Empowering Ethiopian Developers with Cardano Education and Mentorship

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Surafel Nigusie Gebrekirstous

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

Entity (Incorporated)

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

12

[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)

We will develop and implement a comprehensive Cardano education and mentorship program for Ethiopian developers, fostering a vibrant developer community and driving Cardano adoption across country.

[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 Cardano education and mentorship program will be implemented web-3 hub Ethiopia, a leading web 3.0 education and innovation hub in East-Africa. web-3 hub has a deep understanding of the Ethiopian tech landscape and a strong network of partners, which will be essential for the program's success.

[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

Yes, all project outputs will be open source.

We will use the Apache License 2.0, which is a widely used and permissive open-source license. This means that all of our code, documentation, and other materials will be freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. We also believe that open source is essential for fostering innovation and collaboration, and we are committed to making our project as open and accessible as possible.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to quality, affordable technical and vocational education and training, including university**

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.1: Sustain sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all**
• Target 8.3: Promote formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including for access to finance, markets, technology and training**
• Target 8.5: Strengthen the resilience of national economies to shocks and disasters and implement inclusive and effective employment and social protection policies**

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade industrial capabilities and foster innovation**
• Target 9.6: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development, fostering innovation and promoting access to clean and affordable energy**

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, regardless of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status**
• Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunities and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and actions**

The project will help to achieve these SDGs by providing Ethiopian developers with the skills and knowledge they need to build Cardano-based applications. This will create new jobs and economic opportunities, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and reduce inequalities.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

To address this challenge, the project aims to establish a comprehensive Cardano education and mentorship program specifically tailored to the needs of Ethiopian developers. This program will provide participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and support to become proficient Cardano developers and contribute to the ecosystem.

The Cardano Education and Mentorship program will target aspiring Cardano developers in Ethiopian, including:

• University students and recent graduates with an interest in blockchain technology and software development
• Experienced developers seeking to transition into the Cardano ecosystem.
• Entrepreneurs and innovators looking to build Cardano-based solutions for Ethiopian markets.

This Cardano Education and Mentorship program distinguishes itself from existing initiatives by focusing specifically on the needs of Ethiopian developers and addressing the unique challenges faced in the Ethiopian tech landscape. The program's tailored approach, mentorship component, and strong emphasis on community building will create a supportive environment that empowers Ethiopian developers to reach their full potential within the Cardano ecosystem.

The development of a skilled Cardano developer workforce in Ethiopian is crucial for the long-term success and adoption of Cardano across the continent. By addressing the skills gap and fostering a vibrant Cardano developer community in Ethiopian, the proposed program will contribute to the Cardano ecosystem's growth, innovation, and global reach.

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

The Cardano education and mentorship program will have a profound impact by empowering Ethiopian developers to become skilled builders within the Cardano ecosystem. This will not only enhance their career opportunities but also lead to the creation of innovative applications addressing local challenges and fostering social good.

Furthermore, the program will strengthen the global network of Cardano developers, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives. This will ultimately contribute to a more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable future for the Cardano ecosystem and the blockchain industry as a whole.

The Cardano Education and Mentorship program is expected to generate significant benefits for Ethiopian developers, the Cardano ecosystem, and the broader African tech community:

• Empowered Ethiopian Developers: Equip Ethiopian developers with the skills and knowledge to become active contributors to the Cardano ecosystem, creating new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.

• Accelerated Cardano Adoption: Drive the adoption of Cardano technologies in Ethiopian by fostering a vibrant community of skilled Cardano developers capable of building innovative solutions for the continent.

• Enhanced Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship within the Ethiopian tech community by providing the necessary support and resources for Cardano-based startups to thrive.

The impact of the program will be measured through the following metrics:

• Number of Ethiopian developers trained in Cardano development.
• Number of Cardano-based applications developed by Ethiopian developers.
• Number of jobs created in the Cardano ecosystem in Ethiopian.
• Amount of investment in Cardano-based startups in Ethiopian.

Regular progress reports and evaluations will be conducted to assess the program's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

[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 comprises highly qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds in education, blockchain technology, and development. This multifaceted expertise positions us to deliver the Cardano education and mentorship program with exceptional quality and impact. From curriculum development and mentorship to community building and evaluation, each team member possesses the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to ensure the program's success.

We are passionate about empowering Ethiopian developers and fostering innovation within the Cardano ecosystem, and we are committed to executing the program with dedication, transparency, and accountability.

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

Curriculum Development and Instructor Training

Duration: 3 months

• Outputs:
• Develop a comprehensive Cardano education curriculum tailored to the needs of African developers.
• Train instructors to effectively deliver the Cardano education curriculum.

• Acceptance Criteria:
• The curriculum aligns with Cardano's fundamental concepts and current development practices.
• The curriculum covers essential topics for Cardano development, including smart contract development, DApp development, and essential tools and technologies.
• Instructors have demonstrated proficiency in Cardano development and effective teaching methodologies.

Mentorship Program Establishment

Duration: 3 months

• Outputs:
• Establish a structured mentorship program for Ethiopian Cardano developers.
• Recruit and onboard experienced Cardano developers as mentors.
• Develop mentorship guidelines and resources to facilitate effective mentor-mentee relationships.

• Acceptance Criteria:
• The mentorship program structure clearly defines mentor roles, mentee expectations, and program duration.
• A pool of experienced and qualified Cardano developers is recruited as mentors.
• Comprehensive mentorship guidelines and resources are developed to support mentor-mentee interactions and knowledge sharing.

Development Workshops and Hackathons

Duration: 4 months

• Outputs:
• Organize in-person and virtual workshops to provide hands-on experience in building Cardano-based applications.
• Host hackathons to encourage collaboration and innovation among Ethiopian developers.

• Acceptance Criteria:
• In-person and virtual workshops are successfully conducted, covering essential topics for Cardano application development.
• Hackathons attract a diverse range of Ethiopian developers and foster a collaborative learning environment.
• Hackathon participants showcase innovative Cardano-based application ideas and prototypes.

Outreach and Promotion:

Duration: 1 month

• Outputs:
• Develop and implement a comprehensive outreach and promotion strategy to attract African developers to the Cardano education and mentorship program.
• Engage with Ethiopian tech communities, universities, and incubators to promote Cardano and encourage the adoption of Cardano technologies.
• Develop and distribute educational materials and resources to raise awareness about Cardano and its potential in Africa.

• Acceptance Criteria:
• The outreach and promotion strategy effectively reaches target audiences of Ethiopian developers.
• Engagement with Ethiopian tech communities, universities, and incubators leads to increased interest and participation in Cardano education and development.
• Educational materials and resources are successfully distributed and promote Cardano adoption in Ethiopian.

Project Completion and Evaluation

Duration: 1 month

• Outputs:
• Complete delivery of the Cardano education and mentorship program to all enrolled participants.
• Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the project's impact, including outcomes related to developer training, mentorship effectiveness, and community engagement.
• Prepare and submit a final project report summarizing the project's activities, achievements, and recommendations for future initiatives.

• Acceptance Criteria:
• The Cardano education and mentorship program is successfully delivered to all enrolled participants, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the Cardano ecosystem.
• The project evaluation demonstrates positive outcomes in terms of developer training, mentorship effectiveness, and community engagement.
• The final project report provides a comprehensive overview of the project's activities, achievements, and recommendations for future initiatives.

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

1, Project Lead

Name: Surafel Nigusie

• Role: Oversee the overall project execution, manage resources, ensure project deliverables are met, and maintain communication with stakeholders.

2, Curriculum Development and Instructor:

Name: Dawit Mengistu

• Role: Develop the education curriculum, train instructors, and ensure the curriculum aligns with Cardano's fundamental concepts and current development practices.

3, Mentorship Program Lead:

Name: Tsion Tsedalu

• Role: Establish the mentorship program structure, recruit and onboard mentors, and facilitate effective mentor-mentee relationships.

4, Workshops and Hackathons Lead:

• Name: fitihamlak teklegenet
• Role: Organize and manage in-person and virtual workshops, host hackathons, and promote collaboration among African Cardano developers.

web3hub Ethiopia Representatives

• Name: Temesgen Feseha Wude
• LinkedIn profile

Role: Collaborate on program implementation, facilitate outreach to Ethiopian developers, and provide insights into the African tech landscape.

Additional Team Members:

• Content Writer: We will recruit a content writer to develop educational materials, blog posts, and social media content to promote the project and raise awareness about Cardano.

• Graphic Designer: We will recruit a graphic designer to create visually appealing materials, including brochures, infographics, and social media graphics.

We have already engaged with the relevant members of the organizations referenced and have confirmed their willingness and capacity to support the project. We have also engaged with potential team members through online channels and have received positive responses. We are confident that we have the necessary team and resources to successfully deliver the project.

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

Milestone 1: Curriculum Development and Instructor Training

Task 1: Gather input from African developers

• Surveys and interviews with Ethiopian developers: 556 ADA
• Data analysis and report preparation: 556 ADA

Task 2: Review existing Cardano education resources

• Evaluation of existing online courses, tutorials, and documentation: 556 ADA
• Gap analysis and identification of areas for improvement: 556 ADA

Task 3: Develop a curriculum outline

• Creation of a comprehensive curriculum outline: 556 ADA
• Review and feedback from Cardano experts: 556 ADA
• Finalization of curriculum outline

Task 4: Create curriculum materials

• Development of detailed course descriptions and learning objectives: 556 ADA
• Creation of engaging and interactive learning activities: 556 ADA
• Preparation of hands-on exercises and projects: 556 ADA
• Design and development of comprehensive assessments and evaluations: 556 ADA

Task 5: Translate curriculum materials into relevant Ethiopian languages

• Identification of target languages and translation vendors:
• Translation of curriculum materials into selected languages: 556 ADA
• Quality assurance and proofreading: 556 ADA

Total Costs: 6,670 ADA

Milestone 2: Mentorship Program Establishment

Task 1: Recruit experienced Cardano developers as mentors

• Identification of qualified Cardano developer candidates: 556 ADA
• Screening and selection of mentors: 556 ADA

Task 2: Establish mentorship program guidelines and procedures

• Development of clear guidelines for mentor-mentee relationships: 556 ADA
• Establishment of expectations and responsibilities for both parties: 556 ADA
• Creation of a mentorship program handbook or guide: 556 ADA

Task 3: Develop mentorship matching platform

• Design and development of an online platform to connect mentors and mentees: 1,112 ADA.
• Integration of mentor and mentee profiles: 556 ADA
• Matching algorithms based on skills, experience, and interests: 556 ADA.

Task 4: Provide ongoing support and training for mentors

• Organization of regular webinars and training sessions for mentors: 1,112 ADA
• Creation of an online support forum for mentors: 556 ADA
• Provision of ongoing mentorship and guidance: 556 ADA

Total Costs: 6,116 ADA

Milestone 3: Development Workshops and Hackathons

Task 1: Organize workshops and bootcamps

• Venue rental and equipment costs: 1000 ADA
• Travel and accommodation for instructors and participants: 1000 ADA
• Refreshments and meals for participants: 1000 ADA
• Promotional materials for workshops and bootcamps: 1000 ADA

Task 2: Facilitate hackathon and competition participation

• Registration for hackathons and competitions: 1000ADA
• Prizes for winning teams: 6000 ADA
• Travel and accommodation for participants: 1000 ADA

Total Costs: 12,000 ADA

Milestone 4: Outreach and Promotion

Task 1: Develop and implement targeted outreach strategy

• Social media campaigns and online advertising: 556 ADA
• Partnerships with universities and tech organizations: 1000 ADA
• Participation in industry events and conferences: 556 ADA

Task 2: Promote collaboration and its impact

• Press releases and media outreach: 556 ADA
• Creation of promotional materials and success stories: 556 ADA
• Engagement with the Cardano community: 556 ADA

Total Costs: 3,780 ADA

Final Milestone: Project Completion and Evaluation

Task 1: Evaluate the impact and outcomes of the project

• Development of data collection and analysis tools: 1000 ADA
• Establishment of evaluation metrics and KPIs: 1000 ADA

Task 2: Prepare regular reports and feedback loops

• Preparation of quarterly and annual reports 556 ADA
• Feedback sessions and workshops with stakeholders 556 ADA

Total Costs: 3, 112 ADA

Total Project Costs: 35, 458 ADA

We have allocated the project budget across the milestones based on the estimated resource requirements for each phase of the project. We will continue to monitor the project's progress and adjust our budget allocation as needed.

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

The cost of the Cardano education and mentorship program represents excellent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem due to several key factors:

The Cardano education and mentorship program offers significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several keyway:

1, Addressing Critical Skills Gap:

• Empowering Ethiopian developers: Equips them with essential Cardano development skills, directly targeting the existing talent shortage.
• Increased innovation: A larger pool of skilled developers fosters the creation of innovative Cardano applications addressing specific Ethiopian needs.
• Boosted adoption: More applications lead to increased adoption and utilization of Cardano across the continent.
• Enhanced self-sufficiency: Provides participants with the knowledge to become independent developers, reducing reliance on external resources.

2. Cost-Effective Execution:

• Leveraging existing resources: Optimizes costs by utilizing partnerships with universities, tech organizations, and experienced mentors.
• Open-source software: Reduces costs compared to proprietary solutions by utilizing open-source software and online platforms.
• Competitive pricing: Carefully calculated program costs aligned with average wages in the Ethiopian tech industry and typical freelance rates for blockchain developer training.

3. Sustainable Approach:

• Mentorship & knowledge sharing: Fosters a self-sustaining community of developers equipped to support future generations through mentorship and knowledge sharing.
• Scalable model: Designed for scalability to reach a wider audience over time and maximize impact.

4. Competitive Costs & Transparency:

• Transparent cost breakdown: Allows stakeholders to understand how funds are allocated.
• Cost justification: Each cost component is carefully justified and proportional to industry standards.
• Benchmarking: Demonstrates competitiveness compared to similar programs in the blockchain space.

5. Additional Value Drivers:

• Community building: Fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer support, creating a network that extends beyond the program itself and promotes long-term ecosystem growth.
• Positive societal impact: Empowers developers to build applications addressing local challenges, potentially contributing to improved social good and economic development in Ethiopian.

[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