Africa Stakepool Academy | Securing The Network

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Josh Fielding

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

josh@wada.org

Additional applicants

-

[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?

No

[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.” .

No dependencies.

[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

SPOs

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

We aim to enhance the diversity of Cardano's stakepool ecosystem through a 6-week training program for African SPOs. The program covers the technical aspects of starting and running a stakepool. Initiated as a pilot, the program will evolve through iterations, continuously refined based on participant feedback. Our project's success will manifest in the form of new African stakepools and a stronger, more decentralized Cardano network.

Main Deliverable:

A 6-week training program tailored to aid crypto-enthusiasts in African countries in becoming skilled Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) capable of independently establishing and managing their own stake pools, thus contributing to the decentralization and security of the Cardano ecosystem.

Project Brief:

Our proposed solution tackles the core challenge of diversifying the Cardano stakepool ecosystem by focusing on nurturing and expanding the African SPO community. By implementing a training program, we address the educational gaps that currently hinder the full participation of African SPOs.

Cardano Relay Network - Concentrated node activity in the US & Europe

This approach directly aligns with the campaign's aim of creating an enabling space for SPO-related ideas, fostering an environment where new solutions and projects can thrive, and strengthening Cardano's network.

This project is the beginning of a formalized approach to stakepool development in Africa, leading to a geographically broader and more resilient Cardano network. The program is expected to bring new individuals to the community, fortifying its diversity, and promoting a more robust ecosystem.

We anticipate graduates of our program will not only establish their own stakepools but also inspire others to join the network.

Technical Implementation:

The technical implementation of our proposal primarily concerns the delivery of a training program to aid new SPOs in the creating and maintenance of their stakepools. We will leverage established learning management systems (LMS), to host our training modules. This will allow participants to engage with learning materials at their own pace and provide them with resources to revisit as needed.

For real-time instruction and collaboration, we plan to utilize Zoom for live sessions and Miro for interactive, visual learning. It's important to highlight that the current focus is on this immediate training initiative. For future iterations, we envision developing a more extensive platform to further support and enrich the SPO ecosystem.

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

Challenge Impact:

Bolstering the SPO ecosystem within the Cardano community. Through this platform and training program, we aim to bridge the educational and technical gaps that presently impede full participation from this region. By empowering these individuals to start and manage their own stake pools, we not only diversify the SPO community but also decentralize the Cardano network, enhancing its resilience and security.

Cardano Impact:

1. Help cultivate a more geographically diverse set of SPOs.
2. Mitigate concentrated node activity in established countries.
3. As a result of successful implementation, create a more resilient and secure Cardano network.

Measurable Outcomes:

Our focus will be on the number of new stakepools originating from the African continent as a direct result of our training program. We expect this initiative to lead to the establishment of at least 10 new stakepools, with operators based in Africa.

More importantly, this project has the potential to create a ripple effect, inspiring others in the region to join the network. It also encourages a broader global conversation about stakepool diversity and decentralization, drawing more interest and involvement into the Cardano ecosystem from all corners of the globe.

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

Key Metrics:

• Number of participants enrolled.
• Number of participants successfully completing the program.
• Number of successful stakepool setups.
• Increase in Cardano network diversity.
• Number of active pools after one year.
• Program rating by participants.

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

The nature of the program lends itself to an output spread over a reasonable timescale. As with many education programs, there is a clear delineation between the curriculum build phase, program delivery and feedback-gathering stage.

Outputs will be shared with the program participants, and other interested parties.

The pilot's results will inform necessary improvements and adjustments, ensuring the program remains effective and meets the needs of African SPOs.

Additionally, we expect our project to highlight new opportunities and challenges in the ecosystem, which could prompt further research and spark new initiatives.

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

The Wada team have delivered on several training programs in the past, as well as the set up and running of an active stakepool for the last 2 years.

Fund management will be coordinated by using a well-known treasury management operator within the Cardano ecosystem.

Following the milestone-based approach for fund allocation, as outlined by Catalyst, this ensures funds are disbursed based on concrete deliverables and outcomes.

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

Project Goals:

1. Educate aspiring African SPOs about Cardano's network and stakepool operations. We aim to train at least 10 SPOs on our program, providing them with comprehensive knowledge on the technical aspects of setting up and running a stakepool.
2. Foster the creation of new stakepools in Africa. By the end of the first year, we expect at least 80% of program graduates to establish new stakepools.
3. Robustness and Longevity. We aim to have 80% of new stakepools still operational after their first year of creation.

Project Validation:

Validation of our approach will be carried out through a mix of hard data and community feedback. The number of trained SPOs and newly established stakepools serve as direct, quantifiable indicators of our program's success.

For the less tangible goal of promoting diversity and decentralization, we'll monitor community feedback, participation in our community platform, and the degree of engagement of our trained SPOs in the Cardano community.

[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:

Milestone 1:

• Tasks: Market research into the location and demographics of potential African SPOs, understanding their needs and challenges, formation of the project team, and develop an outline for the training program.
• Success criteria: Completion of market research, formation of the team, and training program outline.
• Projected Cost: 10% of total budget.

Milestone 2:

• Tasks: Develop the training curriculum, partnerships with relevant communities and organizations, and set up the online platform for course delivery.
• Success criteria: Completion of the curriculum, setup of the online platform, and successful partnerships initiated.
• Projected Cost: 15% of total budget.

Milestone 3:

• Tasks: Initiate marketing efforts to attract participants, and provide ongoing support to participants.
• Success criteria: Registrations for the training program.
• Projected Cost: 10% of total budget.

Milestone 4:

• Tasks: Initiate the training program and monitor participant progress.
• Success criteria: Successful onboarding of participants and observable progress made by them.
• Projected Cost: 30% of total budget.

Milestone 5:

• Tasks: Continue with the training program, preparation for the conclusion and review of the program.
• Success criteria: Continued participant progress, and preparation for the feedback stage.
• Projected Cost: 20% of total budget.

Milestone 6:

• Tasks: Complete the training program, gather feedback, and finalize monitoring cadence for the new stakepools.
• Success criteria: Successful completion of the training program, collection of comprehensive feedback, and monitoring in place for the next 12 months.
• Projected Cost: 15% of total budget.

Project Management:

Projects are typically managed through a series of video meetings at regular intervals and by utilizing the Google suite of products for documentation, data gathering, reporting and analysis. We typically lay out a detailed plan for each project, detailing the sequential steps in order to track progress, set deadlines, and ensure timely completion of tasks.

Additional notes:

Each milestone is expected to take between 1-2 months to complete.

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

Milestone 1:

• Deliverable:
• Market research report on the location, demographics, needs, and challenges of potential African SPOs.
• Outputs:
• Formation of the project team.
• Development of an outline for the training program.
• Intended Outcomes:
• Obtain valuable insights into the target audience and their specific needs and challenges.
• Create a clear roadmap and outline for the training program.

Milestone 2:

• Deliverable:
• Completed training curriculum, established partnerships with relevant communities and organizations, and a functional online platform for course delivery.
• Outputs:
• Development of a comprehensive and engaging training curriculum.
• Formation of partnerships with local communities and organizations.
• Implementation of a user-friendly online platform.
• Intended Outcomes:
• Provide a well-structured and effective training program.
• Foster collaboration and support from key stakeholders.
• Ensure easy accessibility and seamless delivery of the program materials via a suitable platform.

Milestone 3:

• Deliverable:
• Marketing efforts initiated and registrations for the training program.
• Outputs:
• Successful marketing campaigns and activities.
• Adequate participant registration numbers.
• Intended Outcomes:
• Attract a range of participants to the training program.
• Generate awareness and interest in the program.
• Build a strong and engaged community of participants.

Milestone 4:

• Deliverable:
• Initiated training program and monitored participant progress.
• Outputs:
• Smooth program implementation with active participant engagement.
• Regular monitoring of participant performance and progress.
• Intended Outcomes:
• Provide an enriching and impactful learning experience for participants.
• Track participant development and ensure their successful onboarding.

Milestone 5:

• Deliverable:
• Continued training program delivery and preparation for the conclusion and review of the program.
• Outputs:
• Ongoing program delivery with updated content and resources.
• Documentation prepared for the conclusion and review phase.
• Intended Outcomes:
• Sustain participant engagement and progress throughout the program.
• Prepare for feedback collection and program evaluation.

Milestone 6:

• Deliverable:
• Completed training program, comprehensive feedback gathered, and established monitoring system for new stakepools.
• Outputs:
• Successful completion of the training program.
• Implementation of a monitoring system for new stakepools.
• Intended Outcomes:
• Assess the overall impact and effectiveness of the training program.
• Identify strengths, areas for improvement, and potential revisions.
• Support the establishment and growth of new stakepools through a robust monitoring process.

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

Proposal Budget Breakdown:

• Curriculum Development: 30000₳
• Website and Online Learning Platform: 10000₳
• Program Management and Coordination: 50000₳
• Marketing and Student Recruitment: 30000₳
• Training Program Instructors and Materials: 50000₳
• Stakepool Setup Assistance: 30000₳
• Administration and Operational Costs: 45000₳
• Contingency: 15000₳
• Total: 260000₳

Fund 10 Milestones Budget

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

The cost of the project is justified by aligning it with the expected outcomes and impact on the Cardano ecosystem. Each milestone's cost has been determined based on an analysis of the project's requirements and the resources needed to achieve its objectives effectively. Market rates, complexity of tasks, and necessary investments have been considered to ensure that the costs are proportional to the value they bring.

The project's value for money is demonstrated through its potential long-term benefits and positive impact on the ecosystem. The costs are justified by the outcomes, such as attracting participants, fostering collaboration, and empowering African SPOs.

By investing in these areas, we strengthen the ecosystem's growth, decentralization, and the establishment of new stakepools. The cost structure has been evaluated in relation to its potential to bring sustainable value to the Cardano community.

Overall, the project's costs are well-justified and reflect a strategic investment in the growth and success of the Cardano ecosystem.

[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