Grants:Wikimedia UG Nigeria Grants/Wikimedia User Group Nigeria Community Support Fund/Enhancing the Digital Presence of UNIPORT Academics through Wikipedia

Project summary

Briefly summarize your project proposal.

This project aims to bolster the online visibility of distinguished academics from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) by training selected staff and students to contribute effectively to Wikipedia.

Through a comprehensive training workshop, participants will acquire the skills necessary to create and enhance Wikipedia articles, ensuring that UNIPORT scholars' and their communities' achievements and contributions are accurately represented on this global platform.

This initiative addresses existing content gaps and fosters digital literacy and a culture of knowledge sharing within the UNIPORT community.

Wikimedia Project

Please state the Wikimedia project your project will focus majorly on (e.g. Tyap Wikipedia, English Wikiquote, etc). It is advisable to focus on one Wikimedia project, but a maximum of two projects is allowed.

English Wikipedia

Contact person and Location

Please state the contact details of the contact person(s) for this project including email(s) and location. For more than one contact person, indicate same details for everyone

• Full name: Ejike Onyeke
• Email address: Wejike7@gmail.com
• Address: 16 Abuloma Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria
• Location of Project: Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Project class

Please state if you are applying as an individual or a network/club

Network

Timeline of activities

Please state the timeline of your activities, and include the start and end date for your project

1st - 30th of April

Project Goal

Choose one or more of the following goals. Feel free to add or delete goals as required by your project.

1. recruit new editors
2. Add or improve content
3. Raise Awarenes
4. Skill Development

Project Plan

Activities

Tell us how you'll carry out your project. Be sure to answer the following questions:

1. Are you doing one editathon or training or a series of editathons or trainings?

We will conduct a comprehensive training workshop followed by a two-week edit-a-thon. The training workshop will equip participants with the necessary skills to contribute to Wikipedia, while the subsequent edit-a-thon will provide them with the opportunity to apply these skills in creating and enhancing articles about UNIPORT academics and her community.

2. How have you let relevant Wikimedia communities know about this proposal? You may also provide information about external social media channels you may be using.

1. Communication with UNIPORT's Microbiology Department: We have engaged with Professor Chioma Chikere, the Head of the Microbiology Department at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) because of her popularity, and a few editors from UNIPORT to discuss and refine our project plans. We will also extend communication to the university librarian with whom I have an existing relationship.
2. Communication via WhatsApp Groups: We will share information about the project with members of the WUGN Rivers Network Community through our dedicated WhatsApp group, leveraging this platform to reach active contributors.
3. Social Media Outreach: We plan to utilize external social media channels, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, to disseminate information about the project and encourage broader participation.

3. How will you let participants know about the edit-a-thon? In what ways will you be communicating with them?
For example, these can include on-wiki spaces, social media channels, mailing lists, messaging apps, or physical/online gatherings.

1. On-Wiki Coordination:

• Event Page Creation: We will establish a dedicated event page on Wikipedia to provide participants with essential information, resources, and guidelines about the edit-a-thon.

• Outreach Dashboard: An Outreach Dashboard will be set up to monitor and track participant contributions during the event, ensuring transparent and measurable outcomes.

2. WhatsApp Group:

Dedicated Communication Channel: A WhatsApp group will be created to facilitate real-time communication among participants, allowing for prompt support, updates, and collaborative discussions.

3. In-Person Communication:

Through the Head of the Microbiology Department and existing editors at UNIPORT, we will disseminate information and encourage participation in the edit-a-thon.

4. Do you have experienced Wikimedia editors to lead/assist the event? Please provide links to the usernames of these individuals. (NOTE: all experienced Wikimedia editors MUST endorse and sign your proposal as proof of availability)
For example: User:Kaizenify

User: Ashioma (WUGN)

5. Do participants have the equipment or skills needed to participate and contribute high quality content? If not, how will you support them?

Yes they have the necessary skills and equipment to contribute high quality content.

6. How will you engage participants after the event(s)?

1. Integration into Our Network:

Network Inclusion: Participants will be incorporated into our existing network group, where they will receive continuous encouragement and support to contribute to Wikimedia projects.

2. Post-Event Communication:

WhatsApp Group: The dedicated WhatsApp group established for the event will remain active, serving as a platform for ongoing discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among participants.

3. Continuous Support and Resources:

Mentorship Opportunities: We will offer mentorship to participants, pairing them with experienced editors to guide their continued contributions and skill development.

Access to Resources: Participants will have access to training materials, tutorials, and relevant documentation to facilitate their ongoing engagement with Wikimedia projects.

4. Feedback and Improvement:

Surveys and Feedback Forms: We will solicit feedback from participants to understand their experiences and identify areas for improvement in future events.

Implementation of Suggestions: Constructive feedback will be utilized to enhance our engagement strategies and address any challenges faced by participants.

7. Is there anything else you want to tell us about this project?

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), established in 1975, has evolved into one of Nigeria's premier institutions of higher learning. In the July 2022 Webometrics Ranking of Nigerian Universities, UNIPORT achieved the 5th position nationally, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.

The University has a significant number of notable scholars, with recent promotions highlighting its academic excellence. In December 2023, 43 senior academicians were elevated to the rank of Professor, and 22 to Associate Professor, across various faculties including Science, Education, and Humanities.

This initiative not only highlights UNIPORT and Nigeria's's academic contributions but also reinforces the commitment of WUGN and the Rivers State Network to promote open knowledge and community involvement where it matters most - education sector.

Impact

How will you know if the project is successful and you've met your goals? Please include the following targets (only those applicable to your project):

1. Number of events - 2
2. Number of participants - 25
3. Number of new editors - 20
4. Number of of articles created - 50
5. Number of of articles improved - 100
6. Number of of images uploaded - 50

Metrics tracking

How do you plan to track your project metrics? (do not create a metrics dashboard until your project has been approved for funding) Participation Metrics

1. Number of participants

2. Content Contribution Metrics

3. Engagement & Retention Metrics

4. Participant retention rate

5. Number of articles that pass Wikipedia’s quality checks.

6. Number of photos used in Wikipedia articles.

Resources

What resources do you have? Include information on who is organizing the project, what they will do, and if you will receive support from anywhere else (in-kind donations or additional funding).

Network of Academics & Cultural Experts – Providing research materials, expert insights, and content validation.

Online Training Tools – Use of Wikimedia Outreach Dashboard and event pages for tracking contributions.

Hall

What resources do you need? For your funding request, list bullet points for each expense as a unit amount and include a total amount.

Generator Rental and Fuel - 50,000

Projector - 15,000

Training logistics - 1,500 (20) - 30,000

Refreshments - 3500 (20) - 70,00

Data for Campaign & Training - 10,000

Graphic Designs - 20,000

Facilitator's logistics - 15,000

Contingencies - 20,000

Flex Banner (Design and Printing) - 95,000

Total - 350,000

Endorsements

Community members are encouraged to endorse your project request here!