Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/EveryBooksItsReader 2024:African Books and Authors (ID: 22445813)/Final Report

EveryBooksItsReader 2024:African Books and Authors

Rapid Fund Final Report

Report Status: Under review

Due date: 2024-07-17T00:00:00Z

Funding program: Rapid Fund

Report type: Final

Application

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General information

• Applicant username: Favourdare123
• Organization name: N/A
• Amount awarded: 850.63
• Amount spent: 1000 USD, 1600000

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)

Implemented Activities and Results Achieved

1.Creating Awareness About the Event

Activities Implemented:

• Disseminated digital materials such as posters, flyers, and videos across various social media platforms and online communities.
• Created a dedicated WhatsApp group for participants to facilitate discussions, resource sharing, and real-time engagement.

Results Achieved:

• Successfully reached a broad audience, generating significant interest in the event.
• The WhatsApp group fostered active discussions and provided a dynamic space for participants to stay informed and engaged.

Most Effective Approaches:

• The multi-platform approach to digital dissemination effectively maximized reach and engagement.
• The WhatsApp group proved to be a valuable tool for real-time communication and community building.

2. Physical Training and Edit-a-thon Day 1 (Wikipedia Training) Activities Implemented:

• Conducted interactive sessions to enlighten participants about the event's significance, objectives, and outcomes.
• Organized workshops covering simple editing tasks (wikilinking, correcting typos, adding references) and complex editing tasks (creating new articles, expanding existing ones).

Results Achieved:

• Participants gained practical, hands-on experience in editing Wikipedia articles.
• Numerous new articles were created, and existing articles were significantly enriched with additional content and references.

Most Effective Approaches:

• The combination of interactive sessions and practical workshops ensured comprehensive training.
• Experienced trainers provided valuable guidance, enhancing the effectiveness of the learning process.

3. Physical Training and Data-a-Thon Day 2 (Wikidata Training) Activities Implemented:

• Conducted sessions to educate participants on creating and improving Wikidata articles about African books and authors.
• Provided training on using Wikidata tools such as Mix'n'Match, Quickstatements, and the Query Service.

Results Achieved:

• Numerous new Wikidata articles were created, and existing data was enriched with additional information.
• Participants became proficient in using various Wikidata tools, enhancing their ability to contribute effectively.

Most Effective Approaches:

• Hands-on training sessions with practical applications proved highly effective in skill development.
• The focus on specific tools and techniques ensured participants could make meaningful contributions.

4.Virtual Training (Online Follow-up Training)

Activities Implemented:

• Conducted online sessions to continue skill development in editing techniques, data curation, and collaborative methodologies.
• Provided an interactive platform for participants to make additional contributions to Wikidata and Wikipedia.

Results Achieved:

• Participants continued to enhance their skills and contribute to the project beyond the initial physical training sessions.
• The virtual training sessions ensured ongoing engagement and participation, accommodating various schedules and locations.

Most Effective Approaches:

• The structured format of virtual training allowed for flexibility and broad participation.
• The interactive nature of the sessions kept participants engaged and motivated.

5. Contest Activities Implemented:

• Organized a contest for participants to utilize their newly acquired skills in editing and content creation.
• Focused on enhancing the quality and accessibility of content related to African books and authors on Wikipedia and Wikidata.

Results Achieved:

• The contest motivated participants to actively contribute high-quality content.
• Recognized and rewarded outstanding contributions, further encouraging excellence in content development.

Most Effective Approaches:

• The competitive element of the contest spurred engagement and motivation.
• The focus on quality and accessibility ensured valuable contributions to the global knowledge community.

The combination of awareness campaigns, hands-on training sessions, virtual follow-up training, and a motivating contest proved highly effective in achieving the project's goals. The most effective approaches included the multi-platform dissemination of information, interactive and practical training sessions, and the use of competitive elements to drive engagement and contributions. These strategies collectively enhanced the representation and accessibility of African books and authors on Wikidata and Wikipedia, contributing to a richer and more inclusive global literary landscape.

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

• Project page on Meta-Wiki:https://meta.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/EveryBookItsReader_2024:_African_Book_and_Authors

• Dashboards: https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/EverybookitsReader/EveryBooksItsReader_2024_African_Books_and_Authors/home

• Some photos or videos from our event : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HLK4e3p9XRlzfzAZh6HBtnjjowaYm3g5

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

• Training Materials and Videos : https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1i_xuFNFy4r3LvpkttWNhY6EZQ0dF593k

• After Event Survey: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y1UbtPsjjN08sitjr9RGIFF_6YP_tkVdQnke38qOVrA/edit?resourcekey#gid=712450067

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)

Our efforts during the Fund period have helped to...

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	Agree
F. Encourage the retention of organizers	Strongly agree
G. Increased participants' feelings of belonging and connection to the movement	Strongly 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)Engagement Effectiveness: Assess the efficacy of our engagement strategies across diverse platforms and communities, understanding which methods yield better participation and sustained involvement.

2)Contributor Challenges: Identify the specific hurdles and challenges faced by contributors focusing on African books and authors documentation. This understanding will help tailor support mechanisms and resources to address these issues effectively.

3)Feedback and Improvement: Gather participant feedback to refine our project strategies, activities, and support structures. Insights gained will aid in making our activities more impactful and encouraging continuous participation.

4)Community Growth and Enrichment: Learn about the growth of the community, evaluate the depth of contributions, and understand how documenting African literature on Wikimedia platforms can foster a more inclusive and enriched representation of African culture and heritage.This knowledge will help in applying valuable insights to future EveryBookItsReader campaigns aimed at similar goals.

Learning Questions and Insights

1. Engagement Effectiveness Learning Question:

• How effective were our engagement strategies across diverse platforms and communities? Which methods yielded better participation and sustained involvement?

Insights Gained:

• The multi-platform approach, particularly the use of social media and WhatsApp groups, was highly effective in generating interest and maintaining participant engagement.
• Interactive and hands-on training sessions were more successful in retaining participant interest compared to purely informational sessions.
• Real-time engagement and resource sharing through the WhatsApp group fostered a sense of community and continuous involvement.

Future Application:

• Continue using a multi-platform approach for outreach, with a strong emphasis on interactive and hands-on sessions.
• Expand the use of real-time communication tools to maintain ongoing engagement and support.

2. Contributor Challenges

Learning Question:

• What specific hurdles and challenges did contributors face while documenting African books and authors?

Insights Gained:

• Contributors often struggled with accessing reliable sources and verifiable data on African literature.
• Technical challenges in using Wikimedia editing tools were a barrier for some participants, particularly new contributors.
• Some participants faced difficulties in finding their niche or specific areas to contribute, leading to initial hesitation in active participation.

Future Application:

• Develop and provide more extensive resources and guides on accessing reliable sources and data on African literature.
• Offer additional technical support and beginner-friendly tutorials on Wikimedia editing tools.
• Create structured pathways and suggestions for new contributors to find their areas of interest and make meaningful contributions.

3. Feedback and Improvement Learning Question:

• How can participant feedback help refine our project strategies, activities, and support structures to make them more impactful and encourage continuous participation?

Insights Gained:

• Participants appreciated structured and well-organized training sessions, which significantly improved their confidence and skills.
• Constructive feedback indicated a need for more follow-up support and continuous learning opportunities beyond the initial training sessions.
• Suggestions for incorporating more collaborative and peer-to-peer learning opportunities were highly valued.

Future Application:

• Implement more structured and continuous learning opportunities, including follow-up sessions and advanced training modules.
• Foster a collaborative environment through peer-to-peer learning initiatives and community-driven support systems.
• Regularly gather and analyze participant feedback to continually refine and enhance project strategies and activities.

4. Community Growth and Enrichment Learning Question:

• How has the community grown, and what has been the depth of contributions? How can documenting African literature on Wikimedia platforms foster a more inclusive and enriched representation of African culture and heritage?

Insights Gained:

• The community grew significantly in terms of active participants and contributors, reflecting a strong interest in documenting African literature.
• Contributions were diverse, ranging from creating new articles to enriching existing ones with detailed information and references.
• Documenting African literature on Wikimedia platforms has not only increased visibility but also fostered a deeper appreciation and understanding of African culture and heritage among global audiences.

Future Application:

• Continue to focus on community-building activities to sustain growth and engagement.
• Highlight and celebrate diverse contributions to motivate participants and showcase the impact of their work.
• Leverage the enriched representation of African culture and heritage to foster cultural exchange and global appreciation in future EveryBookItsReader campaigns and similar initiatives.

The insights gained from these learning questions have provided valuable lessons that will inform and shape future initiatives. By understanding the effectiveness of engagement strategies, addressing contributor challenges, incorporating participant feedback, and fostering community growth, we can enhance the impact and reach of our projects. These learnings will be pivotal in guiding the continued efforts to document and celebrate African literature on Wikimedia platforms, ensuring a more inclusive and enriched representation of African culture and heritage.

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)

Unexpected or Surprising Situations and Lessons Learned

1.Unexpected High Level of Participant Enthusiasm Situation: During the physical training and edit-a-thon sessions, there was an unexpectedly high level of enthusiasm and engagement from participants. Many attendees showed a keen interest in contributing beyond the scheduled activities, often staying longer to continue their work and seeking additional tasks.

Lessons Learned:

• Positive Outcome: This enthusiasm highlighted a strong latent interest in documenting African literature and demonstrated the potential for sustained engagement.
• Actionable Insight: Capitalizing on this enthusiasm, we can create more extended and flexible sessions in future events to accommodate and encourage passionate contributors. Additionally, developing a follow-up support system to keep these highly engaged participants involved in ongoing activities and future projects will be beneficial.

2. Technical Difficulties and Connectivity Issues Situation:

• Some participants faced technical difficulties and connectivity issues, particularly during the virtual training sessions. This impacted their ability to participate fully and benefit from the training provided.

Lessons Learned:

• Negative Outcome: These technical challenges underscored the need for better infrastructure and support to ensure smooth participation.
• Actionable Insight: For future events, it is crucial to provide more robust technical support, including pre-session checks and troubleshooting guides. Additionally, considering hybrid models that combine physical presence with virtual support can help mitigate connectivity issues. Offering recorded sessions and materials for asynchronous learning can also ensure that participants who face technical challenges do not miss out on the training.

These unexpected situations provided valuable insights into participant engagement and the technical barriers they may face. By learning from these experiences, we can enhance the planning and implementation of future activities to better support and sustain participation while ensuring technical challenges do not hinder the learning experience.

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)

Plan to Share Project Learnings and Results

Workshops and Webinars: Conducted follow-up workshops and webinars to share insights and results with participants and broader community members. Documentation: Create detailed reports and documentation of the project activities, learnings, and results,to be shared through our project meta wiki page

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	30	30	30 participants were actively available and trained during the event
Number of editors	30	30	30 editors edited during the contest but more than 30 editors were enrolled on the outreach dashboard
Number of organizers	2	2	The Organizers were readily available throughout the course of the event

Wikimedia project	Target	Result - Number of created pages	Result - Number of improved pages
Wikipedia	250	50	389
Wikimedia Commons
Wikidata	500	700	1000
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

10. Please state the total amount spent in your local currency. (required)

1600000

11. Please state the total amount spent in US dollars. (required)

1000

12. Report the funds spent in the currency of your fund. (required)

Provide the link to the financial report https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1P7arEFQTaVblFF0zzh9m21lyyeqYBx1pRpa2OHjA3vU/edit#gid=0

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?

No

13.1. Please list the amount and currency you did not use and explain why.

N/A

13.2. What are you planning to do with the underspent funds?

N/A

13.3. Please provide details of hope to spend these funds.

N/A

14.1. Are you in compliance with the terms outlined in the fund agreement?

Yes Your response to the review feedback. 14.2. Are you in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in the grant agreement?

Yes

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.

Yes

15. If you have additional recommendations or reflections that don’t fit into the above sections, please write them here. (optional)

Review notes

Review notes from Program Officer:

N/A

Applicant's response to the review feedback.

N/A