Evaluation report: Community Engagement and Participant retention in Wikimedians of Tabora

The Wikimedians of Tabora (WOT) hosted multiple events in their local community, providing comprehensive training on Wikimedia projects. Their goal was to empower community members with the skills and knowledge necessary to become lasting contributors to the movement.

The six-month project produced promising outcomes, as evaluated below;

Gender Inclusion

The demographic breakdown of participants revealed a representation of 48% female and 52% male, as depicted in the snapshot above. While women’s involvement in Wikimedia projects typically lags behind that of men, the project witnessed a notable increase in female participation and retention as active WOT members contributing to Wikimedia projects. Although progress has been made towards gender balance, further efforts are still required.

Wikimedia Projects Awareness and Editing Skills

Over 30 enthusiastic participants engaged in a series of training sessions and workshops facilitated by the WOT. These sessions served as invaluable opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to deepen their understanding and sharpen their skills in contributing to Wikimedia projects.

Upon evaluation, approximately 57% of these participants demonstrated a strong understanding and skills. Their robust understanding not only reflects their commitment to learning but also positions them as potential mentors or leaders within the community, capable of guiding and inspiring others on their journey.

Moreover, statistical data shows that 40% exhibited a moderate level of understanding and skills, indicating a solid foundation upon which they can further build and refine their contributions. Their willingness to engage and learn suggests a promising trajectory towards becoming proficient contributors, contributing valuable content and insights to Wikimedia projects.

Despite the diverse skill levels represented, only a minimal 3% of participants were identified as having the lowest level of understanding and skill. However, rather than viewing this as a setback, it presents an opportunity for targeted support and tailored interventions to uplift these individuals and ensure that no one is left behind in their quest to contribute meaningfully to Wikimedia projects

Number of Training Sessions and Workshop Attended

The figure above illustrates the level of participation, with 97% of attendees participating in more than one event, while the remaining percentage attended only one event. This trend demonstrates the enthusiasm and dedication of participants towards continuous learning and engagement with Wikimedia projects. It suggests a genuine interest in deepening their understanding and refining their skills, indicating a strong commitment to contributing meaningfully to the movement.

The high rate of return attendance also underscores the effectiveness of the training and workshop sessions organized by the Wikimedians of Tabora. It speaks to the quality of the content delivered and the value perceived by participants, encouraging them to invest their time and effort in multiple events.

Projects

Overall, WOT has actively engaged with Wikipedia and Wikidata, two prominent Wikimedia projects, providing its members with the necessary skills and resources to contribute effectively. Through their efforts, significant contributions have been made to enrich both Swahili Wikipedia and Wikidata, with over 400 articles created and edited on Swahili Wikipedia and over 200 Wikidata items added. These contributions cover a wide range of topics, from local history and culture to global issues, reflecting the diversity of interests within the Swahili-speaking community.

Moving forward, The Wikimedians of Tabora remains committed to furthering its contributions to Wikimedia projects, continuing to empower its members and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities through the dissemination of knowledge and information within the Wikimedia movement.