Boosting Productivity and Impact of Cardano Africa Academy

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

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

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

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

This proposal seeks to solve the dual challenge of enhancing content quality we deliver/capture and also promoting diversity (active women participation) in blockchain education across Africa.

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

[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?

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

All outputs and reports generated during the execution of this project when funded will be publicly available for the community.

[METADATA] Horizons

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Perception of the Problem:

The low active participation and access to blockchain technology among African students, particularly women, hinders their potential for personal and professional growth. Additionally, the absence of quality recording gadgets limits the reach and impact of our educational initiatives.

Approach Rationale:

We're addressing this issue by organizing targeted educational events to empower young African women with knowledge of Cardano, while also investing in high-quality recording gadgets. This dual approach ensures both the dissemination of valuable information and the capture of quality content for broader dissemination.

Engagement:

Our project will engage young african women students (Ghana & Kenya) interested in blockchain technology and its applications. We'll also collaborate with industry professionals, blockchain enthusiasts, and Cardano ecosystem stakeholders to provide mentorship and networking opportunities, while ensuring that the educational content reaches a wider audience through efficient recording.

Demonstrating Impact:

We'll measure our impact through various metrics, including the number of female participants educated and empowered through our workshops and how they engage with the various cardano platforms

Uniqueness of Solution:

Our solution not only focuses on empowering young African women with blockchain education but also recognizes the importance of quality content capture for broader dissemination. By investing in recording gadgets, we ensure that the educational content reaches a wider audience, thereby maximizing its impact. This holistic approach aligns with Cardano's commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation within its ecosystem

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The Cardano Africa Academy has been pivotal in driving blockchain education and adoption in Africa. Through our various initiatives, we have empowered individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital economy. With the proposed expansion, we aim to amplify our impact in the wider cardano community in the following ways:

Quality Content Capture:

Acquisition of recording gadgets ensures high-quality content production, enriching educational materials for the Cardano community.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Hosting Meetup events specifically for women promotes diversity within the Cardano ecosystem, fostering a more inclusive community.

Enhanced Engagement:

High-quality events and content elevate engagement levels, strengthening connections and participation within the Cardano community.

Increased Reach:

By equipping our hub with recording gadgets and cameras, we will be able to extend the reach of our events beyond physical boundaries.

Enhanced Engagement: High-quality recording equipment will elevate the production value of our Meetup events, making them more engaging and compelling for attendees, whether they join in person or virtual.

Diversity and Inclusion: Organizing two Meetup events specifically for women in blockchain is a critical step towards fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry.

Community Growth:

My mission as a Cardano Ambassador is to empower 50 young young African women with knowledge of Cardano's governance, fostering a diverse and inclusive ecosystem.

Knowledge and Awareness:

Targeted events will educate and empower Ghana & Kenya ladies about Cardano's benefits, opening doors for personal and professional growth.

Collaboration and Networking:

These events offer platforms for women to connect with industry professionals, driving innovation and partnerships within Cardano.

Adoption and Usage:

By educating, engaging and empowering women, we aim to increase Cardano's governance adoption in Africa, contributing to its overall growth and usage.

Solving Key Problems:

We bridge the knowledge gap for African women, empowering them with valuable skills and opportunities in blockchain technology.

Additional Benefits:

• Empowered participants can propose ideas in project catalyst and Intersect grants.
• Attain much knowledge about Cardano's governance (Intersect) etc.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

As a Cardano ambassador, I am committed to delivering the project with high levels of trust and accountability. As an active ambassador, I possess a fair understanding of Cardano's technology, principles and what it stands for from a broader perspective.

My contributions to the cardano ecosystem is well known and appreciated by the cardano community.

This expertise enables me to contribute valuable insights and guidance to the project.

My knowledge of Cardano's capabilities and goals ensures that the project aligns with the vision and values of the Cardano community, fostering trust and accountability.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

First Milestone: Purchase of Recording Gadgets

Outputs:

• Purchase of high-quality cameras, lighting equipment, and audio gear.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Purchase of all required recording gadgets within the allocated budget.
• Receipts and invoices provided as evidence of purchase.
• Snapshots of gadgets purchased

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Presentation of receipts and invoices for the purchased recording gadgets.
• Demonstration of functionality and quality of the equipment through sample recordings.

Second Milestone: Organizing First Meetup Event for 25 Women in Ghana

Outputs:

• Successful planning and execution of meetup event with 25 participants.
• Engaging agenda including networking sessions, panel discussions, and workshops.
• Handout summarizing discussion topics for each workshop.
• PowerPoint presentation slides prepared for the event.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Confirmation of venue booking and logistical arrangements.
• Attendance of at least 25 participants at each meetup event.
• Execution of engaging agenda with positive feedback from attendees.
• 80% of participants joining various governance working groups on Intersect discord
• At least 80% of attendees registering on Ideascale for engagement.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Pictures and video clips showcasing a successful meetup.
• Submission of a post-workshop report to Catalyst, including the number of participants and platforms accounts created etc.

Final Milestone: Organizing Second Meetup Event for 25 Women in Kenya

Outputs:

• Successful planning and execution of meetup event with 25 participants.
• Engaging agenda including networking sessions, panel discussions, and workshops.
• Handout summarizing discussion topics for each workshop.
• PowerPoint presentation slides prepared for the event.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Confirmation of venue booking and logistical arrangements.
• Attendance of at least 25 participants at each meetup event.
• Execution of engaging agenda with positive feedback from attendees.
• 80% of participants joining various governance working groups on Intersect discord
• At least 80% of attendees registering on Ideascale for engagement.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Pictures and video clips showcasing a successful meetup.
• Submission of a post-workshop report to Catalyst, including the number of participants and platforms accounts created etc..
• Close out report is completed and submitted to the catalyst team

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Jeremiah Baani is the team Lead of the project and a Cardano Ambassador in Ghana. He is also the Coordinating Lead for Cardano Africa Academy. He has held over 15 cardano major meetups in Ghana and beyond and have exposed over 1000 students to the cardano Blockchain and its opportunities across Ghana over the past two years. Click me

He also launched the Cardano Kenya community in April, 2024.

He has trained close to over 50 active proposal assessors and VPAs from previous catalyst funding rounds through his in person and virtual workshops.

He is an IT professional and educator, and also the CEO of a small IT startup, Center for Technology Education and Innovation Lab-Cteil.

He hosted the Cardano summits 2022 & 2023 community led event in Tamale and Kumasi respectively.

• Email: jerrybnjbnj@gmail.com
• check out my X handle: click here
• Check out some shots from my Cardano Events: click here
• check out excerpts of my hosting of the Cardano summit 2022: click here
• Excerpts from Kenya Cardano Community Launch: Click here

Afia Owusu

A member of Wada community and active Cardano and Catalyst Community Member since Fund 6, Coordinator of Catalyst Africa Town Hall (CATH) and Accra Resource Centre. Afia has been a CA since F7 and a vCA in F8. Afia holds an MSc in Management Information Systems from the University of Lancaster, UK, and a BSC. (Hons) in Natural Resources Management, University of Science and Technology (UST), Kumasi, Ghana. Afia is a Ghanaian, currently exploring new areas of sustainable development including blockchain education. Her interest is to educate and create awareness in communities to improve livelihood options among local people.

She will play a key role as a resource person in our meetup that will be held in Ghana.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/afia-owusu-04911816/

X: @AfiaOwusu13

Benjamin Baani 

A cardano community event enthusiast and was a speaker at the 2022 Cardano Summit in Tamale, Ghana. PA and vPA in project catalyst for a while now. CT member. And Lead for Startups & Onboarding Challenge Team and a proof of Life Member in fund11.

X: click here

Benjamin will also be a speaker and will directly work with the operations team for successful events.

Additional Team formation:

We will constitute an additional team to help in facilitating and coordinating for the success of the two events (Ghana & Kenya) and also the purchase of the media gadgets.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Budget Breakdown for Purchasing of Meetup Gadgets and Hosting 2 Meetup Events:

High-quality Camera and Lenses:

• Cost of camera: 12,000 ADA
• Cost of 2 lenses: 5,000 ADA

Professional Lighting Equipment and Audio Gear:

• Cost: 10,000 ADA

Total Cost: 27,000 ADA

Two (2) Governance Meetup Events for Ladies (Ghana & Kenya):

• Venue Rental and Logistics: 3,000 ADA
• Swag (cardano branded items eg. t-shirts, tags, etc.): 4,500 ADA
• Honorariums for resource persons: 2,000 ADA
• Marketing and Promotional Materials: 2,000 ADA
• Refreshments and Catering: 5,000 ADA
• Transport and accommodation for team: 4,500 ADA
• Contingencies: 2000 ADA

Total Cost for Two Events: 23,000 ADA

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

The proposed budget represents excellent value for the Cardano community considering its intended outcomes. Investing in high-quality camera equipment ensures the production of professional-grade content, enhancing the educational experience for participants. Similarly, allocating resources for meetup events demonstrates a commitment to community engagement and empowerment, particularly for women in blockchain. By facilitating networking, knowledge sharing, and fostering inclusivity, the proposed budget aligns with Cardano's mission of building a robust and diverse ecosystem.

Additionally, the inclusion of contingencies reflects prudent financial planning, ensuring smooth event execution and mitigating unforeseen challenges. Overall, the budget allocation of 47,000 ADA signifies a strategic investment in achieving the project's objectives, maximizing impact, and delivering long-term value to the Cardano community.