opportunities. Formal events, including the Wiki Student Summit 2023 and 2024, provided structured environments for showcasing our work and discussing future plans. Additionally, we regularly sent out email newsletters and published blog posts on our website, ensuring that all members were up-to-date on our activities and had opportunities to get involved. This comprehensive approach to communication helped maintain strong connections with various Wikimedia communities and encouraged their continued participation in our initiatives.
5. Documentation of your impact. Please use the two spaces below to share files and links that help tell your story and impact. This can be documentation that shows your results through testimonies, videos, sound files, images (photos and infographics, etc.) social media posts, dashboards, etc.
- Upload Documents and Files
- Here is an additional field to type in URLs.
- - Read about our past activities via: https://diff.wikimedia.org/?s=magotech
- Our Reports: https://openspacetanzania.org/category/reports/
- Our events Dashboard: https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/campaigns/university_students_wikimedians/programs
6. To what extent do you agree with the following statements regarding the work carried out with the support of this Fund? You can choose “not applicable” if your work does not relate to these goals.
| A. Bring in participants from underrepresented groups | Agree |
| B. Create a more inclusive and connected culture in our community | Strongly agree |
| C. Develop content about underrepresented topics/groups | Agree |
| D. Develop content from underrepresented perspectives | Agree |
| E. Encourage the retention of editors | Strongly agree |
| F. Encourage the retention of organizers | Strongly agree |
| G. Increased participants' feelings of belonging and connection to the movement. | Strongly agree |
7. Is there anything else you would like to share about how your efforts helped to bring in participants and/or build out content, particularly for underrepresented groups?
Our efforts were particularly successful in bringing in participants and building content for underrepresented groups by creating targeted initiatives that addressed their specific needs and interests. We organized events and workshops focused on empowering women and other underrepresented communities, providing them with the tools and support needed to actively contribute to Wikimedia projects. These initiatives were designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, where participants felt valued and encouraged to share their unique perspectives. Additionally, our consistent outreach through social media, newsletters, and collaborations with local organizations helped to raise awareness and attract a diverse group of contributors. As a result, we not only increased participation from these groups but also enriched the content on Wikimedia platforms with more diverse and representative information.
Part 2: Your main learning
[edit]8. In your application, you outlined your learning priorities. What did you learn about these areas during this period?
During this period, we learned that students face challenges in editing Wikipedia, such as a lack of confidence, familiarity with the editing process, and language barriers. However, post-event mentorship proved crucial in sustaining their engagement by providing ongoing support, which helped build their confidence and commitment. Capacity-building efforts also shaped young professionals by enhancing their skills and fostering a sense of responsibility. With teachers, we found that addressing misconceptions about Wikipedia's reliability and emphasizing its educational value was key to changing their perceptions. Retaining teachers in the community was most effective through continuous professional development and recognition. Additionally, managing partnerships required clear communication and demonstrating mutual benefits, while students showed the most interest in creative activities like edit-a-thons and content translation projects, which kept them actively contributing to the Wikimedia movement.
9. Did anything unexpected or surprising happen when implementing your activities?
Yes, during the implementation of our activities, we encountered an unexpected challenge with the level of technical difficulties faced by participants, particularly during online workshops. Some students struggled with stable internet connections, which hindered their ability to fully engage in the sessions. Additionally, while we anticipated some initial hesitation, the extent to which participants were intimidated by editing Wikipedia was surprising. However, this also highlighted the importance of hands-on guidance and peer support, which we quickly adapted into our approach. On a more positive note, we were pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm and active participation from communities outside our primary target areas, which demonstrated the broader appeal and potential of our initiatives to engage a wider audience.
10. How do you hope to use this learning? For instance, do you have any new priorities, ideas for activities, or goals for the future?
We plan to use this learning to refine our approach and set new priorities for future activities. Recognizing the technical challenges faced by participants, we aim to develop more accessible and adaptable training materials, including offline resources and technical support for those with limited internet access. To address the intimidation factor, we will incorporate more beginner-friendly workshops and peer mentoring into our programs, making the editing process less daunting. Additionally, the enthusiasm from unexpected communities has inspired us to broaden our outreach and engage with new groups. Our future goals include expanding our activities to include more creative and interactive events, such as virtual edit-a-thons and collaborative projects, and focusing on sustained support and recognition for participants to foster long-term involvement. This approach will help us build a more inclusive and engaged Wikimedia community, ensuring that our initiatives continue to meet the evolving needs of our diverse audience.
11. If you were sitting with a friend to tell them one thing about your work during this fund, what would it be (think of inspiring or fascinating moments, tough challenges, interesting anecdotes, or anything that feels important to you)?
I would share how inspiring it was to see students transform from hesitant newcomers into passionate contributors to Wikimedia projects. One particularly memorable moment was during a workshop when a student, who initially struggled with editing, shared their first major contribution to Wikipedia with the group. The excitement and pride in their voice were palpable, and it highlighted the profound impact of providing the right support and encouragement. Despite facing challenges like technical difficulties and initial reluctance, these moments of growth and achievement made the entire effort incredibly rewarding and reaffirmed the value of our work in empowering individuals and building a vibrant Wikimedia community.
12. Please share resources that would be useful to share with other Wikimedia organizations so that they can learn from, adapt or build upon your work. For instance, guides, training material, presentations, work processes, or any other material the team has created to document and transfer knowledge about your work and can be useful for others. Please share any specific resources that you are creating, adapting/contextualizing in ways that are unique to your context (i.e. training material).
- Upload Documents and Files
- Here is an additional field to type in URLs.
- N/A
Part 3: Metrics
[edit]13a. Open and additional metrics data
| Open Metrics | Description | Target | Results | Comments | Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leadership Journey | We have trained and mentored leaders and mentors in the train of trainer program since 2022. What happened to them since then? What was the impact of the collaboration on their journey? Did that reinforce their leadership ?
During 2022 we have consistently consulted the core participants about their needs and desires with regard to the future of the program and the direction of the support it offers. This has been gathered in an informal manner, using emails, specific feedback sessions, and Telegram channel polls. This is a qualitative metric we would like to explore further and more structured in 2024. |
15 | 17 | We were able to retain leaders from our previous trainings | Google Forms |
| Retained teachers | How many teachers have been retained and what strategy worked best from our past work? | 10 | 13 | we have been able to retain more teachers.
The strategy that worked best was through training and making sure that the misconceptions they had about Wikimedia projects mostly Wikipedia was not right and that Wikimedia projects are resourceful for leaning |
Google Forms |
| Wikipedia usage in class room | How many teachers are still willing to use Wikipedia in the classroom? | 5 | 13 | All the retained teachers are willing to use Wikipedia in their classrooms | Google Forms |
| Partnerships | How many partnerships we will make, including government agencies and NGOs with Wikimedia-aligned missions? | 5 | 3 | We have been able to secure 3 long-term partnerships | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Additional Metrics | Description | Target | Results | Comments | Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of editors that continue to participate/retained after activities | N/A | 200 | 230 | N/A | Outreach Dashboard |
| Number of organizers that continue to participate/retained after activities | N/A | 15 | 17 | N/A | Google Forms |
| Number of strategic partnerships that contribute to longer term growth, diversity and sustainability | N/A | 5 | 3 | N/A | Google Forms |
| Feedback from participants on effective strategies for attracting and retaining contributors | Collected after every three months | 150 | 300 | N/A | Google Forms |
| Diversity of participants brought in by grantees | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Number of people reached through social media publications | N/A | 3000 | 7500 | More responses were collected | Google Forms |
| Number of activities developed | N/A | 15 | 23 | N/A | Google Forms |
| Number of volunteer hours | 25 hours per week ( 15 hrs on workdays and 10 hrs during events on the weekends) | 1200 | 2340 | More hours were dedicated to the projects | Google Forms |
13b. Additional core metrics data.
| Core metrics | Description | Target | Results | Comments | Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of participants | 240 | 280 | Outreach Dashboard | ||
| Number of editors | 200 | 250 | Outreach Dashboard | ||
| Number of organizers | 15 | 17 | Google Forms |
| Wikimedia Project | Description | Target | Results | Comments | Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wikipedia | N/A | 500 | 1430 | N/A | Outreach Dashboard |
| Wikidata | N/A | 300 | 620 | N/A | Outreach Dashboard |
| Wikiquote | N/A | 100 | 142 | N/A | Outreach Dashboard |
| Incubator | N/A | 100 | 81 | N/A | Outreach Dashboard |
| Translatewiki | N/A | 100 | 48 | N/A | TranslateWiki |
14. Were there any metrics in your proposal that you could not collect or that you had to change?
No
15. If you have any difficulties collecting data to measure your results, please describe and add any recommendations on how to address them in the future.
NA
16. Use this space to link or upload any additional documents that would be useful to understand your data collection (e.g., dashboards, surveys you have carried out, communications material, training material, etc).
- Upload Documents and Files
- Here is an additional field to type in URLs.
- N/A
Part 4: Organizational capacities & partnerships
[edit]17. Organizational Capacity
| A. Financial capacity and management | This has grown over the last year, the capacity is high |
| B. Conflict management or transformation | This has grown over the last year, the capacity is high |
| C. Leadership (i.e growing in potential leaders, leadership that fit organizational needs and values) | This has grown over the last year, the capacity is high |
| D. Partnership building | This capacity has grown but it should be further developed |
| E. Strategic planning | This has grown over the last year, the capacity is high |
| F. Program design, implementation, and management | This capacity has grown but it should be further developed |
| G. Scoping and testing new approaches, innovation | This capacity has grown but it should be further developed |
| H. Recruiting new contributors (volunteer) | This has grown over the last year, the capacity is high |
| I. Support and growth path for different types of contributors (volunteers) | This has grown over the last year, the capacity is high |
| J. Governance | This has grown over the last year, the capacity is high |
| K. Communications, marketing, and social media | This has grown over the last year, the capacity is high |
| L. Staffing - hiring, monitoring, supporting in the areas needed for program implementation and sustainability | This has grown over the last year, the capacity is high |
| M. On-wiki technical skills | This capacity is low, and we should prioritise developing it |
| N. Accessing and using data | This capacity has grown but it should be further developed |
| O. Evaluating and learning from our work | This has grown over the last year, the capacity is high |
| P. Communicating and sharing what we learn with our peers and other stakeholders | This has grown over the last year, the capacity is high |
| N/A | |
| N/A |
17a. Which of the following factors most helped you to build capacities? Please pick a MAXIMUM of the three most relevant factors.
Formal training provided from outside the Wikimedia Movement, Peer to peer learning with other community members in conferences/events, Peer to peer learning with other community members in community/ies of practice* (structured and continuous learning and sharing spaces)
17b. Which of the following factors hindered your ability to build capacities? Please pick a MAXIMUM of the three most relevant factors.
Lack of financial resources, Barriers to access training because of language
18. Is there anything else you would like to share about how your organizational capacity has grown, and areas where you require support?
Our organizational capacity has grown significantly through the development of more structured processes and enhanced team skills, allowing us to manage and execute activities more effectively. We’ve established clearer communication channels, improved our project management practices, and strengthened our ability to provide ongoing support and mentorship. However, we still require additional support in scaling these efforts, particularly in securing more resources for technical infrastructure and expanding our outreach efforts. Further assistance in these areas would enable us to reach a larger audience, enhance our impact, and ensure the sustainability of our initiatives as we continue to grow and evolve.
19. Partnerships over the funding period.
| A. We built strategic partnerships with other institutions or groups that will help us grow in the medium term (3 year time frame) | Strongly agree |
| B. The partnerships we built with other institutions or groups helped to bring in more contributors from underrepresented groups | Strongly agree |
| C. The partnerships we built with other institutions or groups helped to build out more content on underrepresented topics/groups | Strongly agree |
19a. Which of the following factors most helped you to build partnerships? Please pick a MAXIMUM of the three most relevant factors.
Board members’ outreach, Volunteers from our communities, Partners proactive interest
19b. Which of the following factors hindered your ability to build partnerships? Please pick a MAXIMUM of the three most relevant factors.
Lack of interest from partners, Local policies or other legal factors, Limited funding period
20. Please share your learning about strategies to build partnerships with other institutions and groups and any other learning about working with partners?
e learned that initiating partnerships effectively involves identifying common goals and demonstrating how collaborative efforts can achieve shared objectives. It’s crucial to establish open lines of communication from the start, ensuring that all parties understand their roles and expectations. Regular updates and follow-ups help maintain momentum and strengthen relationships over time.
Working with partners also taught us the importance of flexibility and adaptability. Each partner has unique needs and working styles, so being open to adjusting plans and approaches to accommodate these differences is vital for successful collaboration. Additionally, showcasing successful outcomes and the value added through partnerships can help reinforce the relationship and attract new partners.
Part 5: Sense of belonging and collaboration
[edit]21. What would it mean for your organization to feel a sense of belonging to the Wikimedia or free knowledge movement?
For our organization, feeling a sense of belonging to the Wikimedia or free knowledge movement would mean being deeply integrated into a global community that shares our values and goals of open access to information and collaborative knowledge creation. It would signify that our contributions are recognized and valued within the broader movement, fostering a strong connection with like-minded individuals and organizations. This sense of belonging would also provide us with a platform for sharing our experiences, learning from others, and leveraging collective resources and support. Ultimately, it would enhance our motivation and commitment, enabling us to contribute more effectively to the movement and amplify our impact on promoting free knowledge.
22. How has your (for individual grantees) or your group/organization’s (for organizational grantees) sense of belonging to the Wikimedia or free knowledge movement changed over the fund period?
Increased significantly
23. If you would like to, please share why it has changed in this way.
N/A
24. How has your group/organization’s sense of personal investment in the Wikimedia or free knowledge movement changed over the fund period?
Increased significantly
25. If you would like to, please share why it has changed in this way.
N/A
26. Are there other movements besides the Wikimedia or free knowledge movement that play a central role in your motivation to contribute to Wikimedia projects? (for example, Black Lives Matter, Feminist movement, Climate Justice, or other activism spaces) If so, please describe it below.
The Black Lives Matter and Climate Justice movements are central to our motivation for contributing to Wikimedia projects. Black Lives Matter highlights the need for diverse and inclusive representation, driving us to ensure marginalized voices are accurately represented on Wikimedia platforms. This aligns with our commitment to challenging systemic biases and amplifying important narratives. Similarly, the Climate Justice movement underscores the urgency of addressing environmental issues and advocating for equitable solutions. By contributing to Wikimedia, we aim to share vital information on climate science and sustainability, raising awareness and fostering informed discussions. Both movements inspire us to leverage open knowledge to advance social and environmental justice.
Supporting Peer Learning and Collaboration
[edit]We are interested in better supporting peer learning and collaboration in the movement.
27. Have you shared these results with Wikimedia affiliates or community members?
Yes
27a. Please describe how you have already shared them. Would you like to do more sharing, and if so how?
Yes, we have shared these results with Wikimedia affiliates and community members through various channels. We presented key findings and insights during relevant Wikimedia events and conferences, such as the Wiki Student Summit, where we engaged with a broad audience of Wikimedians. Additionally, we used social media platforms, email newsletters, and our website to disseminate updates and detailed reports on our activities and outcomes. These communications highlighted our achievements and challenges, fostering transparency and encouraging feedback from the community.
We are interested in doing more sharing to further engage with Wikimedia affiliates and community members. To enhance this, we plan to organize dedicated webinars and workshops to discuss our findings in-depth and gather input on future strategies. We also aim to contribute to Wikimedia project pages and forums, sharing case studies and lessons learned to benefit the wider community. Expanding our outreach through collaborative projects and partnerships will help us integrate our experiences into the broader movement and foster greater collaboration.
28. How often do you currently share what you have learned with other Wikimedia Foundation grantees, and learn from them?
We do this regularly (at least once a month)
29. How does your organization currently share mutual learning with other grantees?
Our organization currently shares mutual learning with other grantees through collaborative forums, regular updates, and knowledge exchange initiatives. We participate in joint meetings and discussions where we present our findings, challenges, and successful strategies, fostering an environment of shared learning and best practice sharing. Additionally, we contribute to online platforms and networks dedicated to grantees, such as forums and mailing lists, where we engage in dialogue, provide feedback, and learn from the experiences of others. This collaborative approach helps us build stronger connections with other grantees, gain new insights, and refine our own strategies to enhance the impact of our work.
Part 6: Financial reporting and compliance
[edit]30. Please state the total amount spent in your local currency.
66941741
31. Local currency type
TZS
32. Please report the funds received and spending in the currency of your fund.
- Upload Documents, Templates, and Files.
- Report funds received and spent, if template not used.
33. If you have not already done so in your budget report, please provide information on changes in the budget in relation to your original proposal.
N/A
34. Do you have any unspent funds from the Fund?
34a. Please list the amount and currency you did not use and explain why.
N/A
34b. What are you planning to do with the underspent funds?
N/A
34c. Please provide details of hope to spend these funds.
N/A
35. Are you in compliance with the terms outlined in the fund agreement?
As required in the fund agreement, please report any deviations from your fund proposal here. Note that, among other things, any changes must be consistent with our WMF mission, must be for charitable purposes as defined in the grant agreement, and must otherwise comply with the grant agreement.
36. Are you in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in the grant agreement?
Yes
37. 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.
Yes
38. If you have additional recommendations or reflections that don’t fit into the above sections, please write them here.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Wikimedia Foundation for their generous support, which has been instrumental in driving the success of our project. We are also deeply grateful to the educational institutions that collaborated with us, their partnership was crucial in achieving our goals and enhancing our impact. Our sincere appreciation goes to all our partners and collaborators, whose dedication and efforts contributed significantly to the success of this initiative. Your support has been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing our work together to advance the mission of free knowledge.