Cardano Project Catalyst for Ghanaian Tech Hubs

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Mohammed Mustapha Yakubu

[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)

3

[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)

Empower 150 developers; 50 each from HOPin Academy, HapaSpace and Ghana Tech Lab, through a non-technical Cardano onboarding initiative, fostering Cardano education and developer engagement in Ghana.

[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

Project will be fully open source.

[METADATA] SDG rating

The proposal aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering education, economic growth, and technological innovation. Specifically, it addresses:

1. Quality Education (SDG 4): Empowering 150 developers enhances their skills, contributing to quality education in the technology sector.
2. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): By onboarding developers, the proposal stimulates economic growth and creates employment opportunities within the blockchain and Cardano ecosystem
3. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): The initiative supports technological innovation by integrating developers into the Cardano blockchain, contributing to robust industry infrastructure
4. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): Collaboration with tech hubs strengthens partnerships, fostering a collective effort toward sustainable development through blockchain education
5. The project's impact on these SDGs emphasizes its role in advancing global goals for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

Our proposed solution addresses the absence of blockchain education in Ghanaian tech hubs, hindering developer engagement and Cardano adoption. Recognizing this gap, our approach focuses on a 3-month non-technical Cardano onboarding initiative.

Problem Perception:

Ghanaian tech hubs lack exposure to blockchain education, limiting developer participation in emerging technologies like Cardano.

Reasoning:

We choose a non-technical approach to democratize access, making Cardano education inclusive and accessible. This strategy ensures a broader developer audience engagement.

Engagement:

The project targets 150 developers across HOPin Academy, HapaSpace, and Ghana Tech Lab, fostering a diverse and skilled community within the Cardano ecosystem.

Impact Demonstration:

Impact will be showcased through measurable metrics, including the number of developers onboarded, engagement levels, and post-program success stories. A robust evaluation framework will validate our impact.

Uniqueness:

Our initiative stands out for its non-technical focus, making Cardano education approachable to a wider audience. By collaborating with major tech hubs, we ensure a sustainable and widespread impact.

Beneficiaries:

Developers, tech hubs, and the Cardano ecosystem benefit. Empowered developers enhance Cardano's talent pool, fostering innovation and growth.

Importance to Cardano:

This initiative aligns with Cardano's vision of inclusivity and global participation, ensuring that diverse talents contribute to the ecosystem's success. It reinforces Cardano's commitment to education, community building, and sustainable growth.

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

Positive Impact:

Our project enriches the Cardano community by expanding its developer base, fostering diversity, and promoting widespread blockchain education. The success of our initiative will bring value in several ways:

1. Increased Developer Pool: By onboarding 150 developers, we augment Cardano's talent pool, enhancing the ecosystem's capacity for innovation and development.
2. Diversity and Inclusion: Engaging developers from different tech hubs promotes diversity, ensuring a variety of perspectives and skill sets contribute to Cardano's growth in Ghana.
3. Educational Contribution: The project's educational focus strengthens the understanding of Cardano within the community, fostering informed contributions and collaboration

Measurement of Impact:

We will employ both quantitative and qualitative metrics to measure impact:

1. Quantitative Metrics:

• The number of developers onboarded.
• Participation levels in Cardano-related activities.
• Increased use of Cardano tools and resources.

2. Qualitative Metrics:

• Developer testimonials and feedback.
• Success stories and projects initiated by onboarded developers.
• Surveys assessing the perceived value and impact of the onboarding initiative.

Sharing Outputs:

Outputs and opportunities resulting from the project will be shared through:

1. Community Reports: Regular reports detailing progress, achievements, and challenges will be shared with the Cardano community via: https://x.com/cardanoghana
2. Webinars and Workshops: Hosting sessions to share insights, best practices, and success stories, providing educational opportunities for the wider community
3. Social Media and Forums: Utilizing platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and official Cardano forums to share updates, engage with the community, and encourage discussions around the project's impact.
4. Collaboration Opportunities: Actively seeking collaborations with other Cardano projects and initiatives, amplifying the overall positive impact within the Cardano ecosystem.

[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?

Capability & Feasibility:

Existing Capabilities:

Our project leverages a robust foundation of capabilities to ensure successful delivery and foster trust:

1. Experienced Project Manager: Mohammed Mustapha Yakubu, a seasoned Cardano advocate and Ambassador since December 2022, leads the initiative.
2. Established Community Presence: The Cardano Ghana Community, founded by Mohammed, boasts an active team and engaged community members.
3. Educational Initiatives: Previous Cardano meetups and annual Cardano Summit co-hosting demonstrate our commitment to education and community building.

Trust and Accountability:

To validate our approach and ensure accountability, we will implement the following steps:

1. Transparent Budgeting: A detailed and transparent budget will be provided, outlining how funds will be allocated to each aspect of the project.
2. Regular Reporting: We commit to providing regular progress reports, including achievements, challenges, and key milestones.
3. Community Engagement: Involving the Cardano community in decision-making and seeking feedback enhances transparency.
4. Measurable Metrics: The project's success will be measured through quantifiable metrics, such as the number of developers onboarded and their subsequent contributions to the Cardano ecosystem.

By combining experienced leadership, an active community, and a commitment to transparency, our project is feasible and poised to deliver significant value to the Cardano community.

Some events here:

1. https://forum.cardano.org/t/cardano-meetup-at-a-university-campus/114697

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

Milestone 1: Engaging, Educating, and Onboarding Developers from HOPin Academy, Tamale - Ghana

Description:

Initiate the onboarding process for developers at HOPin Academy, Tamale, to integrate them into Cardano's Project Catalyst.

Milestone Output(s):

1. Conduct a series of introductory workshops and sessions on Cardano's fundamental
2. Facilitate active participation and engagement of at least 50 developers from HOPin Academy
3. Distribute educational resources and materials to enhance developers' understanding of Cardano in Ghana.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. 80% attendance rate from targeted developers at the introductory workshop
2. Submission of feedback forms indicating a satisfactory level of understanding and interest in Cardano.
3. Confirmation of at least 50 developers successfully creating and setting up Cardano wallets, demonstrating practical onboarding.

Successful completion of Milestone 1 will signify a solid foundation for ongoing engagement and education within the HOPin Academy community, contributing to the project's overall goal of onboarding 150 developers across all three tech hubs.

Milestone 2: Engaging, Educating, and Onboarding Developers from HapaSpace, Kumasi - Ghana

Description:

Execute the onboarding process for developers at HapaSpace, Kumasi, fostering their integration into Cardano's Project Catalyst.

Milestone Output(s):

1. Conduct targeted workshops and educational sessions tailored for the HapaSpace developer community.
2. Ensure active engagement and participation from at least 50 developer
3. Distribute educational materials, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of Cardano and its ecosystem.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Achieve an attendance rate of 75% or higher in the workshops organized for HapaSpace developer
2. Collect feedback indicating a positive reception of Cardano concepts and a willingness to explore further.
3. Verify that a minimum of 50 developers complete practical onboarding tasks, such as creating a Cardano wallet.

Completion of Milestone 2 signifies a significant step towards the overall goal, contributing to the diverse engagement and education of developers across various tech hubs in Ghana.

Final Milestone: Engaging, Educating, and Onboarding Developers from Ghana Tech Lab (GTL), Accra - Ghana

Description:

Conclude the onboarding process for developers at Ghana Tech Lab (GTL), achieving the overarching goal of educating, engaging, and onboarding 150 developers across the three major tech hubs in Ghana.

Milestone Output(s):

1. Implement tailored workshops and educational sessions to effectively engage the Ghana Tech Lab developer community.
2. Ensure active participation and engagement from at least 50 developer
3. Distribute comprehensive educational materials, consolidating understanding and enthusiasm for Cardano.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Attain an attendance rate of 70% or higher in the workshops organized for GTL developer
2. Gather positive feedback indicating a grasp of Cardano principles and a commitment to further exploration.
3. Verify that a minimum of 50 developers complete practical onboarding tasks, demonstrating their readiness to contribute to Cardano's Project Catalyst.

Final Project Goal Achievement:

Upon successful completion of the Final Milestone, the project will realize its overarching goal of educating, engaging, and onboarding 150 developers from HOPin Academy, HapaSpace, and Ghana Tech Lab into Cardano's Project Catalyst. This achievement marks a significant contribution to Cardano's developer ecosystem and its growth within the Ghanaian tech community.

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

Team:

1. Mohammed Mustapha Yakubu

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mohammed-mustapha-yakubu)
• Role: Project Manager
• Responsibilities: Overseeing the entire project, leveraging extensive experience as a Cardano Ambassador and Funded Proposer for Catalyst Fund 9 and Fund 10.

2.Osman Mohammed (Cardano Ghana)

• Role: Community Liaison
• Responsibilities: Facilitating communication between the project team and the broader Cardano community, ensuring transparency and engagement.

3.Seidu Ziblim (Cardano Ghana)

• Role: Onboarding Specialist & Media Person
• Responsibilities: Managing the practical onboarding process, guiding developers in setting up Cardano wallets, and providing technical support.

4.Adam Alhassan (Cardano Ghana)

• Role: Documentation and Reporting
• Responsibilities: Compiling progress reports, documenting key milestones, and ensuring transparent communication of project activities.

Each team member brings unique skills and expertise, collectively contributing to the success of the proposal by efficiently managing and executing their respective responsibilities.

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

Budget Breakdown:

1. Educational Workshops:

• Workshop materials, venue rental, and logistics.
• Cost: 15,000 ADA.

2. Onboarding Resources:

• Development of educational content, documentation, and onboarding tools.
• Cost: 10,000 ADA.

3. Community Engagement:

• Marketing materials, social media promotion, and community outreach.
• Cost: 8,000 ADA.

4. Project Management:

• Coordination, communication tools, and project oversight.
• Cost: 7,000 ADA.

5. Documentation and Reporting:

• Compilation of progress reports, documentation tools, and reporting.
• Cost: 5,000 ADA.

6. Contingency Fund:

• Unforeseen expenses or adjustments to the project plan.
• Cost: 5,000 ADA.

Total Budget: 50,000 ADA

Third-Party Services:

No third-party services requiring additional costs are anticipated. All proposed activities can be effectively managed by the internal project team.

Alternative Funding Sources:

In case the project exceeds the 50,000 ADA budget, potential alternative funding sources may include partnerships with local organizations or seeking additional community support. However, the proposed budget is designed to cover all aspects of the project effectively.

The project team is committed to responsible fund management, ensuring transparency, and maximizing the impact of the allocated resources.

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

Value for Money Explanation:

The cost breakdown for the proposed project represents a judicious allocation of resources, ensuring maximum value for the Cardano ecosystem. Here's why the costs are justified:

1. Educational Workshops (15,000 ADA):

• Justification: The expense covers venue rental, materials, and logistics for comprehensive workshops. This investment directly contributes to effective education and engagement, a fundamental aspect of expanding the Cardano developer community.

2. Onboarding Resources (10,000 ADA):

• Justification: This cost supports the development of high-quality educational content, documentation, and onboarding tools. Investing in these resources ensures a smooth onboarding process, facilitating active and sustainable participation.

3. Community Engagement (8,000 ADA):

• Justification: Marketing materials, social media promotion, and community outreach are crucial for creating awareness and fostering community engagement. This investment aligns with Cardano's commitment to inclusivity and global participation.

4. Project Management (7,000 ADA):

• Justification: Efficient project management is essential for successful execution. This cost includes coordination, communication tools, and oversight, ensuring the project stays on schedule and meets its objectives.

5. Documentation and Reporting (5,000 ADA):

• Justification: Transparent reporting is key to accountability and community trust. This budget covers the compilation of progress reports and documentation tools, providing clear insights into the project's impact.

6. Contingency Fund (5,000 ADA):

• Justification: Unforeseen expenses can arise during project implementation. The contingency fund ensures adaptability and flexibility, allowing the project to respond effectively to unexpected challenges.

Cost Justification:

The costs are determined based on a realistic assessment of the requirements for each aspect of the project. While not directly tied to average wages or freelance rates, the budget is aligned with the goals and impact expected, ensuring a balanced and impactful use of the allocated 50,000 ADA.

In summary, the proposed costs are proportional to the project's ambitions, reflecting a commitment to delivering value for money and making a substantial contribution to the growth and inclusivity of 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