Empowering Academic Communities: Bridging the Gap with Cardano Blockchain Education

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

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

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

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

The goal is to raise awareness in educational institutions by arranging workshops, promoting Cardano on campuses, and developing skill mentorship programs.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[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?

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The project's results will be open source throughout its existence. The public and Cardano Community will be able to watch videos of the progress and workshops that will be broadcast on YouTube. Proof of achievements will be also delivered to Catalyst.iohk.io and will comprise a PDF program report, event photographs, and event videos.

[METADATA] SDG rating

Education & Marketing

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

It is evident that most communities of educational institutions are not aware of Cardano's revolutionary blockchain technology. This issue significantly impedes Cardano adoption and the investigation of its potential uses in academic environments. This will be a great help to educational communities in the country looking at the impact Cardano can make.

Our strategy is based on an understanding of the problem's complex nature. We suggest a comprehensive strategy that includes several actions aimed at improving Cardano awareness and understanding on campuses. We seek to equip individuals with the knowledge, resources, and chances to interact meaningfully with Cardano through a combination of workshops, campus marketing, student assistance efforts, and skill enhancement programs.

We will implement some of these strategies.

Workshops: Giving a thorough understanding of Cardano's blockchain technology and all of its varied uses across different industries. Offering interactive discussions and practical demonstrations to help learners improve their comprehension and performance.

Campus Promotions: Introducing focused marketing initiatives and educational activities to increase teacher, administration, and student knowledge of Cardano.

Interacting with university stakeholders to draw attention to the advantages and opportunities that adopting Cardano may present.

Skill Mentorship Programs: launching mentorship programs to assist students who want to learn more about blockchain technology and its practical uses. Providing chances for hands-on projects, collaborative research, and skill development in Cardano-related fields.

We believe the would be the impact during and after completion of the project.

• The Community of the various institutions we are going to visit will cause an Increased acceptance and would be willing to learn more about Cardano.
• There would also be an enhanced creativity and innovation among students through the exploration of Cardano's potential applications.
• Lastly, Greater collaboration and knowledge exchange between academia and the Cardano community, leading to the development of impactful blockchain solutions and initiatives.

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

This project will add value to the Cardano community in the following ways:

Enhanced Acceptance and Awareness: Our project will expose a new generation of students, researchers, and educators to the Cardano ecosystem by incorporating Cardano into research agendas. More people will be able to use Cardano's technology and ideas as a result of this raised awareness and understanding.

Better Innovation: The Cardano community will benefit from our project's role as a catalyst for innovation. By encouraging collaboration between academia and Cardano developers, we may support the investigation of new ideas, research directions, and applications for Cardano's blockchain technology. This inflow of new ideas and experience will spur creativity and propel the Cardano ecosystem's development.

Community Engagement: Through workshops, seminars, and networking events, our initiative will actively connect with Cardano users. Strengthening the ties between academia and the larger Cardano community, this interaction will offer chances for knowledge transfer, cooperation, and feedback. Furthermore, by allowing students and researchers to participate in the Cardano community, we will create a new generation of Cardano supporters and contributors.

Validation and Credibility: The project's credibility is enhanced and its potential as a disruptive technology is validated by the incorporation of Cardano within academic institutions. As academic study and education on Cardano grows, the project will be recognized as a legitimate and useful contribution to the blockchain realm. This confirmation will increase interest and investment from academic and industry stakeholders, strengthening the Cardano ecosystem's growth and success.

[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?

Meet the Team

Meet Our Exceptional Team:

Nana Yaw Sarbah:

• Seasoned professional in development, digital marketing expert, and IT specialist.
• Dedicated advocate for blockchain education and community engagement.
• Actively contributes to Catalyst projects in Ghana, demonstrating commitment to blockchain innovation.
• Connect with Richmond on Telegram [@yaw_sarbah] and LinkedIn [@RichmondSarbah]

Clifford Edusei:

• Passionate advocate for blockchain technology with expertise in accounting.
• Brings a unique blend of accounting knowledge and blockchain enthusiasm to the team.
• Experienced in auditing, contributing valuable insights to financial processes for blockchain integration.
• Clifford Edusei | LinkedIn

Nana Akua Opoku:

• Esteemed alumna of the University of Ghana and CEO of Sumptuous Treats, showcasing strong leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
• Proficient digital marketing and business analyst, providing strategic insights for project success.
• Recognized for dedication and professionalism, enhancing our team's marketing and business development efforts.
• Nana Akua Opoku | LinkedIn

Awura Owusu:

• Engaged member of the Cardano community, serving as a Community Assessor (CA).
• Veteran CA in Fund 7 with a strong track record of reliability and expertise.
• Actively contributes to Cardano initiatives and serves as a student Ambassador, aspiring to become a full-time Cardano Ambassador.
• Works as a claims and billing officer in a hospital.
• Adwoa Owusu | LinkedIn

Doku Theresah:

• Dedicated student nurse at Wisconsin University, demonstrating a commitment to healthcare and education.
• Brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the team, enriching discussions and fostering innovation.
• Known for her empathy, diligence, and willingness to go the extra mile in serving others.

With our diverse team of dedicated professionals, we are well-equipped to deliver impactful results and drive positive change in blockchain education and community engagement.

These are the measures we are going to put in place to ensure trust and accountability.

Transparency We will be very open and transparent in our communication with all parties involved in the project, including participants, partners, and funders. We'll also have frequent updates, progress reports, and feedback sessions to make sure everyone the Cardano community aware of the happenings and can also contribute to the project's advancement.

Accountability Framework: We will develop clear roles, duties, and accountability systems for the project team. With the help of Mr. Edusei who will be working as the Chief finance officer and will be in charge of the audits. Every team member will be responsible for their own assignments and deliverables, and progress will be monitored, and deadline compliance will be ensured through frequent check-ins and assessments.

Risk management: To successfully address possible risks and problems related to the project, we will have team meeting sessions establish mitigation solutions. Through proactive risk assessment and management, we can reduce the possibility of delays and disturbances during the project's implementation.

Feasibility validation: Also, in order to confirm the viability of our suggested initiatives and activities, we will carry out in-depth investigation and analysis. This will entail looking over previously published research, speaking with authorities in the field, and, if necessary, carrying out feasibility studies or trial projects.

We will use an iterative approach to project development, which allows for flexibility and adaptation in response to changing conditions or stakeholder feedback. Through ongoing assessment and optimization of our methodology, we can guarantee that the project stays in line with its goals and is attentive to the requirements of its stakeholders.

Measurable Outcomes: To monitor the project's success and advancement, we will establish precise, quantifiable goals and key performance indicators (KPIs). We will be able to determine the efficacy of our strategy and make any required modifications to meet our objectives by regular monitoring and assessment of these indicators.

We are certain that we can complete the project with a high degree of responsibility and confidence by following these guidelines and procedures. We are dedicated to making sure that our strategy is workable, efficient, and in line with the requirements and expectations of all parties involved.

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

Period: 1 Month (4 weeks)

Planning

We would have various meetings to find out the venue for the workshop and other important things related to make the workshop a success.

Workshop Preparation

In preparation of the workshop, we will firstly conduct surveys and interviews with students to better identify their knowledge gaps and interests in Cardano and blockchain. After we will examine the data to find recurring themes and areas in which further training is required.

Based on the results of findings, we will outline the topics and learning objectives for the workshops.

Then after we will Collaborate with top notch topic matter experts to speak at workshop program that will be organized.

Order to help for better understanding, we will gather relevant resources such as articles, videos, case studies, and interactive tools to support the workshop curriculum.

Media and Online Publicity

We will create promotional materials including flyers, posters, and social media graphics to promote the seminars.

We will also do a hostel-to-hostel activation to get more people interested. Lastly there will be Radio and Media Tour to tell people about the workshop.

Budget for Milestone 1

• Printing & designing of marketing materials (brochures, flyers & Banners): 2,500 ADA
• Venue rental: 2,000 ADA
• Media and Online Publicity: 2,500 ADA
• Purchase of Stationary for the Workshop: 1,000 ADA
• Photography and streaming -1,500ADA
• Audio-visual equipment (projectors, screens & P.A. System): 2,000 ADA

Total: 11,500ADA

Workshop Execution

On the 5th to 6th week, the workshop will take place with Great speakers on relevant topics about blockchain and Cardano.

There will be a lot of Participant Engagement. Active participation and engagement from attendees through open discussions, group activities, and Q&A sessions and attendees who do well with these will be awarded.

We will solicit for feedback from workshop participants at various intervals throughout the sessions to gauge their comprehension, satisfaction, and overall experience. We will use feedback mechanisms such as anonymous surveys, verbal feedback sessions and written evaluations to gather insights into the effectiveness of the workshops.

Budget for Milestone 2

• Refreshments for Speakers, Personnel and Attendees (snacks, beverages and Food): 2,500 ADA
• Money for Speakers and Other Personnel (Hotel and Travelling cost etc.)- 4,500ADA
• Total:7,000ADA

Campus Promotion and Community Engagement (week 8 to week 12)

• Develop and execute targeted marketing campaigns to promote Cardano initiatives on campus.
• Utilize a variety of channels such as social media, email newsletters, campus bulletin boards, and word-of-mouth to reach students.
• Design visually appealing and informative promotional materials, including flyers, posters, digital banners, and social media graphics.
• Ensure that promotional materials effectively communicate the value proposition of Cardano and highlight key benefits and opportunities for involvement.
• Strategically distribute promotional materials across campus to maximize visibility and reach among the target audience.
• Collaborate with student organizations, academic departments, and campus event coordinators to leverage existing networks and platforms for promotion.
• Organize interactive events, virtual meetups, webinars, and discussion forums to facilitate community engagement and knowledge exchange.
• Encourage active participation and contribution from community members through polls, surveys, challenges, and collaborative projects.
• Monitor the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and community engagement activities through metrics such as engagement rates, website traffic, and participant feedback.
• Collect feedback from community members to assess satisfaction levels, identify areas for improvement, and inform future initiatives.

Budget For Milestone 3

• Social Media Advertising: 3,000 ADA
• Email Newsletters: 1,000 ADA
• Designing and Printing of Publicity Materials: 2,500 ADA
• Collaboration with Student Organizations: 2,500 ADA
• Interactive Events and Webinars: 3,000 ADA
• Participant Engagement Activities: 2,500 ADA
• Monitoring and Feedback Collection: 1,500 ADA

Total: 16,000ADA

Skill Mentorship Program Development and Implementation (Week13- Week 17)

• Develop a structured mentorship program framework outlining the goals, objectives, and activities of the initiative.
• Define mentorship roles, responsibilities, and expectations for both mentors and mentees to ensure clarity and alignment.
• Identify and recruit qualified mentors with expertise in Cardano and blockchain technology, as well as relevant industry experience.
• Provide comprehensive training and orientation sessions for mentors to equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to effectively support mentees.
• Facilitate the matching and pairing process between mentors and mentees based on compatibility, interests, and goals.
• Conduct introductory meetings or orientation sessions to foster rapport and establish mutual understanding between mentors and mentees.
• Collaborate with mentor-mentee pairs to establish clear goals, objectives, and action plans for the duration of the mentorship program.
• Encourage mentees to articulate their learning objectives, career aspirations, and areas of interest to guide the mentorship process effectively.
• Schedule regular check-in meetings or progress reviews between mentors and mentees to assess progress, address challenges, and provide feedback.
• Maintain open lines of communication and encourage ongoing dialogue between mentor-mentee pairs to facilitate continuous learning and development.
• Facilitate the exchange of resources, tools, and best practices between mentors and mentees to enhance learning and skill development.
• Provide additional support and guidance to mentees as needed, including access to workshops, training materials, and networking opportunities.
• Conduct evaluations and feedback surveys to assess the effectiveness of the mentorship program and gather insights from participants.
• Use feedback to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for future iterations of the program.

Budget for Milestone 4

• Training materials (workbooks, guides): 1,500 ADA
• Mentorship Programs: 3,000 ADA
• Mentor stipends: 4,500 ADA
• Administrative costs (communication, logistics): 2,000 ADA

Total:11,000 ADA

Community Expansion and Sustainability (Week 18- week 21)

• Identify potential collaborators, including academic institutions, student organizations, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
• Initiate partnership discussions and collaborations to leverage resources, expertise, and networks for community expansion and sustainability.
• Explore opportunities to scale existing initiatives, such as workshops, mentorship programs, and community events, to reach a broader audience.
• Develop scalable models and processes to streamline program delivery, enhance efficiency, and accommodate growing demand.
• Expand the range of educational offerings and engagement opportunities to cater to diverse interests and learning preferences.
• Introduce new initiatives, such as specialized workshops, guest speaker series, hackathons, and collaborative projects, to enrich the community experience.
• Launch targeted outreach and awareness campaigns to attract new participants, including students, faculty, researchers, and industry professionals.
• Utilize digital marketing, social media, campus events, and word-of-mouth referrals to increase visibility and engagement.
• Provide ongoing capacity-building and training opportunities for community members to develop skills, deepen knowledge, and enhance their contributions.
• Offer workshops, webinars, tutorials, and certification programs to support continuous learning and professional development within the community.
• Establish metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the progress, impact, and effectiveness of community expansion and sustainability efforts.
• Regularly evaluate and assess the outcomes, feedback, and insights gathered to inform strategic decision-making and program refinement.

Budget for Milestone 5

• Specialized Workshops and Events: 3,500 ADA
• Guest Speaker Series and Hackathons: 3,200 ADA
• Certification Programs: 3,000 ADA

Total: 9,7000 ADA

Impact Assessment and Documentation (week 22-week 24)

• Design a robust evaluation framework with clear objectives, indicators, and methodologies to assess the impact of the project.
• Define evaluation criteria related to knowledge acquisition, skill development, community engagement, and overall program effectiveness.
• Collect quantitative and qualitative data through surveys, interviews, focus groups, participant observations, and program metrics.
• Analyze data to identify trends, patterns, correlations, and areas of strength or improvement related to the initiative's objectives and outcomes.
• Evaluate the impact of the initiative on participants' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors related to Cardano and blockchain technology.
• Assess the broader societal and organizational impacts, such as increased awareness, enhanced collaboration, and ecosystem growth.
• Document findings, insights, and lessons learned from the impact assessment process in a comprehensive report.
• Present key findings, success stories, and recommendations to stakeholders through written reports, presentations, and visualizations.
• Engage stakeholders in discussions and feedback sessions to validate evaluation findings, solicit input, and gather perspectives on the initiative's impact.
• Incorporate stakeholder feedback into the documentation and reporting process to ensure relevance, accuracy, and credibility.
• Use evaluation findings and stakeholder feedback to inform continuous improvement efforts and strategic decision-making for future iterations of the Cardano University Community initiative.
• Iterate on program design, delivery methods, and engagement strategies based on lessons learned and emerging trends in the blockchain and education sectors.

Budget for the final Milestone

• Hiring Evaluation Consultancy Team: 2,500 ADA
• Report Writing: 1,000 ADA
• Stakeholder Feedback Sessions: 1,500 ADA

Total:5,000 ADA

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

Nana Yaw Sarbah: Richmond Sarbah | LinkedIn

• Role: Project Lead
• Responsibilities: Overseeing the overall project execution, coordinating team activities, liaising with stakeholders, and ensuring project milestones are achieved in a timely manner. Additionally, leveraging expertise in development, digital marketing, and blockchain to guide strategy and implementation.

Clifford Edusei: Clifford Edusei | LinkedIn

• Role: Blockchain Advocate, Head of Finance, and Accountability Officer
• Responsibilities: Providing insights and guidance on blockchain technology, particularly in academic contexts. Contributing to curriculum development, mentorship, and community engagement activities. Additionally, overseeing financial management, ensuring accountability, and conducting audits to maintain financial integrity within the project. Leveraging experience in accounting and auditing to uphold transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Nana Akua Opoku: Nana Akua Opoku | LinkedIn

• Role: Digital Marketing and Business Analyst
• Responsibilities: Leading marketing and promotional efforts to raise awareness of Cardano initiatives within academic institutions. Developing strategies for community expansion and sustainability. Utilizing expertise in digital marketing and business analysis to optimize outreach and engagement.

Awura Owusu: Adwoa Owusu | LinkedIn

• Role: Community Assessor and Ambassador
• Responsibilities: Engaging with the Cardano community to gather insights, assess needs, and facilitate collaboration. Serving as a liaison between the project team and community stakeholders. Leveraging experience in community assessment and advocacy to ensure alignment with community priorities.

Doku Theresah:

• Role: Student Nurse and Community Engagement Specialist
• Responsibilities: Contributing to community outreach and engagement efforts, particularly within academic and healthcare settings. Providing insights into the needs and interests of student populations. Leveraging expertise in nursing and community engagement to foster meaningful connections and participation.

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

Workshop preparation and execution

• Printing & designing of marketing materials (brochures, flyers & Banners): 2,500 ADA
• Venue rental: 2,000 ADA
• Media and Online Publicity: 2,500 ADA
• Purchase of Stationary for the Workshop: 1,000 ADA
• Photography and streaming -1,500ADA
• Audio-visual equipment (projectors, screens & P.A. System): 2,000 ADA
• Refreshments for Speakers, Personnel and Attendees (snacks, beverages and Food): 2,500 ADA
• Money for Speakers and Other Personnel (Hotel and Travelling cost etc.)- 4,500ADA

Total:18,500

Campus Promotion and Community Engagement

• Social Media Advertising: 3,000 ADA
• Email Newsletters: 1,000 ADA
• Designing and Printing of Publicity Materials: 2,500 ADA
• Collaboration with Student Organizations: 2,500 ADA
• Interactive Events and Webinars: 3,000 ADA
• Participant Engagement Activities: 2,500 ADA
• Monitoring and Feedback Collection: 1,500 ADA

Total: 16,000ADA

Skill Mentorship Program Development and Implementation

• Training materials (workbooks, guides): 1,500 ADA
• Mentorship Programs: 3,000 ADA
• Mentor stipends: 4,500 ADA
• Administrative costs (communication, logistics): 2,000 ADA

Total:11,000 ADA

Community Expansion and Sustainability

• Specialized Workshops and Events: 3,500 ADA
• Guest Speaker Series and Hackathons: 3,200 ADA
• Certification Programs: 3,000 ADA

Total: 9,7000 ADA

Impact Assessment and Documentation

• Hiring Evaluation Consultancy Team: 2,500 ADA
• Report Writing: 1,000 ADA
• Stakeholder Feedback Sessions: 1,500 ADA

Total:5,000 ADA

Total Budget: 60,200ADA

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

The cost of the project represents significant value for the Cardano ecosystem due to its comprehensive approach and strategic allocation of resources. Each expense has been carefully considered to maximize impact while ensuring efficiency and sustainability.

Workshop Materials and Supplies: The costs for workshop materials and venue rental are reasonable and necessary for facilitating educational sessions and community engagement. These expenses are proportional to industry standards and are essential for creating a conducive learning environment.

Marketing and Promotion: The allocated budget for marketing activities is essential for raising awareness and attracting participants to the workshops and events. Social media advertising, printed advertisements, and online marketing tools are cost-effective ways to reach a broader audience and drive engagement.

Mentorship Program Development: Investing in mentorship programs is crucial for fostering skill development and knowledge transfer within the community. The mentor stipends and administrative costs are justified by the value they bring in nurturing talent and promoting long-term engagement.

Community Engagement Events: Hosting community events is vital for building relationships, fostering collaboration, and promoting active participation. The expenses associated with event venue rental, promotion, materials, and guest speaker fees are justified by the impact they have on community building and engagement.

Partnership Development: Building partnerships and collaborations is essential for expanding the reach and influence of the Cardano ecosystem. The allocated budget for networking events, collaboration incentives, and outreach materials ensures effective relationship building and strategic alliances.

Documentation and Reporting: Proper documentation and reporting are essential for transparency, accountability, and knowledge sharing. While the costs for report writing and graphic design may seem modest, they are crucial for conveying project progress and outcomes effectively.