Cardano Students Community in Ethiopia.

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Tihitna Tesfaye

[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)

6

[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)

Establish a Cardano student community in Ethiopian Universities, providing comprehensive blockchain education and fostering Cardano adoption.

[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 success of the project depends on collaboration and support from various organizations, both technical and non-technical. Key dependencies include Ethiopian universities for hosting events and engaging students, and collaboration with Cardano developers for expertise.

[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's outputs will be fully open source. This means that all educational materials, resources, and any other deliverables will be made accessible to the public. The intention is to contribute transparently to the Cardano community, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

[METADATA] SDG rating

The project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. Quality Education: Providing comprehensive blockchain education empowers participants with valuable skills, contributing to quality education.
2. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Promoting blockchain education fosters innovation and sustainable infrastructure in the blockchain industry.
3. Partnerships for the Goals: The project relies on partnerships with universities, Cardano developers, key opinion leaders, and enterprise partners, emphasizing the importance of collaborations for sustainable development.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

The proposed solution aims to establish a vibrant Cardano Students Community within Ethiopian universities, building on the success of our previous initiative, Cardano Education for Ethiopian Universities, which received funding in the fund10.

The proposed solution is to establish a comprehensive education initiative, the "Cardano Students Community in Ethiopian Universities." This initiative focuses on blockchain technology and the Cardano platform. It includes regular meetups, seminars, and workshops covering blockchain fundamentals and Cardano-specific topics. Additionally, it incorporates guest lectures, project development support, networking events, and a range of educational activities to empower participants with blockchain knowledge and skills. The ultimate goal is to bridge the knowledge gap, inspire creativity, and create a pathway for individuals to explore career opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures in the blockchain industry.

Education Curriculum Development: The project will design a comprehensive curriculum covering blockchain fundamentals and Cardano-specific topics. From basic concepts like blockchain technology and wallet usage to advanced courses in smart contract development using Marlowe, Plutus, Lucid, and Mesh, the curriculum will cater to students, faculty, and the wider community.

Engagement through Meetups and Seminars: Regular meetups and seminars will be organized on campus, fostering a deeper understanding of Cardano. Basic courses on Haskell, wallet creation, and staking will be complemented by advanced topics, including token creation, NFT development, and integration with existing infrastructure.

Guest Lectures and Workshops: Key opinion leaders and industry experts from the Cardano ecosystem will be invited to deliver guest lectures and workshops. These sessions will provide insights into Cardano's real-world applications, encouraging discussions and fostering connections within the Ethiopian Cardano community.

Project Development Support and Mentorship: The initiative will offer mentorship and guidance to students and researchers interested in developing blockchain-based projects on the Cardano platform. Participants will have access to development resources, educational materials, and support from the broader Cardano developer community.

Networking Events: To facilitate connections between participants and professionals in the blockchain and Cardano space, networking events will be organized. These events will encourage collaboration, idea sharing, and potential internship or employment opportunities within the blockchain industry.

Measurement of Success: The success of the project will be measured through key metrics, including the total count of students onboarded, the quantity and quality of STEM projects submitted, workshop attendance, student interest in Cardano and Project Catalyst, feedback and surveys, collaborations and partnerships established, and long-term impact on participants' careers or entrepreneurial ventures in the blockchain industry.

The proposed solution not only addresses the challenge of blockchain education and awareness in Ethiopian universities but also brings tangible benefits to the Cardano ecosystem by expanding its reach, nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and building a strong and engaged community.

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

The project's positive impact on the wider Cardano community includes:

1. Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about Cardano and blockchain technology among students, faculty, and the wider community.
2. Talent Development: Empowering participants with valuable skills and knowledge, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce for the Cardano ecosystem.
3. Innovation and Project Development: Fostering innovation and creativity by providing mentorship and support for blockchain-based projects on the Cardano platform.
4. Community Engagement: Promoting the formation of a vibrant community of blockchain enthusiasts, students, faculty, and industry professionals through various events and activities.
5. Adoption and Ecosystem Growth: Encouraging the integration of Cardano within the Ethiopian university ecosystem, potentially leading to increased adoption, partnerships, and practical implementations within existing websites and enterprise infrastructure.

Continued Impact from Previous Funding: [Cardano Education for Ethiopian Universities], which received funding in the fund10.

• Building on the success of our previous initiative, [Cardano Education for Ethiopian Universities], we aim to amplify the positive impact within the Cardano community. The knowledge and experiences gained from the previous project serve as a foundation, propelling us to further enhance education, innovation, and community engagement.

This continued commitment reflects our dedication to the Cardano community, leveraging past successes to achieve even greater outcomes in the current initiative. The positive trajectory established through previous funding positions us to make lasting contributions to the Cardano ecosystem, fostering growth, awareness, and meaningful collaboration.

[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?

Our team, composed of Cardano smart contract developers, seasoned software engineers, and university students and instructors, has the expertise to deliver the project with trust and accountability. To validate feasibility, we plan to:

1. Partnerships and Collaborations: Assess interest and support from universities, Cardano Ambassadors, industry professionals, and key opinion leaders.
2. Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess progress, outcomes, and impact throughout the project.

By engaging in collaborations and implementing a thorough monitoring process, we aim to ensure a feasible and accountable approach to project delivery.

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

 Continue with the development of the Education Curriculum. (4 weeks)

• Design and update a previous project contents or curriculum for blockchain fundamentals and Cardano-specific topics.
• Revise and enhance the content or curriculum of a prior project, focusing on blockchain fundamentals and Cardano-specific subjects.
• Continue conducting research on blockchain education in Ethiopian universities.
• Prepare educational resources, materials, and case studies.

Meetups, Seminars, and Basic Courses: Continue organization and delivery. (8 weeks)

• Continue to organize and conduct meetups and seminars focusing on the fundamentals of blockchain.
• Persist in delivering foundational courses on Haskell, wallet creation, Cardano staking, and SPO role development.
• Targeting two universities due to our existing connections and partnerships with students and faculty members in those institutions.

Advanced Courses and Workshops: Continue development and delivery. (8 weeks)

• Revise and expand the content for advanced courses in the preceding project, covering Haskell, Plutus, Lucid, Mesh, smart contracts, token creation, NFTs, DAOS, and integration.
• Continue to organize and conduct advanced courses and workshops.
• Targeting two universities due to our existing connections and partnerships with students and faculty members in those institutions.
• Monitor and evaluate educational initiatives' effectiveness.
• Gather participant feedback.
• Prepare progress reports, a comprehensive project report, and share findings through various channels.

Project Completion Report and Video.(4 weeks)

1. Project Completion Report: A detailed document summarizing the entire project.
2. Project Completion Video: A concise video presentation providing an overview of the project, highlighting key achievements and outcomes.

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

The project team includes:

1, Eyasu Birhanu : Cardano Smart Contract Developer

• Experienced in programming languages such as Plutus, Haskell, Lucid, Mesh and Marlowe to build and deploy smart contracts.
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) Certificate 649c48006b7c38011005aeae
• Responsible for smart contracts and blockchain education
• LinkedIn Profile: EyasuBirhanu

2, Tihitna Tesfaye : Project Coordinator

• Student at Addis Ababa Science And Technology University
• Email:- tihitnatesfaye5@gmail.com
• Coordinate logistics for events, workshops, and networking activities.
• Addis Abeba Science And Technology University Contact:
• E-mail: pir@aastu.edu.et
• Tel: +251 11 888 0610
• Mob:+251 993 – 80 71 78
• P.O.Box: 16417
• Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

3,University Lecturers and Industry Experts (Guest Speakers):

• Role: Guest lecturers and workshop facilitators.
• Responsibilities: Delivering specialized sessions, sharing insights, and providing real-world applications of Cardano.

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

Milestone 1: Continue with the development of the Education Curriculum (9000 Ada)

• 2 Project Coordinators: 3000 ADA
• 2 Plutus smart contract developers and Educational Content creators: 3500 ADA
• Materials and Resources: 1000 ADA

total: 7500

Milestone 2: Meetups, Seminars, and Basic Courses

• 2 Project Coordinators: 3000 ADA
• 2 Plutus smart contract developer and Educational Content creates: 3500 ADA
• Equipment and Supplies: 2600 ADA
• Venue Rentals, Audiovisual Support: 1000 ADA
• Promotion: 2000 ADA
• Equipment and Supplies: such as projectors,audio systems, flip charts, stationery, and other materials needed for presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities: 3800 ADA
• Refreshments and Catering: catering services or snacks and beverages : 2000 Ada

total: 17900

Milestone 3: Advanced Courses and Workshops

• Equipment and Supplies: 2000 ADA
• Travel and Accommodation: 3400 ADA
• Surveys and Documentation: 1800 ADA
• 2 Project Coordinators: 3000 ADA
• 2 Plutus smart contract developer and Educational Content creates: 3500 ADA
• Equipment and Supplies: such as projectors,audio systems, flip charts, stationery, and other materials needed for presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities: 3800 ADA
• Travel and accommodation for trainers and speakers: 4000 in Ada
• Refreshments and Catering: catering services or snacks and beverages : 2000 Ada

total: 23500

Milestone 4: Project Completion Report and Video

• surveys, questionnaires, assessment or interview specific to the educational initiatives being evaluated: 2000 ADA
• Reporting and Documentation by Project Coordinators : 3500 ADA
• Project Evaluation, Final Reporting, and online event by Project Coordinators: 3500 ADA

Total : 9000

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

The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem through strategic allocation of resources for educational initiatives, adoption efforts, and community building. Here's how:

1. Education and Skill Development: The project invests in providing comprehensive education on blockchain technology and the Cardano platform. This contributes to the growth of a skilled workforce within the Cardano ecosystem, fostering talent development.
2. Adoption and Awareness: The cost supports activities aimed at promoting Cardano's adoption and raising awareness. By organizing meetups, seminars, and workshops, the project facilitates the dissemination of knowledge and understanding of Cardano's capabilities.
3. Network Expansion: The cost enables networking events and collaborations with industry professionals, key opinion leaders, and other stakeholders. This fosters community growth and strengthens connections within the Cardano ecosystem.
4. Innovation and Projects: The cost supports initiatives that encourage participants to explore and develop projects on the Cardano platform. By fostering innovation, the project drives the creation of practical applications, smart contracts, and other solutions within the ecosystem.

In summary, the project's cost represents a strategic investment in education, adoption, network expansion, innovation, and long-term growth within the Cardano ecosystem. It aligns with the broader goals of Cardano and contributes to the development of a robust and knowledgeable community.

[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