Cardano-Powered Blockchain Education Initiative: Bridging Coding Education Gaps in Northern Nigeria

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Barnabas Zakariya

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

Individual

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

9

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

No

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

I'll bring coding education to Northern Nigeria, bridging the tech gap through boot camps, online learning, and strategic partnerships for inclusive opportunities.

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

The project outputs, including curriculum, materials, and platform code, will be open source. This decision is rooted in my commitment to transparency and collaboration. All resources created, such as those for hands-on boot camps and workshops, will be freely accessible, inviting contributions and enabling adaptability. By adopting an open-source approach, I aim to empower individuals, educators, and developers, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for coding education. This inclusive strategy extends to potential partnerships with secondary schools, offering a customizable curriculum to meet their specific needs. In essence, the open-source nature of the project signifies a personal dedication to democratizing coding education and creating a sustainable, community-driven initiative.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

The proposed solution involves establishing a comprehensive coding education initiative tailored for Northern Nigeria. Recognizing the critical gap in programming and coding education, the project aims to introduce hands-on boot camps and workshops with a curriculum emphasizing practical, real-world applications. This approach addresses the inherent limitations of the formal education system and focuses on skill development. The unique aspect of the solution lies in its open-source nature, fostering transparency, collaboration, and community empowerment. By sharing curriculum, educational materials, and platform code openly, the initiative invites educators, developers, and the wider community to contribute, adapt, and improve the project continually. This inclusivity not only ensures a high standard of quality but also promotes diverse perspectives and expertise. The project will engage individuals in secondary schools and out-of-school children, particularly those in underprivileged communities, fostering an environment where coding skills become accessible and practical. Through strategic partnerships with secondary schools and camps, the initiative envisions customizable curriculum development, ensuring adaptability to unique educational needs. Demonstrating impact will involve tracking the number of participants, assessing skill development through project completions, and measuring community contributions to the open-source materials. Additionally, the impact will be evaluated by monitoring the successful integration of coding skills into the participants' educational and professional pursuits. The importance of this solution to Cardano lies in its alignment with Cardano's principles of decentralization, inclusivity, and education. By democratizing coding education in Northern Nigeria, the project contributes to Cardano's mission of fostering a global ecosystem that empowers individuals and communities through decentralized technology. The open-source nature ensures that the benefits extend beyond geographical boundaries, promoting a sustainable and collaborative approach to education.

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

The coding education initiative aims to bring significant value to the Cardano community by fostering skill development and growth, promoting diversity and inclusion, and encouraging open-source contributions. Success will be measured through quantitative metrics such as participant enrollment, completion rates, and open-source contributions, complemented by qualitative indicators like testimonials and success stories. Outputs, including educational materials and platform code, will be openly shared through public repositories, community engagement channels, and collaborative workshops. The project seeks to inspire similar initiatives within the Cardano community and beyond, aligning with Cardano's principles of decentralization, inclusivity, and education.

[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?

My educational background in Computer Science and Engineering, coupled with my current engagement in teaching the community's children about the latest technology, positions me as a capable leader for this project. My hands-on experience in technology education demonstrates a strong foundation for delivering effective coding programs. To validate feasibility, I plan to leverage my community engagement as a pilot, gathering insights and adjusting the approach accordingly. Trust and accountability will be ensured through transparent financial reporting, regular project updates, and leveraging community partnerships to enhance project impact.

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

Curriculum Development and Platform Setup [1 Month]

Description: Develop the initial coding curriculum tailored for Northern Nigeria, emphasizing practical applications. Set up the online learning platform for educational materials and interactive content.

Outputs:

1. Completed coding curriculum.
2. Functioning online learning platform.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. The curriculum is comprehensive, aligning with the project's objectives and catering to the target audience's educational needs.
2. The online learning platform is accessible, user-friendly, and capable of hosting interactive content.

Test-run Coding Workshops and Bootcamps [1 month]

Description: Conduct pilot coding bootcamps and workshops in a smaller scale to gather feedback, assess effectiveness, and make necessary adjustments for scalability.

Outputs:

1. Completed pilot coding bootcamps and workshops.
2. Feedback and insights from participants.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Successful completion of pilot programs, demonstrating engagement and learning outcomes.
2. Collection of feedback from participants, providing valuable insights for improvements.

Full-Scale Implementation of Coding Education Program [2 Months]

Description: Launch full-scale coding bootcamps and workshops, extending the initiative's reach to secondary schools and street children in Northern Nigeria.

Outputs:

1. Completed full-scale coding education programs.
2. Increased participation and engagement.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Successful execution of coding bootcamps and workshops on a larger scale, with positive feedback from participants.
2. Increased enrollment and participation from secondary schools and street children.

Community Outreach and Partnerships [2 Months]

Description: Strengthen community engagement, build strategic partnerships with local schools, and expand the project's visibility.

Outputs:

1. Increased community awareness and engagement.
2. Established partnerships with local educational institutions.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Successful execution of community outreach initiatives, demonstrated by increased awareness and participation.
2. Confirmation of partnerships with local schools and educational institutions.

Impact Assessment and Future Roadmap [2 Months]

Description: Conduct a comprehensive impact assessment, gather success stories, and develop a roadmap for the sustainability and future expansion of the coding education initiative.

Outputs:

1. Impact assessment report.
2. Future roadmap for the sustainability and expansion of the project.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Completion of a thorough impact assessment, showcasing the positive outcomes and lessons learned.
2. Development of a clear and realistic roadmap for the sustainability and future growth of the coding education initiative.

Final Project Completion Report [1 Months]

Description: The project's overall outcomes, challenges, and the impact it has had on the community. Also included are a final report and a video showcasing key milestones and success stories.

Outputs:

1. Final project completion report.
2. Video presentation summarizing the project.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. A comprehensive final report providing insights into the project's achievements, challenges, and impact.
2. A well-produced video summarizing key milestones and sharing success stories from the coding education initiative.

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

Project Team:

1. Barnabas Zakariya

• Role: Project Lead
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barnabaszaka/
• Responsibilities: Oversee the entire project, manage team communication, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure the successful implementation of the decentralized platform.

As of now, I am the sole member of the project team, and I plan to recruit individuals with specific skills to ensure the successful completion of the project once funding is secured. I have engaged potential team members through Facebook, Discord, and WhatsApp to form a skilled and diverse team. The proposed team includes an educational specialist for curriculum development, a technical instructor for hands-on training, a community engagement coordinator for partnerships, a financial manager for budgeting, and a technical advisor for insights into decentralized systems. The engagement process involves assessing interest, skills, and availability, ensuring alignment with the project's goals. Verification steps, including sharing LinkedIn profiles, will be taken to demonstrate the team's credibility and commitment to the successful implementation of the coding education initiative in Northern Nigeria.

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

1. Educational Specialist (Curriculum Development): Hiring a part-time educational specialist with expertise in technology education (5077.86 Ada)
2. Technical Instructor (Hands-on Training): Compensation for coding instructors for the duration of the training, bootcamps, and seminars, all of which I am participating in (7616.78 Ada)
3. Community Engagement Coordinator: Outreach activities, partnership building, and coordination efforts (5077.86 Ada)
4. Financial Manager: Part-time financial manager for budgeting, reporting, and financial oversight (5077.86 Ada)
5. Technical Advisor: Advisory services from a technology industry professional (5077.86 Ada)
6. Online Learning Platform Subscription: Subscription to an online learning platform for hosting educational materials and interactive content (5077.86 Ada)
7. Marketing and Community Engagement: Social media campaigns, promotional materials, and community engagement initiatives (2538.93 Ada)
8. Miscellaneous Expenses: Unforeseen expenses, minor software tools, and contingencies (6347.32 Ada)
9. Laptops for Competition Winners: Purchase of laptops for individuals without access, organized through competition, and four months of free data subscriptions for competition winners (8886.25 Ada)

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

The costs outlined in the budget reflect a meticulous consideration of the project's unique requirements and the local context of Northern Nigeria. The value for money is inherent in the strategic allocation of funds, ensuring the successful implementation of the Coding Education Initiative. Here's how the costs align with the project's objectives and provide value to the Cardano ecosystem:

-Local Context Consideration:

• The costs take into account the economic conditions of Northern Nigeria, ensuring that financial resources are allocated responsibly and sustainably.

-Expertise and Quality:

• Compensation for educational specialists, coding instructors, and a technical advisor reflects a commitment to quality education. The costs are benchmarked against industry standards to attract and retain skilled professionals, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality coding curriculum.

-Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Significant funds are allocated to community engagement, outreach, and partnership building. This reflects the understanding that creating lasting impact requires active involvement with the local community and educational institutions.

-Transparent Budgeting:

• The budget includes explicit categories for miscellaneous expenses, laptops for competition winners, and data subscriptions, demonstrating transparency and accountability. This ensures that unexpected needs and community-centric initiatives are addressed without compromising the overall project goals.

-Inclusive Initiatives:

• The allocation for laptops and data subscriptions, particularly organized through a competition, showcases a commitment to inclusivity. By providing tangible incentives, the project aims to bridge the digital divide and create equal opportunities for all participants, aligning with Cardano's principles of inclusivity and empowerment.

-Efficient Project Management:

• The budget includes a part-time financial manager to oversee budgeting and financial reporting. This investment ensures efficient fund utilization, contributing to the sustainability and success of the initiative.

-Value for Money and Lasting Impact:

• The overall project cost represents a sound investment in creating a lasting impact on technology education in Northern Nigeria. The budget is not just an expense but an investment in empowering individuals with practical coding skills, contributing to the growth of the local tech ecosystem, and aligning with Cardano's vision of positive societal change through technology.

The budget represents a comprehensive evaluation of the project's requirements, in accordance with industry norms and the local environment. It reflects a wise and planned investment of resources to enable the effective implementation of the Coding Education Initiative, while also giving actual value for money within the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund 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