Grants:PEG/Wikimedia Ghana Usergroup/Edit Ghana/Report

Report accepted

This report for a Project and Event grant approved in FY 2014-15 has been reviewed and accepted by the Wikimedia Foundation.

To read the approved grant submission describing the plan for this project, please visit Grants:PEG/Wikimedia Ghana Usergroup/Edit Ghana.

You may still comment on this report on its discussion page, or visit the discussion page to read the discussion about this report.
You are welcome to Email grants at wikimedia dot org at any time if you have questions or concerns about this report.

Project status

Did you comply with the requirements specified by WMF in the grant agreement?

Yes

Is your project completed?

Partially, since this report covers the completed pilot phase (Pase 1) only

Activities and lessons learned

Activities

This curriculum was introduced to enable a viability assessment on the commitment of participants and to determine the feasibility and sustainability of the entire project once fully deployed. It consisted of 5 Intro Sessions and 1 Wikimedia Commons event (Photowalk activity)

5 pillars of Wikipedia - A beginners introduction or guide to participating on Wikipedia. This took them through all the necessary ways of conduct on Wikipedia as an editor.
Syntax Hands on - A beginners and advance training on how to comprehend with the language and back end of the Wikipedia platform and other sister projects.
Citation and Referencing Hands On - The essence of Citation, why we cite and (or) reference on Wikipedia, the benefits of a well referenced article, etc. were the focus of this session.
Introduction to other sister projects - Introduction to other Wikimedia projects and interest building. Drawing their attention to other projects they could possibly contribute to, based on their personal interests.
Edit-a-thon (to surge some edits and test ability to edit) - A session focused on trying their hands on the knowledge and skills gathered throughout the training sessions. Also an avenue to help them find their feet as we stood by to aid them when they had problems.
Wikimedia Commons event (Photowalk activity) - A photo hunt activity that focused on getting pictures to compliment existing or future articles.

Lessons learned

What worked well?

Timing for the project was on point as prior planning towards the details of the program helped in the execution.
Participants volunteered their time to make this a success
Our negotiations with the Linux Accra User Group afforded us the opportunity to use their venue for free throughout the project period and maybe for future events.
Well versed editors volunteered their time to train participants.
Participants confessed their excitement and usefulness of the sessions. I also analyzed the fact that this mode of training was better than just a days training which tends to be very parked and less impactful.

What didn't work?

Prices are very volatile and vary from region to region. Hence generalizing prices affected our budget and unstabled us when we traveled for the photo hunt event in Cape Coast.
Contacts were made with senior housemasters before arrival in the schools, this however created problems as head masters of the schools weren't aware of our trip. This stalled our progress in the first school of our visit and marred our progress in other schools.
Camera received didn't come with its own kit lens. As we anticipated it was going to come packed with its basic (kit) lens, we only received the additional lens (Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens) which in our opinion was supposed to be a compliment lens and not a main. It made capturing shots very difficult, since its not meant for every day use and better works for long distance quality shots.

What would you do differently if you planned a similar project?

Prices will be estimated in future projects based on either the average price of items across the regions or better, based on prices of items for the most expensive region.
Letters must be sent to school heads before trips are made. Contact must be made with a substantial person in the place to be visited, especially when not a public place where anyone can just go whenever they want.
I think i need to be clear about the details of items required to host a program and not anticipate without certainty on necessary accessories of equipments for programs.
I will plan and ensure all needed requirements (equipments, funds, etc.) are in place at least two weeks before project start date to avoid uncertainties.

Learning patterns

Outcomes and impact

Outcomes

Provide the original project goal here.

Create the awareness of Wikipedia, what it is, and the goals of the Wikimedia Foundation in building contents and other Wikimedia projects.

Establish and consolidate the existence of the Wikimedian Community in Ghana.

Increase participation on Wikimedia Projects and involvement in community projects.

Promote the contribution of local contents in the various languages

Did you achieve your project goal? How do you know your goal was achieved? Please answer in 1 - 2 short paragraphs.: Generally I would gladly say that we attained our project goals as we were able to meet every goal set for this project. We established our existence as a community via social media, other open source communities and networks. One of the articles which was created under this project en:Dumsor made the air waves continuously for a week.¹²³ This awakened the public about the existence of the article, Wikipedia and a possible community of contributors from Ghana.

The project brought together interested personnel with whom we have together increased participation on Wikipedia and other sister projects. From editing and creating articles on Wikipedia, contribution of pictures on commons, adding local names to species on wiki species and adding more relational data to Ghana on wiki data. All these have been done so individuals can best channel their energies where best their interests lie.

Progress towards targets and goals

Project metrics

Project metrics	Target outcome	Achieved outcome	Explanation
A minimum of 10 new articles will be created.	14 new articles were created.	All these articles were created during the edit-a-thon session. Some of these articles were created as stubs of which we expect to elaborate, it has been communicated that they work on these since they created these as articles of their interests.
A minimum of 15 articles will be improved.	27 articles were improved	These articles were picked and improved by participants. Information was updated on the pages and pictures placed where needed.
Get a minimum of 5 active editors for each group, ensuring a minimum total of 10 active editors for the entire project.	I currently have about 15 active editors	These are up and coming editors who have the passion to contribute. All that needs to be done is to constantly remind them of their commitment and engage them in activities that will compell or entice their edits (contributions)
We expect a minimum of 200 picture uploads of Ghanaian foods, artifacts, places and buildings of historical importance that will compliment other Wikimedia projects over the pilot phase.	150 pictures	We encountered a problem at the places of interest for the photo-hunt which caused us not to be able to meet the specified target. We have however learnt from this and have planned to accommodate this in the future

Global Metrics

We are trying to understand the overall outcomes of the work being funded across our grantees. In addition to the measures of success for your specific program (in above section), please use the table below to let us know how your project contributed to the Global Metrics. We know that not all projects will have results for each type of metric, so feel free to put "0" where necessary.

Next to each required metric, list the actual outcome achieved through this project.
Where necessary, explain the context behind your outcome. For example, if you were funded for an edit-a-thon which resulted in 0 new images, your explanation might be "This project focused solely on participation and articles written/improved, the goal was not to collect images."

For more information and a sample, see Global Metrics.

Metric	Achieved outcome	Explanation
1. # of active editors involved	14	These are members who constantly edit and communicate on what they are working on and mostly seek help.
2. # of new editors	19	This figure is per the form i made participants fill after the entire project phase. However i believe on an average we have achieved about 25 new editors. This figure is based on my usual head count and reconciliation with the records kept at every session.
3. # of individuals involved	19	These are individuals who have shown their continuous support for the project and have always been seeking updates on what will ensure next.
4. # of new images/media added to Wikimedia articles/pages	150	We encountered difficulties at our sites of focus hence the less number/shortage in the numbers specified as the target.
5. # of articles added or improved on Wikimedia projects	41	This consist of both new and improved articles over he project period.
6. Absolute value of bytes added to or deleted from Wikimedia projects

NB: A few more joined after the Edit Ghana Project, we have kept their contact through a mailing list i created. We furnish them with regular updates and provide support when they ask. we constantly also check with the for challenges and ask how many edits they have done weekly.

Learning question: Did your work increase the motivation of contributors, and how do you know?

Throughout the event participants were excited about contributing, this was proven in my quest to motivate their contribution commitments before the edit-a-thon. I run a small competition for 5 days that saw the participation of not less than half of the total number of participants. The winner of the activity won by a figure or number of 55 edits in just 5 days. Also participants level of engagement even after each session increased, as this showed through several questions posed at me throughout the weekdays, this kept my motivation for exploits on the weekends when our events normally held.

Their adequate preparation towards the edit-a-thon session which I deemed very successful, sailed smoothly. Their enthusiasm to engage in every activity, especially the photowalk where I broke lots of hearts because of my inability to go with all participants who were willing. An article created by one of our top contributors made the waves on the news and saw to the contributions of many others. As part of the edit-a-thon session i brain stormed on possible articles and shared with all. One of the topics Dumsor which I proposed was created and got massive attention.

Lastly, participants have been constantly engaging us with questions on how to go about things, others have booked the community camera to host their own photo hunt activities. Two of my newly recruits also showed their commitment to ensuring the bridging of the gender gap issues by contributing to the Inspire Campaign. Myself and the team have been engaging them with other quests on the mailing list we created and we have been constantly posting articles and stubs that we create so they could help improve, share ideas and possibly motivate them to also create their own. I will finally like to affirm all these positive actions with a quote from one of our participants on a what's app group chat, " Edit Ghana is a complete success".

Impact

What impact did this project have on WMF's mission and the strategic priorities?

Option A: How did you increase participation in one or more Wikimedia projects?

We ensured that there was a full session dedicated to other Wikimedia projects to diversify their options and interest to contribute. This enabled them find a project in their interest or one that they could easily relate or constantly visit because of their genuine interest in that regards.

Option B: How did you improve quality on one or more Wikimedia projects?

At one of our training sessions we showed participants a very good article and did a live edit improvement on another that was very bad. At the close of our edit-a-thon session articles that were created were showed up for scrutiny and to deduce ways to make them better. We also encouraged them to share their works and success stories so we could follow up on their works and help if necessary. This very style has worked as some have shared stubs which have been greatly improved.

Option C: How did you increase the reach (readership) of one or more Wikimedia projects?

Adopting the use of ours and other mailing lists, we were able to offer resources on topics and (or) project before the weekend training sessions. Also people gained their grounds from training sessions on other projects that drew the attention of many off just Wikipedia and opened them up to other possible projects of interest.

Inspiration Drawn/Conclusion

This project has proven entirely that recruiting new editors only becomes relevant when you constantly stay in touch with you new recruits, guide their interests, standby to support their problems until they are sure of the way to go. It has also proven that constant communication and checkups ensures their work progress as they always are aware someone is in check. Lastly engagements in the form of activities that allows participation, grows community and individual efforts as some members will ride on the boats of campaigns to get the work done. In other words some like to be told what to do or to be constantly reminded.

Reporting and documentation of expenditures

This section describes the grant's use of funds

Documentation

Did you send documentation of all expenses paid with grant funds to grants at wikimedia dot org, according to the guidelines here? Answer "Yes" or "No".: Yes

Expenses

Please list all project expenses in a table here, with descriptions and dates. Review the instructions here.

SEE INSTRUCTIONS AT Grants:Index/Create financial report.

I developed another table different from the example above because it didn't fit the context of my report.

PROJECT EXPENSE FOR THE FIRST 5 SESSIONS

ITEMS	SESSION 1 EXPENSE (GHC)	SESSION 2 EXPENSE (GHC)	SESSION 3 EXPENSE (GHC)	SESSION 4 EXPENSE (GHC)	SESSION 5 EXPENSE (GHC)	OVERALL TOTAL GHC
Snacks for event	104.90	104.47	132.08	100.00	120.00
Transportation for Wikimedians	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	120.00
Team meeting	32.00	41.00	-	34.00	10.00
Call Credit/Recharge Voucher	20.00	20.00	10.00	20.00	20.00
Transportation of food to venue	20.00	20.00	20.00	20.00	20.00
Disposable cup and (or) Napkin	10.00	-	10.00	21.00	-
Recharge of data bundle (internet)	-	-	75.00	-	-
Drinks for event	-	-	-	23.96	24.00
Total Expenditure	286.90	285.47	347.08	318.96	314.00	1,552.41

PROJECT EXPENSE FOR THE PHOTOWALK EVENT (FOR 8 PARTICIPANTS IN CAPE COAST)

ITEMS	EXPENSE GHC
Transportation to Cape Coast	152.00
Transportation from Cape Coast	152.00
Transportation to Cape Coast Castle	10.00
Transportation to and from Elmina Castle	24.00
Transportation to restaurant for lunch	14.00
Breakfast	40.00
Lunch	107.52
Transportation to Guest House	16.00
Transportation to restaurant for dinner	16.00
Dinner	140.00
Book bought from the Elmina Castle (on Castles and Forts)	40.00
Cost of 4 Rooms (2 in 1)	440.00
Cost of entrance to Elmina and Capecost Castle	32.00
Snacks for breakfast on our return	30.00
Cost of call credit	20.00
Total Expenditure	1233.52


TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET (FROM YOUR APPROVED GRANT SUBMISSION)

Description	Budget GHC	Budget USD	Actual Expenditure GHC	Actual Expenditure USD	BUDGET BALANCE GHC
Intro Sessions	1,750	565	1,552.41	505.62
Photowalk	724	233.55	1,233.52	403.33
Camera (Canon E0S 60D)	2,768.92	899	2,145.93	699	2,145.93
Telephoto Lens	723.77	234.99	610.93	199	610.93
Tripod	138.6	45	-	-
Router	-	-	445	150.59
Cheque book fees	-	-	6	2
Total Budget	GHC 6,105.29	USD 1,977.54	GHC 5,993.79	USD 1,965.18	111.50
Surplus Balance					2,868.36

NB:

The cost of the Camera and Lens were fully repeated in the budget balance column because the camera was bought by the foundation on our behalf but the expense was not didacted from our grant funds before sending, so we have that funds outstanding in our budget hence in that section.
The surplus balance (GHC 2,868.36) differs from the remaining funds (GHC 2886.07) stated below because of the difference in the budgeted amount and actual funds received.

Actual funds received GHC 6,123 (USD 2007.54) - Budgeted amount GHC 6,105.29 (USD 1977.54) = GHC 17.71

Therefore, Surplus balance (GHC 2,868.36) + above balance (GHC 17.71) = GHC 2886.07 (remaining balance)

Hence overall surplus balance or funds remaining GHC 2886.07

Please click here to view a consolidated financial statement for the project.

Total amount requested from WMF (from your approved grant submission, this total will be the same as the total project budget if PEG is your only funding source)

USD 1,977.54

Total amount spent on this project

USD 1,965.18

Total amount of Project and Event grant funds spent on this project

USD 1,965.18

Are there additional sources that funded any part of this project? List them here.

N/A

Remaining funds

The funds remaining from this grant in the amount of GHC 2886.07 were deducted from another grant payment for Grants:PEG/Wikimedia Ghana User Group/Wikineedsgirls.

Are there any grant funds remaining?: Answer YES or NO.; Yes

Please list the total amount (specify currency) remaining here. (This is the amount you did not use, or the amount you still have after completing your grant.)

The amount of money left in Ghana Cedis is stated below. This amount is not stated in USD because rates are volatile here and can change overnight.

GHC 2886.07

Find a link to a consolidated financial statement of the entire project, detailing the various expenditures and a summary on our books and surpluses. Click here

If funds are remaining they must be returned to WMF, reallocated to mission-aligned activities, or applied to another approved grant.: Please state here if you intend to return unused funds to WMF, submit a request for reallocation, or submit a new grant request, and then follow the instructions on your approved grant submission.; I am willing to return the money to WMF, however i suggest we keep the remaining due to the frequent exchange rate instabilities, buying dollars now will be expensive than the rate of exchange at the time the funds arrived and may cause a loss in value. It may be diverted for the continuation of this project since the pilot phase in my opinion proved its worth.