Wada Ghana Resource Center. Empowering African Youth in Web3 and Cardano Blockchain Development.

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Ezekiel Donkor

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

ezekiel@wada.org

Additional applicants

Afia Owusu

Faakor Fiadzigbey

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” .

The project is dependent on the Wada Hub in Ghana to provide the Resource Centre for the roll out of the project. The Resource Centre is however, already in place since Wada has taken a five year lease for a property which is suited for the purpose.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Project will be fully open source

[METADATA] Category of proposal

Education

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG 1 to end poverty in all forms everywhere

SDG 4 Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

SDG 5 Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

SDG 8 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

SDG 10 Reduce inequality within and among countries

SDG 17 Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

The Wada Resource Center will be standing as an all-in-one solution to equip African youth with vital skills in web3 and blockchain development. As a beacon of knowledge, training, and support, this specialized hub will be empowering young Africans to effectively navigate the evolving digital terrain.

Our structured curriculum, designed specifically to address the needs of African youth, will be ensuring they obtain the necessary expertise in web3 and blockchain technologies. Practical training, workshops, and mentorship programs will be provided, granting firsthand exposure to real-world applications of blockchain platforms like Cardano.

The Center will also be functioning as a knowledge vault, offering a robust library of resources such as online courses, tutorials, and research documents. This will ensure that African youth stay updated with the latest developments in web3 and blockchain technologies.

Our aim is to cultivate a collaborative network, connecting African youth with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and potential employers. Regular events like meetups, hackathons, and conferences will stimulate idea exchange and encourage networking within the blockchain community.

Strategic partnerships with educational institutions, governments, and tech companies will be formed to widen our reach and ensure the longevity of the Wada Resource Center. These alliances will be helping us amplify our impact across Africa.

By nurturing innovation and unlocking the potential of our youth, the Center will be positioning Africa as a leading force in web3 and blockchain development. Our approach will not only be bridging the existing resource gap but also grooming a generation poised to drive Africa's digital transformation.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

The proposed solution of establishing a Wada Resource Center addresses the challenge of limited resources and opportunities for African youth in web3 and blockchain development by providing comprehensive training, mentorship, resources, networking, partnerships, and job placement. This solution benefits the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

1. Expanded Adoption: By empowering African youth with skills and expertise in Cardano and blockchain development, the Wada Resource Center can drive the adoption of Cardano in Africa, leading to increased usage and ecosystem growth.
2. Innovation and Development: The center's focus on practical workshops and projects encourages participants to explore and create innovative applications on the Cardano blockchain, fostering development and expanding the range of use cases within the ecosystem.
3. Knowledge Sharing: The Wada Resource Center's knowledge repository and community engagement initiatives facilitate the sharing of insights, research, and best practices within the Cardano ecosystem, contributing to its overall knowledge base and fostering collaboration.
4. Network Expansion: Through networking events and collaborations, the Wada Resource Center connects African youth with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and potential employers, expanding the Cardano ecosystem's network and fostering valuable partnerships.
5. Talent Enhancement: By nurturing a generation of skilled developers and professionals, the Wada Resource Center helps build a talented workforce with expertise in Cardano, strengthening the ecosystem's human capital and driving its long-term success.
6. Sustainable Growth: By establishing partnerships with educational institutions, governments, and tech companies, the Wada Resource Center ensures sustainablity, enabling it to continue empowering African youth and contributing to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

To measure the success of the project, we will employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics:

1. Skill Enhancement: Progress and proficiency of participants in web3 and blockchain development will be evaluated and developed through regular assessments, resulting in technical skill and knowledge improvement. 
2. Employment and Entrepreneurship Opportunities: The effectiveness of the project in creating job opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship will be measured by tracking job placements, internships, and entrepreneurial ventures participants secure post-program. 
3. Project Impact Assessment: The project's effectiveness will be determined by evaluating the impact of participant-developed projects, including their real-world applicability, user adoption, and scalability potential. Successful launch of impactful projects indicates the project's efficacy. 
4. Alumni Accomplishments: Long-term impact of the project will be reflected by tracking program alumni achievements, such as career advancements, contributions to the blockchain industry, and community initiative involvement. 
5. Collaborative Partnerships Growth: Monitoring the expansion of partnerships and collaborations with educational institutions, governments, tech companies, and industry experts will exhibit the project's capacity to establish a robust network and sustainable alliances for continued support and growth. 
6. Feedback and Survey Insights: Collecting participant, mentor, and stakeholder feedback via surveys and interviews will yield invaluable insights about program strengths, areas for improvement, and overall satisfaction, aiding in the evaluation of the project's success from a participant's viewpoint.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

Documentation: There will be reports produce detailing the activities of the project. These documents will be made available publicly.

Case Studies: Case studies and success stories highlighting the impact and success of individual participants or projects within the program will be published. These stories will showcase real-world examples of how the project has empowered African youth and contributed to the broader web3 and blockchain ecosystem.

Conferences and Events: Will participate in conferences, seminars, and events to present our project findings, share best practices, and engage with the wider community. These platforms will allow us to reach a broader audience and foster discussions on the project's outcomes and implications.

Workshops: We plan to organize workshops and training sessions to disseminate the knowledge gained through the project. These sessions may be conducted both online and offline, allowing interested individuals and organizations to learn from our experiences and replicate successful practices.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

• The team consists of experienced professionals with a proven track record in the web3 and blockchain industry and also within the Cardano ecosystem. They have expertise in project management, education, blockchain development, and community engagement, ensuring a solid foundation for delivering the project.

• A good governance structure with defined roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.

• Stakeholder engagement will be a priority and actively involve key participants, mentors, partners, and community members, throughout the project lifecycle.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals of the project are to empower young individuals in Africa through comprehensive education and training in web3 and blockchain development, bridge the knowledge gap in the continent, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Our approach, we will employ the following methods:

• Conduct pilot programs to test and refine the educational curriculum and delivery methods.
• Establish key performance metrics to measure participants' progress and success.
• Seek feedback from participants, mentors, industry partners, and stakeholders involved in the project.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Project Milestones:

 

A. The first six (6) weeks represent the preparatory phase for the project. At the end of the first six (6) weeks, milestone 1: (Center Establishment and Curriculum Development) would be completed. The following activities are planned to achieve this milestone:

1. Center Establishment (5 weeks):

• Set up fixtures and fittings including internet and hardware. (Weeks 1-3)
• Hire staff. (Weeks 4-5)

2. Curriculum Development (6 weeks):

• Design a structured curriculum. (Week 1)
• Develop course materials. (Weeks 2-4)
• Incorporate feedback from experts. (Weeks 4-6)

 

B. Milestone 2: Instructor Onboarding and Participant Recruitment is expected to be completed at the end of month 2. This means that some of the activities relating to Milestone 2 will be undertaken concurrently with those of Milestone 1.

Planned activities for the two key tasks in milestone 2 are listed below.

1. Instructor Onboarding and Training (duration: 4 weeks):

• Advertise the program. (Week 3)
• Identify qualified instructors and mentors, conduct selection processes, and onboard selected instructors/mentors (Week 4-5)
• Provide training on the curriculum and teaching methodologies. (Weeks 6-8)

2. Participant Recruitment 

• Conduct participant selection process. (Weeks 5-6)
• Finalize the cohort. (Week 6)
• Communicate program details to participants. (Week 7)

C. Milestone 3: Program Launch and Delivery is expected to begin in month 3 of the project and end in month 5 because the delivery of the educational program component of the project will take 12 weeks to complete. At the end of month 5, the following would be completed for milestone 3.

1. Program Launch & Delivery of Educational Program

• Program Launch (week 9)
• Educational Program Delivery (months 3 – 5))
• Conduct interactive classes, workshops, and practical sessions based on the curriculum.
• Provide ongoing support and mentorship to participants.
• Evaluation and Feedback (Ongoing throughout the program):
• Regularly assess participant performance.
• Collect feedback on the curriculum and program effectiveness.
• Make necessary adjustments based on feedback.

2. Industry Collaborations and Partnerships (Ongoing from month 3 to project completion)

• Establish collaborations with industry leaders and organizations.
• Organize guest lectures and industry projects.
• Facilitate and place participants in internships with identified organizations (month 6)

D. Milestone 4: Graduation and Showcase will be done in the final week of the project - week 24. Key tasks required for the achievement of this milestone are:

• Conduct a final assessment of participants.
• Organize a graduation and showcase event to present their projects and skills and celebrate their achievements.

Please note that the total number of weeks for the project is approximately 24 weeks, with certain milestones having ongoing activities throughout the program duration.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Project Milestones

Milestone 1:

Center Establishment

• Deliverables: Fully functional infrastructure, hired staff.
• Outputs: Documented legal compliance, and operational infrastructure in place, and recruited and onboarded staff members (3 trainers, 10 tutors).
• Intended Outcomes: A well-equipped and organized center ready to provide training and support to participants.
• The cost of the space is covered by Wada.

Curriculum Development

• Deliverables: Structured curriculum, developed course materials, and incorporated expert feedback.
• Outputs: Comprehensive curriculum outline, well-designed course materials, revised curriculum based on expert input.
• Intended Outcomes: A robust and relevant curriculum that covers essential concepts and practical skills in web3 and blockchain development.
• Consultants: 3 experts in web3 and blockchain development provide feedback on the curriculum.

Milestone 2:

Instructor Onboarding and Training

• Deliverables: Advertised program, marketing materials, instructors and mentors, trained on the curriculum and teaching methodologies.
• Outputs: Verified instructor credentials, documented training materials, and equipped instructors with necessary knowledge and teaching skills (3 trainers, 10 tutors).
• Intended Outcomes: A team of competent and dedicated instructors prepared to deliver high-quality education and guidance to participants.

Participant Recruitment

• Deliverables: Selected participant cohort, and communicated program details.
• Outputs: Participant selection criteria, enrollment documentation, and program communication channels.
• Intended Outcomes: A diverse and qualified group of participants enrolled in the program, clear communication of program expectations and logistics.
• Number of participants: 50

Milestone 3:

Program Launch and Delivery

• Deliverables: Conducted classes, workshops, and practical sessions, and provide ongoing support and mentorship.
• Outputs: Class schedules, workshop materials, participant progress reports, and mentorship guidelines.
• Intended Outcomes: Enhanced knowledge and skills in web3 and blockchain development, practical application of concepts, continuous learning, and growth.

Evaluation and Feedback

• Deliverables: Performance assessment reports, feedback collection mechanisms, and evaluation criteria.
• Outputs: Performance evaluation templates, feedback surveys, and assessment records.
• Intended Outcomes: Continuous improvement of the program based on participant feedback, identification of areas of strength, and areas for enhancement.

Industry Collaborations and Partnerships

• Deliverables: Established collaborations, guest lecture schedules, industry project opportunities, and internship placements.
• Outputs: Partnership agreements, guest speaker invitations, project guidelines, and internship agreements.
• Intended Outcomes: Industry exposure, networking opportunities, real-world project experiences, and enhanced employability for participants.

Milestone 4:

Graduation and Showcase

• Deliverables: Final assessment results, graduation ceremony arrangements, showcase event preparations.
• Outputs: Graduation certificates, event logistics, project presentations.
• Intended Outcomes: Recognition of participants' achievements, a celebration of their progress, and demonstration of acquired skills through project showcases.

Click the link below to see it neatly arranged in this spreadsheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dDxsf_HV0d6JXMIrCCHUZY1yVbJMeucp3FGm4yOIkYs/edit?usp=sharing

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Here is the Budget Breakdown:

Center Setup:

• Renovations, furniture, and equipment: 84,250 ADA
• Legal and licensing fees: 14,375 ADA

Curriculum Development:

• Curriculum design: 28,750 ADA
• Expert consultation: 14,275 ADA
• Course materials: 14,200 ADA

Instructor Onboarding:

• Recruitment and hiring: 24,700 ADA
• Training workshops, materials: 14,200 ADA

Program Launch & Recruitment:

• Marketing and advertising: 14,375 ADA
• Selection, enrollment: 7,200 ADA
• Communication, documentation: 2,875 ADA

Program Delivery:

• Instructor pay: 86,250 ADA
• Classroom resources: 14,200 ADA
• Support, mentoring: 14,375 ADA

Evaluation & Feedback:

• Evaluation tools, software: 7,200 ADA
• Feedback collection and analysis: 2,875 ADA
• Performance assessment: 1,425 ADA

Industry Collaborations:

• Projects and initiatives: 14,375 ADA
• Guest speaker expenses: 14,200 ADA

Graduation & Showcase:

• Graduation arrangements: 7,200 ADA
• Showcase organization: 7,200 ADA
• Certificates, awards: 2,875 ADA

Miscellaneous:

• Contingency fund: 14,375 ADA
• Administrative costs: 7,200 ADA

Total Project Budget: 412,950 ADA

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

• Establishing a resource center for training and education in web3 and blockchain development, empowering the Cardano community with valuable skills and knowledge.
• The budget allocation covers center establishment, curriculum development, instructor onboarding, and industry collaborations, laying the foundation for sustained education, innovation, and growth within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Cardano creates economic opportunities for participants, enabling them to pursue careers in the web3 and blockchain industry.
• The project's cost represents a strategic investment in the advancement of the Cardano ecosystem, promoting innovation, fostering a skilled workforce, and positioning Cardano as a leading platform in the blockchain industry.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept