Sustaining the Impact of the Cardano Ghana Community

[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)

4

[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)

Secure funding to sustain Cardano Ghana Community activities, fostering widespread Cardano adoption in Ghana and advancing our goals of education, incubation and collaboration, for Cardano's growth.

[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

As an initiative focused on community development and collaboration within the Cardano ecosystem, our project outputs, including educational content, community resources, and documentation, will be open source. The intention is to contribute to the broader Cardano community's knowledge and enable the sharing of resources for the benefit of all stakeholders.

[METADATA] SDG rating

The proposal aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting a commitment to addressing global challenges and contributing to positive social, economic, and environmental impacts. Here are the key connections:

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

- The project focuses on educational content creation, fostering awareness and understanding of Cardano within the community. This aligns with the goal of ensuring inclusive and quality education for all.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

- By supporting local projects and collaborations, the proposal contributes to economic growth and the creation of meaningful opportunities within the Cardano ecosystem.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

- Initiatives such as project incubation and collaboration aim to foster innovation and strengthen local infrastructure within the Cardano community.

4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

- The community engagement and collaboration efforts promote inclusivity, reducing inequalities by providing a platform for diverse voices and ideas.

5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

- The project actively seeks collaborations, both within the Cardano community and potentially with external partners. This aligns with the goal of fostering global partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

The proposal's emphasis on education, community development, and collaboration directly supports these SDGs, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

BACKGROUND

The Cardano Ghana Community, founded by Cardano Ambassador, Mohammed Mustapha Yakubu and his dedicated 4-member team, stands as a beacon of Cardano advocacy and innovation in Ghana. Since September 2021, Mohammed Mustapha Yakubu has been an unwavering champion of Cardano, co-hosting Cardano Summits and contributing significantly to various Project Catalyst initiatives, showcasing his commitment to the Cardano ecosystem.

This community is driven by a mission to foster Cardano adoption through dynamic initiatives. From organizing impactful Cardano meetups to creating engaging content and forming collaborative partnerships with like-minded individuals, blockchain startups, and organizations within Ghana and beyond, the Cardano Ghana Community is making waves.

With a robust Telegram presence of over 200 community members and a growing database of 500+ individuals actively learning about Cardano and Project Catalyst, the community serves as an educational hub. Utilizing avenues such as meetups, courses on Cardano Academy, virtual gatherings, and hackathons, the community is dedicated to enlightening and onboarding enthusiasts within the blockchain space in Ghana.

Looking forward, the Cardano Ghana Community aspires to be the foremost regional Cardano community in Africa. Their vision includes leading the charge for Cardano adoption and facilitating mass onboarding into the Cardano ecosystem, fostering a hub of innovation and collaboration. This community is not just a local entity; it is a driving force propelling Cardano's influence throughout the African continent.

SOLUTION

Our proposed solution revolves around addressing the fundamental challenge of limited resources hindering Cardano's growth in Ghana. Recognizing the potential impact of Cardano on the local community, we aim to secure funding to overcome these barriers and drive adoption through a multi-faceted approach.

We perceive the problem as a bottleneck in the expansion of Cardano's influence due to insufficient resources for community-driven initiatives. Our approach involves leveraging the funding to organize impactful meetups, create compelling content, incubate local projects, and foster collaborations. By strategically combining these elements, we intend to create a sustainable ecosystem that promotes Cardano adoption in Ghana.

Our project will engage the vibrant and diverse Cardano Ghana Community, bringing together enthusiasts, developers, educators, and entrepreneurs. This inclusive engagement aims to create a robust network that not only supports current Cardano users but also attracts new participants.

To demonstrate impact, we plan to track key performance indicators such as increased participation in meetups, growth in the number of local projects incubated, and a measurable rise in Cardano awareness within the Ghanaian community. We also intend to showcase success stories and testimonials, illustrating how our initiatives positively influence individuals and projects connected to the Cardano ecosystem.

What makes our solution unique is its holistic approach, addressing various facets of community-building and adoption. The beneficiaries include not only the Cardano Ghana Community but also the broader Cardano ecosystem, as successful adoption in Ghana contributes to the global growth and influence of Cardano. This is crucial for Cardano as it enhances its presence in diverse geographical regions, fosters innovation, and establishes a resilient community network that can contribute meaningfully to the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Positive Impact on the Wider Cardano Community:

Our project aims to deliver substantial value to the broader Cardano community by fostering growth, awareness, and collaboration in a key geographical region – Ghana. The success of our initiatives will contribute to Cardano's global influence in the following ways:

1. Expanded Adoption: Increased awareness and engagement in Ghana will serve as a model for other communities, demonstrating successful strategies for driving Cardano adoption.

2. Diverse Ecosystem: Incubating local projects and collaborations will enrich the Cardano ecosystem with diverse use cases, innovations, and contributions from the Ghanaian community.

3. Global Network Strengthening: By creating a vibrant Cardano community in Ghana, we enhance the overall resilience and interconnectedness of the global Cardano network, fostering cross-cultural collaboration.

Measurement of Impact:

We plan to measure impact through a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators:

1. Quantitative Metrics:

- Participation rates in Cardano meetups and events.

- Number of local projects incubated and their progress.

- Growth in Cardano wallet adoption and transactions in Ghana

2. Qualitative Metrics:

- Surveys and testimonials from community members.

- Success stories highlighting the positive influence of Cardano in Ghana.

- Qualitative feedback on the perceived impact of educational content and incubation support.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

We will actively share the outputs and opportunities resulting from our project through various channels:

1. Community Events: Hosting events to showcase project outcomes, share success stories, and discuss opportunities for collaboration within the Cardano community.

2. Online Platforms: Utilizing social media, forums, and the Cardano community website to disseminate updates, reports, and relevant findings.

3. Collaboration Networks: Actively participating in Cardano's global collaboration networks to share insights, lessons learned, and potential opportunities for synergies with other regional communities.

4. Educational Content: Creating content such as blog posts, articles, and video materials that not only document our journey but also provide valuable insights for other communities seeking to drive Cardano adoption.

By transparently sharing our progress, challenges, and successes, we aim to contribute not only to the growth of Cardano in Ghana but also to the collective knowledge and strength of the wider Cardano community worldwide.

[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 to Deliver with Trust and Accountability:

1. Community-Centric Approach: Our team is deeply rooted in the Cardano Ghana Community, establishing a foundation of trust and understanding. We are committed to transparency and inclusivity, involving community members in decision-making processes and keeping them informed about project developments.

2. Proven Track Record: We have a history of successfully organizing and executing community events, meetups, and educational initiatives within the Cardano Ghana Community. This track record demonstrates our ability to effectively implement and deliver on community-driven projects.

3. Partnerships and Networks: We have established partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and educational institutions, enhancing our reach and impact. These connections demonstrate our ability to collaborate effectively and leverage resources for the benefit of the community.

4. Financial Management Expertise: Our team includes individuals with experience in financial management and accountability. We will implement clear budgeting processes, financial reporting, and audits to ensure responsible use of funds.

Feasibility Validation:

1. Pilot Initiatives: Before scaling up, we will conduct pilot initiatives to validate the feasibility of our approach. This includes hosting smaller events, testing educational content, and incubating a select number of projects to gauge community response and interest.

2. Community Feedback: Regularly seeking and incorporating feedback from the Cardano Ghana Community will be a cornerstone of our validation process. This iterative approach ensures that our initiatives align with the community's needs and expectations.

3. Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): We will establish measurable KPIs related to community engagement, project success, and Cardano adoption metrics. Regularly tracking and analyzing these indicators will provide insights into the effectiveness of our approach.

Financial Management and Accountability:

1. Transparent Budgeting: Clearly outlining budget allocations for each initiative and regularly sharing this information with the community ensures transparency in fund utilization.

2. Regular Reporting: We commit to providing regular financial reports, detailing expenses, income, and the impact achieved. These reports will be accessible to the community, fostering a culture of openness.

3. Third-Party Audits: Engaging independent third-party auditors to conduct periodic financial audits adds an extra layer of accountability, ensuring adherence to financial best practices.

4. Smart Contract Implementation: Where applicable, leveraging smart contracts on the Cardano blockchain for fund distribution can enhance transparency and automate processes, minimizing the risk of misuse.

Through a combination of community involvement, pilot initiatives, clear metrics, and robust financial management practices, we are confident in our ability to deliver the project with the highest levels of trust and accountability. Our commitment to transparency, feedback loops, and responsible financial stewardship reinforces our suitability for managing funds effectively.

RELEVANT LINKS TO ACHIEVEMENTS:

https://youtu.be/M9ak6z-bd_s?si=ivEKeo3-CySbma-Uhttps://youtu.be/bu9zWbA-neg?si=pVnqUCKd03FRDwDrhttps://youtu.be/GfR1VNg1Jpc?si=jb8zsVcJkLp2bS9v

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

Milestone 1: Community Engagement Kickoff

Description:

Launch a series of Cardano meetups and events within the Cardano Ghana Community to kickstart community engagement.

Milestone Output(s):

- Organize and host a minimum of three Cardano meetups in Ghana.

- Facilitate community discussions on Cardano adoption and its benefits.

- Establish an online platform for community members to participate in discussions and share feedback.

Acceptance Criteria:

- Successful execution of three meetups with a minimum attendance of 50 participants per event.

- Positive feedback and engagement from community members during discussions.

- Creation and active participation on the online platform by at least 100 community members.

This milestone aims to create a foundation for sustained community engagement and sets the stage for subsequent initiatives.

Milestone 2: Educational Content Creation and Dissemination

Description:

Develop and share educational content to increase awareness and understanding of Cardano within the Cardano Ghana Community.

Milestone Output(s):

- Produce a series of educational articles, blog posts, and video content explaining Cardano's technology, use cases, and potential impact.

- Launch a social media campaign to disseminate educational content and encourage community members to share and engage.

Acceptance Criteria:

- Creation and publication of a minimum of five high-quality educational articles or blog posts.

- Production and release of at least three informative and engaging video content pieces.

- Successful execution of a social media campaign with measurable reach and engagement metrics.

This milestone aims to enhance community knowledge about Cardano, laying the groundwork for informed participation and collaboration.

Milestone 3: Project Incubation and Collaboration Initiation

Description:

Facilitate the incubation of local projects and initiate collaborations within the Cardano Ghana Community.

Milestone Output(s):

- Identify and select a minimum of three local projects with the potential for Cardano integration.

- Provide mentorship and support for the selected projects to advance their development.

- Facilitate the initiation of at least two collaborations between Cardano Ghana Community members and external partners.

Acceptance Criteria:

- Successful identification and selection of three viable projects with clear integration plans for Cardano.

- Regular progress updates and milestones achieved by the selected projects, demonstrating active mentorship and support.

- Documentation and verification of two collaborations initiated, showcasing the community's ability to engage with external entities.

This milestone focuses on practical implementation, fostering local innovation, and showcasing the community's capacity to incubate projects and collaborate effectively.

Final Milestone: Community Impact Report and Sustainability Plan

Description:

Compile a comprehensive report on the overall impact of the project, outlining achievements, lessons learned, and plans for sustaining the Cardano Ghana Community initiatives.

Milestone Output(s):

- Community Impact Report: A detailed report summarizing the outcomes of the project, including community engagement statistics, educational content reach, project incubation results, and collaboration successes.

- Sustainability Plan: Develop a plan outlining strategies for sustaining the momentum gained during the project, ensuring continued growth and impact.

Acceptance Criteria:

- Submission of the comprehensive Community Impact Report, addressing all key aspects of the project and its impact on the Cardano Ghana Community.

- Presentation of a well-documented Sustainability Plan, detailing actionable strategies, timelines, and responsibilities for ongoing community growth.

- Positive feedback and endorsement from the Cardano Ghana Community members regarding the impact and sustainability plan.

This final milestone serves as a reflective and forward-looking component, providing a holistic view of the project's outcomes and setting the stage for the sustained growth and impact of the Cardano Ghana Community.

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

Mohammed Mustapha Yakubu - Project Lead:

Mohammed Mustapha Yakubu, a seasoned Blockchain Advocate in Ghana since 2018. Holding a Bachelor's in Business Studies (Accounting) from the University for Development Studies (UDS) and currently pursuing an online MBA at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Mohammed brings a wealth of expertise to the role of Project Manager and Team Lead.

Mohammed's journey with Cardano began in September 2021 when he co-hosted the maiden Cardano Summit 2021 in Kumasi, Ghana. His success in hosting subsequent community-led events for the Cardano Summit 2022 and 2023 showcased his commitment. He played pivotal roles in Cardano's Project Catalyst as CT Lead for both Fund8 and Fund9, contributing to the 'Grow Cardano, Grow Africa' Challenge. As a funded proposer (FP) in Fund9 and Fund10, he initiated projects like Catalyst Campus Train, educating and onboarding 200+ students and startups into the Cardano ecosystem.

Notably, Mohammed founded the Cardano Ghana Community through the ongoing Fund10 project, aiming to foster Cardano adoption in Ghana. As a Cardano Ambassador accepted by the Cardano Foundation, he organized over 15 Cardano meetups, both physical and virtual, welcoming 500+ young entrepreneurs and startups into the Cardano ecosystem from Ghana.

Now, Mohammed is seeking support in Fund 11 to secure funds that will sustain the impactful initiatives of the Cardano Ghana Community. With a proven track record, he anticipates the Cardano community's vote and funding in the Governance stage, ensuring continued growth and success in Ghana.

Mustapha - https://x.com/mmustaphayakubu

CGC Twitter - witter profile - www.twitter.com/cardanoghana

Emails: mohammed.yakubu@learner.manipal.edu / mmustaphayakubu@gmail.com

Contacts: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammed-mustapha-yakubu-a08455125

Telegram - www.t.me/mmustaphayakubu

Discord: mustapha#7312

Seidu Ziblim - IT & Graphics Design

Seidu Ziblim is a graduate of the University for Development Studies (UDS) with a Bachelor of Education in Economics education. He is a professional graphic designer with over 7 years in graphics and printing works. He has worked on several projects in charge of printing T-shirts, conference brochures, and designing logos and flyers. He has strong skills in IT and has worked on many projects as a technical director to control projection and screens, public address systems, lighting and slide control for speakers.

He is passionate about financial technology, entrepreneurship, investment, cryptocurrency and blockchain. He is good at event branding and publicity using graphic technology.

Contact details below:

Email: ziblimseidu99@gmail.com 

Twitter- www.twitter.com/seiduziblim

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seidu-ziblim-544326172

Osman Mohammed - Organising Secretary

Mohammed Osman is currently studying BSc in Agriculture Technology at the University for Development Studies at Nyankpala Campus in Ghana. He also has a two(2) year diploma in agriculture technology. He has been in the cryptocurrency space for the past three years. He also attended several meetups to learn about cryptocurrency. He has strong skills in wallet creation, transactions and trading with Cardno ADA, and also volunteered at numerous blockchain conferences and has gained some leadership and organising skills to contribute to the success of this proposal.

Email: osmanmo1988@uds.edu.gh / mohammedosmanmata@gmail.com

School: registrar@uds.edu.gh

website: https://www.uds.edu.gh

Alhassan Adam - Logistics Supplier

Alhassan is an undergraduate student at the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, WA Campus, Ghana. He's studying Bachelor of Commerce. He is the current Vice President of the Students' Representative Council (SRC), supporting the management of a 5000+ student population. He has about 2 years of experience volunteering at Blockchain events. He has strong skills in organising and is very conversant with engaging event attendees, partners and the core team to ensure a successful event. He will contribute to the proposal by ensuring that, all materials and logistics are procured and supplied to the team before every event takes place.

Contacts:

Email: adamalhassan994@gmail.com

School: info@ubids.edu.gh

Website: https://ubids.edu.gh

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

Budget Breakdown: Community Adoption Project - 50,000 ADA

1. Community Engagement Kickoff (Milestone 1) - 15,000 ADA

- Event Venue Rentals: 7,000 ADA

- Event Marketing Materials: 3,000 ADA

- Online Platform Development: 5,000 ADA

2. Educational Content Creation (Milestone 2) - 10,000 ADA

- Content Production (Articles, Blog Posts): 4,000 ADA

- Video Content Production: 4,000 ADA

- Social Media Campaign: 2,000 ADA

3. Project Incubation and Collaboration (Milestone 3) - 15,000 ADA

- Project Selection and Mentorship: 8,000 ADA

- Collaboration Initiatives: 5,000 ADA

- Documentation and Reporting: 2,000 ADA

4. Final Milestone (Report and Sustainability Plan) - 10,000 ADA

- Report Compilation: 5,000 ADA

- Sustainability Plan Development: 4,000 ADA

- Presentation and Community Feedback Session: 1,000 ADA

Total Budget: 50,000 ADA

Note: This budget is designed to cover essential expenses for each milestone, ensuring a balanced allocation of funds for community engagement, content creation, project incubation, and the final reporting phase. In the event of any cost savings or adjustments, funds will be reallocated based on project priorities and community needs.

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

The cost breakdown for this project has been carefully considered to ensure that each expenditure represents significant value for the Cardano ecosystem. Here's how the costs align with value:

1. Community Engagement Kickoff (Milestone 1 - 15,000 ADA):

- Venue Rentals: Reflects local rental costs for event spaces, ensuring a welcoming and comfortable environment for community engagement.

- Marketing Materials: Covers the production of essential promotional items to enhance the visibility of Cardano within the local community.

- Online Platform Development: Invests in the creation of a robust online platform, essential for sustained community interaction beyond physical events.

2. Educational Content Creation (Milestone 2 - 10,000 ADA):

- Content Production: Supports the creation of high-quality articles and blog posts, aiming for a balance between cost-effectiveness and engaging content.

- Video Content Production: Invests in professional video production to convey complex Cardano concepts in an accessible and visually appealing manner.

- Social Media Campaign: Ensures effective dissemination of educational content to maximize reach and impact.

3. Project Incubation and Collaboration (Milestone 3 - 15,000 ADA):

- Project Selection and Mentorship: Allocates resources to support local projects, providing mentorship and resources for successful integration with Cardano.

- Collaboration Initiatives: Enables the initiation of collaborations, fostering a culture of innovation and partnership within the Cardano Ghana Community.

- Documentation and Reporting: Supports transparent reporting, demonstrating accountability and fostering trust within the wider Cardano ecosystem.

4. Final Milestone (Report and Sustainability Plan - 10,000 ADA):

- Report Compilation: Reflects the effort invested in producing a comprehensive report that details the project's impact and outcomes.

- Sustainability Plan Development: Invests in strategic planning for the community's sustained growth, ensuring the long-term relevance and influence of Cardano in Ghana.

The cost considerations are proportional to the project's scope, aligning with industry standards and local economic factors. They prioritize impactful community engagement, education, and sustainable initiatives, reflecting a commitment to value for money within the context of Cardano's ecosystem goals. The budget is designed to maximize the positive influence of the project while ensuring responsible use of the allocated funds.

[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