Contribute
Maisha grows through small contributions from many people. You do not need special qualifications to help. If you can translate one message, improve one phrase, or suggest one topic, that is meaningful work.
Translate a message
Messages save more lives when people can read them in their own language. Translation is one of the most valuable contributions.
How to translate
- Choose one message to translate
- Translate into a language you speak well
- Keep the meaning exact, even if the words change
- Use simple, everyday words that everyone in your community would understand
- Read your translation aloud to check that it sounds natural
What makes a good translation
A good translation keeps the core instruction clear and safe. It uses words that local people actually use, not formal or textbook language. It fits the way people in your community talk about health and emergencies.
If something in the original message does not make sense in your context, note this. It is better to flag a problem than to translate something misleading.
Improve clarity
If you read a message and find it confusing, unclear, or hard to remember, that feedback is valuable. Messages should work on first reading. If they do not, they need improvement.
When suggesting improvements:
- Explain what confused you
- Suggest specific alternative wording if you can
- Consider whether the issue might affect others or is specific to your background
Suggest new messages
If you know of a situation where a short message could prevent death or serious harm, and no current message addresses it, you can suggest a new topic.
Good candidates for new messages
- Common emergencies where wrong action makes things worse
- Situations where waiting for professional help is dangerous
- Simple actions that many people do not know
- Problems specific to certain regions or contexts
Before suggesting
Consider whether the message would be safe if followed by someone with no medical training. Consider whether it would be true across different contexts. If a topic is too complex for a short message, it may not fit Maisha's format.
Guiding principles
Safety over completeness. A message that is safe but incomplete is better than a message that is complete but could be misunderstood. When in doubt, leave it out.
Usefulness over universality. A message that helps in some contexts is better than a message that tries to cover all contexts and ends up helping none. Local relevance matters.
Local context matters. What works in one place may not work in another. The same health problem may need different guidance in different settings. Respect this complexity.
How to submit contributions
Contributions can be submitted through the following channels:
- Email: Send your translation, suggestion, or feedback to info@openmissionofhope.org
- GitHub: Open an issue or pull request at github.com/openmissionofhope/maisha-site
- Share through community members who are already involved
Every contribution is reviewed before being added. This takes time. Not every suggestion will be accepted. But every suggestion is read and considered.
What we do not need
Maisha does not need:
- Large-scale translation projects (one message at a time is better)
- Medical expertise to contribute (though it is welcome)
- Organizational affiliation
- Funding or donations
The most valuable contribution is sharing a message with someone who needs it. If you have already done that, you have already contributed.