Konsensis: Educating Refugees on Cardano

[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)

Free in-person and online Cardano classes Incentivized by grants for attending, providing access to internet and educational material as well as fostering a local ecosystem around Cardano.

[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.”

I Can South Sudan, a local NGO which we have partnered with, have been assisting us on-ground with offices to conduct the training sessions, recruitment of the initial 10 women as well transportation for the women when neccessary.

Moving forward, we will be using the same offices and services that they have been able to provide.

[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 Konsensis model and course material will be open for anyone who wants to adapt and use it for their own initiatives.

All smart contracts and code associated with the Cardano blockchain will be made open source via Github repositories once complete and tested. Additionally, a significant portion of our educational content, particularly in finance, crypto, and blockchain, will be open source and free for all users.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Building on success:

Following a successful three-month pilot program with ten women, Konsensis is looking to significantly expand our introductory Cardano Education Program. 

Our initial program focused on refugee women in Uganda, which gave us valuable insights into their understanding of the financial systems and how blockchain can address their current challenges. This also helped us refine and optimize our courses to be more relevant to their ambitions. 

The positive feedback from our initial students and the clear need for education in this area has created a demand to expand our courses and invite more students. We are already in contact with new students who are eager to join the program. 

To ensure continuity and cost-effectiveness, we will be utilizing the existing resources, including our borrowed office space and previously purchased tablets. The office space is used for the on-site education, which is important for the sense of community, and it allows for personalized support for the students and their progress. 

We have a plan to upgrade the existing office and make it more accessible for the students and for the general community. This means that we will be upgrading the internet connection to ensure a smoother learning experience and accessibility for students outside of scheduled courses. 

Staffing:

To keep up with demand and ensure a smooth onboarding experience for the new students, we will also be hiring two part-time staff members initially. As the program grows, we will be looking to scale this by adding two to three full-time positions. 

Engaging Existing Students: 

A survey is in the works to assess the current students interest in intermediate and advanced courses. The outcome of the survey will determine what the next curriculum will focus on. Examples of the courses can be SPO classes, Governance and DRep education, smart contract programming etc. 

This approach to expansion will leverage the strong foundation that we have established during the pilot phase and gives the ability to reach a wider audience of people with ambitions that will benefit Cardano.

Expanding reach with the Oli Platform: 

Konsensis and Olympus Insights share a commitment to bridge the financial gap through education. This collaboration brings the Oli Platform to our program, complementing our on-site education. 

Through Oli, we are able to reach a wider audience and facilitate a safe learning environment for even more students by leveraging the easy to use online platform combined with our staff on-site who are able to guide new and curious students. 

We are nearing the beta test of our beginner course on Oli both with existing students and some new to the program. When we have successfully tested the program, the entire introductory course will be released as a free-to-use resource on Oli. 

Oli Ambassadors:

The Oli ambassadors program allows existing students to onboard a new wave of learners. By inviting their friends and families, students will earn rewards that can be converted to their preferred currency.

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

We are looking to significantly expand our introductory Cardano education program, following a highly successful three-month pilot phase. This expansion has the potential to deliver a positive impact on the wider Cardano ecosystem. Here's how:

Increased User Base and Adoption: By educating a broader audience on the fundamentals of Cardano, we are effectively creating more informed users. This can lead to increased adoption of Cardano for various purposes, be it staking, using DeFi applications, governance participation or even developing on the platform.

Stronger Community Through Open Source: Our approach is open-source by nature. The curriculum and course materials we develop will be freely available, allowing anyone to access this valuable knowledge. This fosters a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing within the Cardano community.

Benefits of Open Source Education:

• Wider dissemination: Open-source materials can be easily translated, adapted, and distributed by anyone, reaching a much wider audience globally compared to a closed program.
• Improved Quality: Open-source materials benefit from continuous community review and improvement. Developers and educators can identify errors, keep the course material up to date, and contribute to a constantly evolving and high-quality curriculum.
• Innovation and New Courses: With open access to the core materials, other educators and developers can build upon them to create courses catering to their audience. This can lead to a richer and more diverse educational landscape within Cardano.

Our expansion plan, coupled with the open-source approach, empowers a wider audience, fosters a collaborative community, and ultimately strengthens the Cardano ecosystem as a whole. By creating a more informed user base, we're laying the groundwork for a thriving Cardano future.

[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?

Konsensis is already a thriving project with proven results from our initial group of students. We have established a strong connection with Olympus Insight and are set to collaborate in creating online courses. Our plan extends to hiring individuals who participated in the initial course, further educating them to enhance our in-person education. Eventually, these individuals will lead entire classes and manage other on-site tasks. Additionally, we aim to recruit specialists in various fields to develop intermediate and advanced classes, including but not limited to areas like SPOs, DReps, Smart Contracts, and more.

The team at Olympus Insights has the capacity to deliver the Oli education platform with integrity and accountability, rooted in their robust operational framework, comprehensive business plan, and detailed financial plan. They validate their approach and manage funds responsibly through several key strategies:

They have a strong track record with a team of experts in education, blockchain, and financial management, ensuring competence across all project areas. Key team members include Nathan, a seasoned secondary school teacher, and Mark, the owner of a software and AI development firm, both of whom bring deep industry knowledge. Their business and financial plans are comprehensive, covering objectives, target markets, engagement strategies, budgeting, expected revenues, and contingencies. They also maintain ongoing engagement with stakeholders, including future users and partners in the Cardano ecosystem, to ensure the platform meets community needs.

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

Milestone 1: 

1. Survey of the initial group:

• The survey should be delivered to all members of the initial group.
• The survey should include questions about their preferred learning styles, interests, and experience level.

2. Launch the beginner course on Oli:

• The course content should be uploaded to the Oli platform.
• The course should include clear learning objectives, engaging content (e.g., videos, quizzes, readings), and assignments.
• The platform should be accessible for free to students and function properly. 

3. Find students for the online course and in-person course:

• Develop a recruitment strategy targeting potential students.
• Secure a minimum of 10 students enrolled in the online course.
• Secure a minimum of 5 students enrolled in the in-person course.

4. Hire two part-time on-site assistants:

• Develop a job description outlining the required skills and responsibilities.
• Partner with the local partner to conduct interviews and select qualified candidates.
• Onboard the new hires and provide them with the necessary training.

5. Monthly project team meetings:

• Meetings should be held once a month, with clear agendas and minutes documented.
• Meetings should track progress on each milestone, identify any roadblocks, and discuss solutions.
• A written summary of each meeting should be distributed and made publicly available.

Budget:

• The total project budget for this milestone is 10,000 ADA.

Milestone 2:

1: Draft a plan for the next 6-12 months of courses (Online & In-person)

• A documented course plan outlining online and in-person offerings for the next 6-12 months is available.
• The plan considers student feedback and survey results from Milestone 1.
• The plan identifies target audiences, course formats (lecture, workshop, etc.), duration, and instructor requirements.

2: Start recruitment for the coming courses

• Recruitment is conducted by our on-site partners.
• A clear application process is established for potential students.
• Information about the upcoming courses are delivered to previous and current students.

3: Create and launch 3-4 intermediate and advanced classes

• 3-4 intermediate and advanced level courses are developed based on student feedback and the survey. 
• Course curriculum, materials (presentations, assignments, etc.), and instructor assignments are finalized.
• Online and in-person course platforms are set up with appropriate access for instructors and students.

4: Conduct courses both online and in-person

• All scheduled courses are delivered successfully, both online and in-person.
• Student attendance meets or exceeds pre-defined targets.
• Student satisfaction surveys are conducted.

5: Create enough on-site work to hire 2-3 people full time

• The project generates enough workload to justify hiring 2-3 full-time employees.
• Job descriptions for the new positions are developed and recruitment is initiated.

6: File to register as an NGO in Uganda

• A formal application for NGO registration in Uganda is submitted to the relevant authorities.
• All required documentation for registration is obtained and completed.
• If accepted, all hires will be moved from our partners to Konsensis. 

7: Start reaching out to others who might benefit from using the platform

• A target list of potential beneficiaries for the platform (e.g., other Cardano projects with similar target group) is developed.
• Initial communication is established with potential beneficiaries to introduce the platform and its potential benefits.

8. Monthly project team meetings:

• Meetings should be held once a month, with clear agendas and minutes documented.
• Meetings should track progress on each milestone, identify any roadblocks, and discuss solutions.
• A written summary of each meeting should be distributed and made publicly available.

9. Ambassador program 

• Oli ambassador program is active.
• Onboarding of ambassadors from ongoing and previous courses.

Budget:

• The total project budget for this milestone is 11,000 ADA.

Final Milestone: 

• Project Evaluation and Future Plans Report
• Project Close-out Report
• Project Close-out Video

Milestone budget - 10000 ADA

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

Beatrice Anihiri: Project lead and Konsensis founder - https://twitter.com/BeatriceAnihiri

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beatrice-anihiri-182b15219/

Beatrice, a Cardano ambassador and refugee, is passionate about financial inclusion and equality. Her own experience as a refugee fueled her deep belief in education's power, which led her to found Konsensis. Beatrice's experience further strengthens her mission to ensure everyone has a seat at the table in shaping Cardano's future.

Thomas Lindseth: Educational lead, Konsensis Co-Founder - https://twitter.com/ThomasNordicADA

Driven by a passion for inclusivity and knowledge sharing, Thomas has become a well-known figure in the Cardano ecosystem. As a Cardano ambassador, he spends a lot of time dedicated to Cardano’s values and vision. His collaborative spirit is evident in his roles in both Konsensis and the Nordic Cardano Community, where he works to build a strong and inclusive community around Cardano. Thomas's dedication also extends to the Cardano governance process, where he actively participates in shaping Cardano's future. All of these contributions and commitment to equality and education, influenced by past experiences that instilled in him the importance of community and helping others.

Nathan Barkell, Co-Founder - https://twitter.com/Nate_Olympus

With a decade of teaching Mathematics, Science, Health, and Phys Ed in Australia, Nathan has a profound commitment to education. His transition into the tech world led him to create over 100 lessons on Cryptocurrency, Finance, and broader web3 topics, specifically designed to engage the next generation of Cardano and blockchain enthusiasts. Nathan's unique blend of educational expertise and tech innovation positions him as a pivotal force in nurturing informed digital citizens.

Mark Elliot, Co-Founder - https://twitter.com/stocktrade2036

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markelliott10/

Mark brings over 20 years of senior management experience from leading telecommunications organizations in Australia, coupled with a decade at the helm of his own software and AI development company. His extensive background in technology management and entrepreneurship equips him with a nuanced understanding of how to steer companies through complex digital landscapes and innovate at the intersection of software development and strategic leadership.

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

8 months running cost for Konsensis - 6900 ADA

Salary for on-site staff - 8300 ADA

Development of new online courses - 4600 ADA

8 month Internet connection for the on-site office - 2000 ADA

Office equipment - 4600 ADA

Merchandise for the participants - 2300 ADA

Contingency fund - 2300 ADA

Total budget for 8 months - 31000 ADA

This budget was calculated may 8th. with ADA price being $0.44

Any leftover funds will go towards future courses and classes.

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

Konsensis and Olympus Insights will together bring value for the Cardano ecosystem through a focus on user education and inclusion.

User Education:

By providing comprehensive educational resources, we equip new users with the knowledge to utilize Cardano's potential. This translates to:

• Increased Adoption: More users will be prepared to utilize Cardano's features, driving growth in staking, DeFi applications, governance participation, and development activity.
• Stronger Community: Educated users are more likely to actively engage in the Cardano community, enabling collaboration and innovation.

Open Source Advantage:

Our program's open-source nature optimizes budget allocation through:

• Reduced Redundancy: Freely available materials eliminate the need to duplicate content, saving development resources.
• Community Contributions: Open-source allows the community to contribute translations, updates, and create new courses, minimizing our ongoing maintenance costs.

Expanding the Cardano Ecosystem

The Ambassador Program utilizes the Oli platform to:

• Attract New Users: We target a diverse user base, increasing transactions, ADA demand, and dApp usage.
• Education and Empowerment: The Oli platform bridges the 'financial education gap' by enabling users to understand and leverage blockchain and cryptocurrency. This results in a more engaged user base, contributing to ecosystem growth and stability.

Practical Onboarding and Integration

Each user creates their own wallet during the introduction course, integrating them directly into the Cardano ecosystem. This combines theoretical knowledge with practical tools, boosting engagement and contributing to the ecosystem's utility and liquidity.

Global Outreach and Social Impact

Our focus on 'learn to earn,' 'create to earn,' and 'refer to earn' models, incentivizes participation. This opens financial and educational opportunities, encouraging a more inclusive digital economy that aligns with Cardano's mission.

Continuous Improvement through Feedback

The Ambassador Program facilitates user feedback for refining both the Konsensis courses and the Oli platform. This ensures it meets user needs and strengthens the Cardano ecosystem's appeal.

Value Creation with $Oli Tokens and ADA

Users earn $Oli tokens as they learn online and ADA as they learn in-person, linking educational achievement with value creation and integrating them into Cardano's economic activities.

By investing in user education and Self-sufficiency, our proposal delivers significant value for the long-term sustainability and growth of the Cardano ecosystem.