Elevating Cardano Playground - Educate With Game For Highschool and University Student

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Menilik Eshetu

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Goh Yeshitawe

• Director of Ict incubation Center | STEAM Center Manager | Assistant Lecturer at Dilla University with more than 7 years of experience
• Conducting research, curating educational resources, and organizing content

- Contact address: goh.yeshitaw@gmail.com

- P.O.Box: 419

- E-mail: pirdir@du.edu.et

- Phone: +251461310001, 

     +251463312459

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

5

[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)

Build high quality weekend program Tutorials, Games and Fun activity to accelerate the process of learning Cardano, and encourage youngsters to learn Plutus as their primary programming language.

[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.”

Academic Rigor: University lectures ensure high-quality, credible content.

Research and Innovation: They tap into the latest advancements and emerging trends.

Pedagogical Expertise: Professionals design engaging materials for effective learning.

Validation and Endorsement: Collaboration establishes credibility and trust among users.

Tech community: Since the platform is community-driven, users can contribute and update content to keep the platform relevant and up-to-date.

[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

Since it a fully open program, everything will be open source including documentation, video, and any resource

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG goals:

• Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
• Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
• Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

SDG subgoals:

• By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
• By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations

Key Performance Indicator (KPI):

• Completion rate (primary education, lower secondary education, upper secondary education)
• Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth quintile and others such as disability status, indigenous peoples and conflict-affected, as data become available) for all education indicators on this list that can be disaggregated

PHDI SELECTION:

The following report is applied for the selected Planetary pressures-adjusted Human Development Index:

'''

 In 2021 it had a Human Development Index (HDI) value of 0.498 that when adjusted for the Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI (PHDI) had a value of 0.496, a difference of 0.40. 

 The Planetary Pressures adjustment factor of 1.00 is made up of the SDG9.4 Carbon dioxide emissions per capita (production) 2020 of 0.13 tonnes (indexed value 1.00), and the SDG8.4 and 12.2 Material footprint per capita of 0.47 tonnes (indexed value 1.00). 

 For more information about the details of the PHDI please reference: 

 https://hdr.undp.org/planetary-pressures-adjusted-human-development-index#/indicies/PHDI 

 https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/phdi2020technicalnotespdf.pdf 

 The specific SDG targets 

 https://indicators.report/targets/9-4/ 

 https://indicators.report/targets/8-4/ 

 https://indicators.report/targets/12-2/ 

 Source data: 

 https://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/2021-22_HDR/HDR21-22_Statistical_Annex_PHDI_Table.xlsx (table 7)

'''

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Build high quality Tutorials, Games and Fun activity to accelerate the process of learning Cardano, and encourage youngsters to learn Plutus as their primary programming language.

This is a weekend program for students since from Monday to friday all students attend regular school programs.

The weekend program is specifically designed to cater to high school and university students who are eager to delve into the world of blockchain technology and the Cardano ecosystem. Over the course of the program, students will engage in a series of interactive sessions aimed at providing them with a comprehensive understanding of key blockchain concepts, Cardano's role in the ecosystem, and the potential applications of decentralized technologies. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on exercises, and group discussions, students will have the opportunity to explore blockchain fundamentals, learn basic programming skills, and gain practical experience in developing blockchain solutions. The program will be structured to accommodate students' existing weekday schedules, with sessions held on weekends to ensure maximum accessibility and participation.

Since we Have Already Teaching Our Community WIth the BlockChain Related Topics Bi-Monthly, We have a deeper Underatind and Knowledg To Teach Students its easy for kickstart this Projects. We Discussed About:

Our platform caters to both novice learners and experienced developers, offering courses and tutorials that cover fundamental concepts as well as advanced topics like:

• Introduction to Blockchain Technology
• Exploring Cardano: A Beginner's Guide to Blockchain
• Advanced Blockchain Development
• Cardano Ecosystem: Smart Contracts and Beyond
• Blockchain Security and Cryptography
• Decentralized Applications on Cardano
• Blockchain Governance and Consensus Mechanisms
• Haskell,
• Plutus,
• Wallets
• Tokens
• Partnerships
• decentralized applications for managing identity, value, and governance.
• and more

Game and Fun Activity During Our Bi-Monthly Meetus can be Found Here

This ensures engagement and continuous growth for learners at different skill levels.

Key features include

1. Interactive Tutorials: Engaging tutorials designed to provide hands-on learning experiences and practical skills in blockchain technology.
2. Gamified Activities: Interactive games and activities integrated into the platform to make learning fun and engaging for students.
3. Discussion Board: A discussion board feature modeled, allowing students to interact, collaborate, and share ideas with peers.Discussion board on Cardano Playground (just like the community of https://leetcode.com)
4. Unique ‘Blockchain: Foundations and Use Cases’ Certificate: Upon completion of the program, students will have the opportunity to earn a certificate as a tangible reward for their learning achievements.
5. Enjoyable learning weekend with snacks and soft drinks: The incorporation of learning throughout the days, students will have a snack and soft drinks.
6. Enjoyable and Rewarding Learning: The incorporation of interactive tutorials, gamified activities, and tangible rewards in ADA ensures that learning is both educational and enjoyable for students, motivating them to actively participate and engage with the content.

objective 

The primary objective of the program is to equip students with a foundational understanding of blockchain technology and the Cardano ecosystem, empowering them to become active participants in the rapidly evolving field of decentralized technologies. By the end of the program, students should be able to articulate key blockchain concepts, demonstrate proficiency in basic programming languages, and apply their knowledge to real-world blockchain projects. 

Success will be measured by students' ability to actively engage in blockchain communities, contribute to blockchain projects or discussions, and pursue further learning opportunities in the field.

Available Solutions:

While there are existing educational initiatives within the blockchain space, our project distinguishes itself through its focus on gamified learning experiences tailored specifically to the Cardano ecosystem. Unlike traditional tutorials, our project will offer a unique blend of education and entertainment, making the learning journey enjoyable and engaging for students.

Curriculum Module Overview Lists:

Each modules have have list different topics to be discovered:

It will be improved throughout the project's community feedback and suggestions.

• Introduction to Blockchain Technology:
• What is blockchain?
• How does blockchain work?
• History of blockchain technology.
• Key components of a blockchain.
• Understanding Cardano:
• Introduction to Cardano.
• Cardano's approach to blockchain.
• Key features and components of the Cardano ecosystem.
• Comparison with other blockchain platforms.
• Basic Programming Skills:
• Introduction to programming languages (e.g., Haskell, Plutus).
• Basics of functional programming overview.
• Syntax and structure of programming languages.
• Writing simple code snippets and programs.
• Smart Contracts and DApps:
• What are smart contracts?
• Introduction to decentralized applications (DApps).
• How smart contracts work on the Cardano blockchain.
• Examples of smart contract use cases.
• Cardano Wallets and Transactions:
• Types of Cardano wallets (e.g., Daedalus, Yoroi).
• How to set up and use a Cardano wallet.
• Sending and receiving ADA transactions.
• Overview of transaction fees and confirmation times.
• Cardano Ecosystem Projects:
• Overview of projects built on the Cardano blockchain.
• Examples of decentralized finance (DeFi) projects.
• Gaming and NFT projects on Cardano.
• Real-world applications and use cases.
• Security and Privacy in Blockchain:
• Importance of security in blockchain.
• Common security threats and vulnerabilities.
• Best practices for secure blockchain development.
• Privacy features in Cardano and other blockchains.
• Community Engagement and Resources:
• Joining Cardano community forums and groups.
• Accessing educational resources and tutorials.
• Participating in hackathons and developer challenges.
• Contributing to open-source projects on GitHub.
• Hands-On Exercises and Projects Objective:
• Building a simple smart contract on the Cardano blockchain overviews.
• Developing a basic decentralized application (DApp) overview.
• Creating and deploying a token on Cardano overviews.
• Certification and Recognition:
• Criteria for earning a Cardano blockchain certification.
• Benefits of obtaining certification for career advancement.

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

Cardano is an amazing network and community. We would love to see more developers joining us, especially young people.

High school and university students are the backbone of our future. As the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers, they hold the key to unlocking the full potential of our ecosystem and driving sustainable growth of a country. By investing in their education and empowering them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age, we not only cultivate a new generation of developers but also foster a culture of innovation and progress that propels our ecosystem forward.

To encourage students developing in the Cardano ecosystem, we introduce Cardano via an interactive coding tutorial, which is analogous to in person learning platforms and Cardano Playground. A normal highschool and University student can easily get a high taste of what software programming is, how the development process goes, what can be done, and how the codes should be written, on the Playground.

To make it fun, there will be a story throughout the whole learning journey. Young people would be able to follow the story to go through the learning process. After they finish the class, they would be able to have a cardano BlochChain Foundation certificate.

Basically, Our aim is to guide young students from having no prior knowledge of blockchain to crafting their initial simple smart contract on the Cardano blockchain in an engaging and fun manner. By doing so, we seek to bolster the community of student developers exploring opportunities within the Cardano ecosystem. Embracing a 'try before you dive in' methodology, we strive to minimize entry hurdles for budding blockchain enthusiasts, motivating them to experiment with Cardano.

The platform will greatly increase the number of the Cardano developers, especially the new generations, as result in a wider adoption of the technology, and eventually promoting the whole ecosystem growth. Also, the platform will create a new career opportunity for those who want to advocate the blockchain industry, and especially the Cardano ecosystem.

Students using the Playground will be able to:

• Learn basic programming skills ovierview
• Learn the foundation of blockchain
• Write codes with result checks overview

STEM and ICT Technology Incubation educators using the Playground will be able to:

• Teach programming skills using Haskell
• Teach introductory courses of blockchain (technical parts)

References:

• STEM Center : https://www.du.edu.et/?q=node/257
• Playground for Learning Center: https://www.stempower.org/dilla-stem-center

Possible Future Direction:

• Encourage Secondary schools and University Students to adopt the teaching material in STEM classes or extra curricular activities, which is going to be a common practice in the South East African region.
• Certification after attending and passing all in-person lectures
• Community of alumni from the Cardano Playground
• Discussion board on Cardano Playground (just like the community of https://leetcode.com)

Measurements for assessing the impact of the project on the Cardano ecosystem

• Developer Participation:
• New developers introduced to Cardano.
• Increase in developers contributing to Cardano.
• Simple Projects developed.
• Community Engagement:
• Active users engaged with project resources.
• Interaction frequency on community platforms.
• User-generated content creation.
• Educational Impact:
• Pre-/post-assessment scores on Cardano knowledge.
• Participant confidence in development.
• Institutions adopting project materials.
• Adoption and Integration:
• Schools/universities using project materials.
• Feedback from students on resource effectiveness.
• Collaborations formed for promotion of blockchain education.
• Long-Term Sustainability:
• Participant retention rate.
• Alumni contribution to Cardano ecosystem.
• Sustainability of community engagement efforts.

The above outline shows high impact of the project.

[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 has achieved significant milestones in the realm of educational mobile applications, boasting over 100,000 downloads and maintaining an active user base exceeding 60,000. You can explore our flagship app here: link.

Our team is proud to be partnered with MLOps Community, a global organization at the forefront of machine learning, DevOps, and cutting-edge technology. As hosts and organizers of the Addis Ababa chapter, we facilitate Meetups , YouTube videos, newsletters, podcasts, and more, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and networking. With branches in various countries and partnerships with industry leaders like AWS, NVIDIA, Databricks and more, we have demonstrated our capacity to deliver successful events and initiatives, showcasing our commitment to innovation and community engagement.

Furthermore, we're proud to highlight our successful participation in 'Cardano for 100,000+ students,' securing funding through Fund 11. You can view our project proposal and track record here: link.

In addition to our project successes, we're thrilled to announce our collaboration with Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, a partnership that further solidifies our commitment to innovation and growth.

We’re trusted by Microsoft!

While there are existing solutions in the blockchain education space, our project offers a unique approach that sets us apart. We have a track record of hosting engaging and enjoyable meetups, events, and YouTube videos, making the learning experience not only educational but also entertaining. Our previous "Women in Web3" meetup event, accessible at https://lu.ma/ux9yjjhz, exemplifies our commitment to creating fun and interactive learning environments. 

Additionally, our monthly blockchain meetup events, can be found Here, showcase our experience in community engagement and knowledge sharing. By leveraging our expertise in hosting successful events and creating engaging content, we ensure that our project delivers a learning experience that is both informative and enjoyable for students.

Expertise in Educational Content: Experienced educators and subject matter experts ensure high-quality resources.

 

Transparent Financial Management: Clear budgeting, expense tracking, and reporting processes

 

Trustworthy Partnerships: Collaborations with Educational Institutions and Experts

User Feedback Integration: Actively collecting and addressing user feedback for continuous improvement

 

Well educated Leader: The project is owned and lead by BSc, MSc, BA and Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA)

All the above shows our high value of Feasibility & Capabilities of the project

 

To manage funds properly, we follow:

 

Budget Planning

Transparent Expense Tracking

Regular Reporting

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

Preparing and Crafting Resources

• Milestone Output: Compilation and creation of resources for the Cardano Playground.
• Interactive tutorials on Cardano basics.
• Engaging games and activities.
• Teaching materials for educators.
• Acceptance Criteria: All resources must be comprehensive, accurate, and engaging.
• Success Indicators:
• Completion of tutorials covering blockchain fundamentals, Cardano ecosystem, and programming basics.
• Development of interactive games and activities to reinforce learning.
• Creation of teaching materials suitable for integration into STEM curriculums.
• Key Metrics:
• Number of resources compiled and created.
• User engagement metrics during testing phase.
• KPIs:
• Completion of at least 80% of planned resources.
• Positive feedback from initial user testing.

Development and Enhancement

• Milestone Output: Launching the initial version of the Cardano Playground and continuous improvement.
• In-person platform with tutorials, games, and teaching materials.
• Regular updates and enhancements based on user feedback.
• Acceptance Criteria: Platform must be user-friendly, accessible, and regularly updated.
• Success Indicators:
• Successful launch of the initial version of the Cardano Playground.
• Regular updates and enhancements based on user feedback.
• Key Metrics:
• User engagement metrics (e.g., number of active users, session duration).
• Feedback and satisfaction ratings from users.
• KPIs:
• Monthly updates to the platform with new content or features.
• Positive trends in user engagement metrics over time.

Community Engagement and Expansion

• Milestone Output: Building a vibrant community around the Cardano Playground and expanding its reach.
• Hosting community events and workshops.
• Collaborating with local organizations and clubs.
• Acceptance Criteria: Active engagement and participation from community members.
• Success Indicators:
• Attendance and participation in community events and workshops.
• Growth of the Cardano Playground user base.
• Key Metrics:
• Number of community events hosted.
• Increase in the number of active users and registered participants.
• KPIs:
• Positive feedback and engagement from community members.
• Expansion of the Cardano Playground user base to reach a wider audience.

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

Our team includes experts in machine learning, API, Web, Mobile and blockchain development, and project management, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all project aspects. 

1. Menilik Eshetu - Open Source Specialist and Lead Developer

• LinkedIn: Menilik eshetu linkedin
• Conducting research, curating resources, and organizing content
• and Website : Website
• Currently working at:  Singularitynet.io in Web2 and Web3
• Email: menilik.eshetu@singularitynet.io
• Github : Github account
• Website : Menilik-Website
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate: Menilik’s_Certificate_CBCA_5352426
• Member of Microsoft for startups founders hub

2. Dawit Mekonnen - Fullstack developer | Node.js | React | svelte | Next.js | sveltekit | Postgres | Typescript | Docker | 

• Linkedin : Dawit’s_linkedin
• Github: Dawits Github
• Role: Responsible for web development, focusing on Web-development, UI/UX design and implementation. Dawit brings expertise in creating an intuitive and engaging user interface and Game Activity.

3. Surafel Fikru - Blockchain Developer at Singualritynet with more than 2 year of experience    

• Experienced in programming languages such as Plutus, Haskell, Lucid, Mesh and Marlowe to build and deploy smart contracts with extensive knowledge of the Cardano blockchain
• Linkedin Profile : Linkedin Profile
• Github : Github account

4. Goh Yeshitawe(Msc) : Director of Dilla University Ict incubation Center | STEAM Center Manager | Lecturer at Dilla University with more than 7 years of experience

 : Conducting research, curating educational resources, and organizing content

 : Contact address: goh.yeshitaw@gmail.com

 : Linkedin : Goh linkedin

 : - P.O.Box: 419. 

• E-mail: pirdir@du.edu.et
• Phone: +251461310001, 

  +251463312459

5. Tollan S. Berhanu - AGI Research | AI Development | Cardano Blockchain | Full-stack Web

• Linkedin: Linkedin Profile
• Github : GIthub Profile

6. Hiwot Lemi - Creative Copywriter | Content Developer with more than years of experience 

• Linkedin : hiwote’s Linkedin
• Website : Hiwot_art.blog

7 Betelhem Girmay - Human Resource and Digital Marketing Specialist

Our team experienced professional adept at content creation, copywriting, and promotion. Betelhem will manage HR tasks while leveraging digital marketing strategies to enhance project visibility and engagement.

• Linkedin - Bethlehem's Linkedin

8 Partners and Groups with existing educational and experienced experts

• Telegram channels : Ethiopian_BlockChain_Network Group
• Twitter Handle : Ethiopian BlockChain Network / X
• General Discussion Channel : Code-Night
• Programmer Union: Programmer Union Ethiopia
• MLOps Community: https://mlops.community/

Direct lines of communication have been established to ensure effective coordination and access to necessary resources.

Team Engagement: All listed team members have been engaged and have confirmed their roles and commitment to the project timelines.

This community are in short 

Community Hub: Our Telegram channel serves as a vibrant hub for Ethiopians interested in blockchain technology. It's a place where enthusiasts, developers, and learners come together to share knowledge, ask questions, and explore the vast potential of blockchain.

Learning Opportunities: people Join us to access educational resources, discussions, and insights into blockchain technology. Whether they are a beginner or an expert, there's always something new to discover and learn in our community.

Networking Platform: Connect with like-minded individuals, experts, and professionals in the blockchain space. Forge valuable partnerships, collaborate on projects, and stay updated on the latest developments and opportunities in Ethiopia's blockchain ecosystem.

Community Engagement: Engage in lively discussions, community meetups, and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting blockchain adoption and innovation in Ethiopia. Be part of a movement that's shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship in our country.

Partnership Opportunities: Explore partnership opportunities with blockchain technology companies, startups, and organizations. Together, we can drive meaningful impact and create innovative solutions that benefit our community and beyond.

Note: Our teams are partnered with Binance Africa and started the Process of partnering with Polkadot., Singularitynet And more

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

Period: 5 months

Web3 and Web2 Developers will be started from Second Month, The FIrst Month is for Preparation

3 * Founder(Assistant University Lecturer): 2,500.00/mo * 5 months = 12,500 ADA

2 * Web2 Developers: 4,200.00/mo * 4 months = 16, 800 ADA

2 Web3 Developers: 4000.00/mo 4 months = 16,000 ADA

Banner, Stickers =3,000 ADA

Certificate = 2000 ADA

Game Activity Tools For Tactile Sensory Play = 1,200 ADA

Game Activity Rewards for 15 students: 100 ADA 15/students * 4month = 1,500 ADA

Snack and Soft Drink/mo * 4 months = 10,000 ADA

Risk / Contingency Reserve : 7000 ADA

Reserved for addressing unforeseen challenge or additional needs during project execution

Total Budget: 60,000.00 ADA

Meanwhile, we are still balancing and optimizing the cost. Feel free to give any advice! We are still exploring on cost and seeking volunteers (friends) to join the team.

 Note: The Salary, cost and budget allocation for the Ethiopian economy was determined based on research and documentation conducted by the Centre for Economic Policy Research and Université du Québec, Montréal. The research paper can be found at here

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

The proposed budget represents high value for money.

The funding requested for this project represents an investment in the future of Cardanos

• Meetup Events: The budget includes organizing meetup events to facilitate networking, and education among Cardano enthusiasts.
• User Engagement and Community Building: Budget allocation for community engagement, and networking activities fosters a vibrant Cardano user community.
• Skilled Project Team: Costs reflect the expertise of professionals in app development, content management, user engagement, and community building.
• Justified Cost Estimation: Costs are based on industry standards, market rates, and the complexity of tasks, ensuring a reasonable and value-driven budget.
• Project Users Community: The project aims to build a strong community of Cardano Blockchain students, promoting collaboration, feedback, and knowledge sharing.
• Comprehensive Educational Resources: The project delivers valuable educational materials for students, representing a cost-effective investment in knowledge acquisition.
• Innovative Application of Blockchain:The project pioneers the use of blockchain technology in the culinary field, expanding the utility and visibility of the Cardano blockchain beyond traditional financial applications. This innovation opens new markets for Cardano, demonstrating its versatility and robustness.
•  Development Costs:The costs associated with the development tasks are calculated based on average rates for blockchain developers and designers. According to industry standards, the average freelance rate for blockchain developers ranges