CardaCanto - Empowering Cantonese Women in Blockchain

[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)

Empower Cantonese women and men in the blockchain space, specifically within 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.”

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

We will maintain an open and transparent development process, encouraging contributions from the wider community and fostering a collaborative environment where ideas can be freely shared and improved upon. Our commitment to open source reflects our dedication to democratizing access to blockchain education and opportunities for all.

[METADATA] SDG rating

Goal 5: Gender Equality

• Sub-goal 5.5: Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
• Sub-goal 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments.

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Sub-goal 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Sub-goal 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, disaggregated by age, sex, disability, and other characteristics.

Goal 4: Quality Education

• Sub-goal 4.5: 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.
• Sub-goal 4.5.1: Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, and others) for all levels of education.

These SDGs and sub-goals emphasize the importance of gender equality, inclusivity, and quality education, which are central to this proposal. By empowering Cantonese women in blockchain, the project contributes to reducing gender disparities, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring equal opportunities.

KPIs for measuring impact include:

• Number of Cantonese women participating in blockchain education programs and events.
• Percentage increase in the representation of Cantonese women in blockchain-related leadership roles and decision-making positions.
• Feedback surveys measuring participants' confidence, knowledge, and skills gained through mentorship and educational initiatives.
• Number of successful collaborations and projects initiated by Cantonese women in the blockchain space.

These indicators help track progress towards achieving gender equality, reducing inequalities, and empowering minority groups within the Cardano ecosystem.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

CardanoCanto aims to empower Cantonese-speaking women and men in blockchain by providing educational programs, mentorship, and community-building initiatives held in Hong Kong. This location is strategically chosen to encourage Cantonese-speaking women not only from Hong Kong but also from mainland regions such as Guangdong, Guangxi, and Macau to participate.

We address the problem of underrepresentation by fostering a safe and supportive environment where Cantonese women can thrive, regardless of their specific geographical location within the Cantonese-speaking regions.

Our project puts emphasis on the engagement of Cantonese-speaking women interested in blockchain and Cardano within the Hong Kong & Greater Bay Area cryptocurrency communities and beyond, including those from mainland regions where Cantonese is spoken. We will provide them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and guidance to navigate the industry and Cardano successfully. Our impact will be demonstrated by an increase in the number of Cantonese women actively participating in blockchain events, workshops, and online communities.

What makes our solution unique is its focus on addressing language and cultural barriers specific to the Cantonese-speaking community across various regions. By enabling Cantonese women from different regions to fully engage with the Cardano ecosystem, we contribute diverse perspectives and expertise, crucial for Cardano's growth and sustainability within the wider community.

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

CardaCanto will enrich the broader Cardano community by fostering diversity, inclusivity, and innovation. Our impact will be measured through the heightened engagement of Cantonese women in blockchain activities, supplemented by valuable feedback from participants. The success of our project will imbue the Cardano ecosystem with greater inclusivity and representation, amplifying its resilience and creativity. We will disseminate our findings and resources through comprehensive documentation, online platforms, immersive workshops, and collaborative events, ensuring maximal reach and impact across the Cardano community.

[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 possesses a unique blend of skills, experiences, and regional expertise that positions us as the ideal candidates to deliver the CardaCanto project with utmost trust and accountability.

Longstanding Interest in Blockchain: With a collective interest in blockchain dating back to 2021, we bring a deep understanding of the technology and its potential to revolutionize industries. Our commitment to blockchain's advancement fuels our dedication to this project.

Regional Knowledge and Language Proficiency: Based in the Cantonese-speaking region, we have an intimate understanding of the local dynamics, cultural nuances, and challenges faced by women in blockchain. Our proficiency in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin enables seamless communication and facilitates effective outreach to diverse audiences.

Diverse Skill Set: Our team comprises individuals with diverse skill sets, including blockchain development, project management, community engagement, and language translation. This diversity allows us to tackle various aspects of the project comprehensively and ensures a well-rounded approach to implementation.

Peer Support and Collaboration: We have established connections with female peers who are experienced developers and blockchain enthusiasts. Their involvement in the project ensures access to valuable insights, technical expertise, and mentorship, enhancing the quality and impact of our initiatives.

Transparent Financial Management: We are committed to transparency and accountability in managing project funds. To ensure proper financial management, we will implement clear budgeting, expense tracking, and reporting mechanisms. Regular updates and financial statements will be provided to stakeholders to maintain transparency and trust.

Feasibility

Pilot Programs: We will conduct pilot programs and workshops to validate the feasibility of our approach. These pilot initiatives will allow us to assess the effectiveness of our educational programs, mentorship frameworks, and community-building strategies in engaging Cantonese-speaking women in blockchain.

Stakeholder Feedback: We will actively seek feedback from project participants, stakeholders, and community members throughout the project lifecycle. Their input will help us refine our approach, address challenges, and optimize our strategies for maximum impact.

Progress Tracking: We will implement robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track our progress against key performance indicators and project milestones. Regular progress reports will be shared with stakeholders to demonstrate accountability and ensure alignment with project goals.

Continuous Improvement: We are committed to continuous improvement and adaptation based on feedback and lessons learned. By remaining agile and responsive to changing needs and circumstances, we will optimize our approach and maximize the project's effectiveness over time.

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

Project Initiation and Planning

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Comprehensive project plan tailored to the needs and demographics of Cantonese-speaking women in Hong Kong.
2. Established communication channels specifically designed to engage and support Cantonese-speaking participants.
3. Defined roles and responsibilities considering the cultural context and language preferences of the target audience.
4. Conducted a detailed risk assessment focusing on potential challenges unique to the Hong Kong Cantonese-speaking community.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. The project plan must address the specific educational needs and preferences of Cantonese-speaking women in Hong Kong & Greater Bay Area, outlining clear objectives, deliverables, and timelines.
2. Communication channels must be adapted to accommodate the language and cultural nuances of the target audience, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
3. Roles and responsibilities should be allocated based on cultural understanding and language proficiency, promoting effective collaboration and engagement.
4. The risk assessment must identify challenges specific to the Hong Kong Cantonese-speaking community and propose culturally sensitive mitigation strategies.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Signed-off project plan approved by stakeholders, demonstrating alignment with the educational needs of Cantonese-speaking women in Hong Kong & Greater Bay Area.
2. Confirmation of communication channel setup and accessibility by Cantonese-speaking participants, ensuring effective communication and engagement.
3. Documented roles and responsibilities distributed among team members, reflecting consideration of cultural context and language preferences.
4. Risk assessment report detailing identified risks and culturally sensitive mitigation strategies, approved by the project team.

Curriculum Development and Workshop Planning

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Tailored curriculum addressing the specific educational requirements and cultural sensitivities of Cantonese-speaking women in Hong Kong.
2. Secured venues or online platforms suitable for workshop delivery in Hong Kong, considering accessibility and convenience for participants.
3. Identified and scheduled guest speakers or mentors from the local Cantonese-speaking community, ensuring relevance and cultural resonance.
4. Developed promotional materials tailored to resonate with Cantonese-speaking women in Hong Kong, effectively communicating the value proposition of the workshops.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. The curriculum must be designed to cater to the educational preferences and cultural sensitivities of Cantonese-speaking women in Hong Kong, covering relevant topics in blockchain and Cardano.
2. Venues or online platforms should be secured in strategic locations accessible to Cantonese-speaking participants in Hong Kong, ensuring convenience and inclusivity.
3. Guest speakers or mentors must be selected from the local Cantonese-speaking community, with expertise and experience relevant to the target audience.
4. Promotional materials should be culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate, effectively engaging Cantonese-speaking women in Hong Kong and motivating them to participate in the workshops.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Finalized curriculum document reflecting input from Cantonese-speaking women in Hong Kong & Greater Bay Area, approved by the project team.
2. Confirmation of venue bookings or online platform setup in Hong Kong, ensuring accessibility and convenience for participants.
3. Agreed-upon schedules with guest speakers or mentors from the local Cantonese-speaking community, demonstrating relevance and cultural resonance.
4. Completed promotional materials localized for Cantonese-speaking women in Hong Kong, ready for distribution and dissemination.

Workshop Execution and Participant Engagement

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Successfully conducted educational workshops tailored to the needs and preferences of Cantonese-speaking women in Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area, fostering active participation and engagement.
2. Facilitated interactive sessions and discussions during workshops, promoting knowledge exchange and networking among participants.
3. Solicited feedback from workshop participants regarding content, delivery, and overall experience, to inform continuous improvement efforts.
4. Established follow-up mechanisms, such as online forums or mentorship programs, to maintain participant engagement and support post-workshop.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. Workshops must be delivered as scheduled, with active participation from Cantonese-speaking women in Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area, demonstrating relevance and effectiveness.
2. Sessions should be interactive, engaging, and culturally sensitive, fostering meaningful exchanges and networking opportunities among participants.
3. Feedback must be collected from workshop participants, reflecting their perspectives and suggestions for enhancing future workshops.
4. Follow-up mechanisms, such as online forums or mentorship programs, should be established to sustain participant engagement beyond the workshops, facilitating ongoing learning and support.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Documentation of workshop materials, presentations, and attendee lists, demonstrating successful delivery and participation.
2. Observation reports or feedback forms indicating high levels of participant engagement and satisfaction with the workshops.
3. Compiled feedback from workshop participants, with analysis and proposed action plans for continuous improvement.
4. Established follow-up mechanisms and communication channels for ongoing participant engagement and support, ensuring sustained impact beyond the workshops.

Closeout Video Submission

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

Vanessa Cheng

• Role: Project Lead
• Responsibilities: Overall project management, coordination of team members, stakeholder engagement, and strategic direction.

Joyce Mak

• Role: Community Engagement Lead
• Responsibilities: Engaging with the Cantonese-speaking blockchain community in Hong Kong & Greater Bay Area, organizing events, workshops, and outreach activities, fostering participant engagement, and feedback collection.

Recruitment Plan:

If additional team members are required, we will prioritize individuals with the following skills:

• Fluency in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English to facilitate communication and engagement with the target audience.
• Experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, with a focus on Cardano, to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of educational materials and workshops.
• Expertise in community management and engagement, particularly within the Hong Kong &Greater Bay Area Cantonese-speaking community, to effectively reach and mobilize participants.
• Project management experience, with a proven track record of successfully executing initiatives in similar cultural and linguistic contexts.

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

Event Organization and Venue Costs: 6,000 ADA

• Description: Covering expenses for venue rental, equipment, refreshments, and logistics for community events, workshops, and meetups.

Marketing and Promotion: 4,000 ADA

• Description: Budget for promotional materials, advertising, social media campaigns, and outreach activities to raise awareness and attract participants.

Online Platform Development: 4,000 ADA

• Description: Cost for developing an online platform or forum tailored for Cantonese-speaking women in Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area, facilitating communication, resource sharing, and community engagement.

Partnership and Collaboration Expenses: 4,000 ADA

• Description: Allocating funds for forming partnerships with organizations, speakers, mentors, and industry experts to enhance project impact and reach.

Mentorship Program Resources: 3,000 ADA

• Description: Supporting mentorship initiatives by providing resources for training materials, workshops, and coordination with mentors and mentees.

Educational Workshop and Training Materials: 4,000 ADA

• Description: Covering costs for developing curriculum, educational materials, handouts, and resources for workshops, webinars, and training programs.

Webinar and Online Course Production: 3,000 ADA

• Description: Budget for producing high-quality webinars, online courses, and educational content to facilitate remote learning and skill development.

Support for Hands-on Blockchain Development: 2,000 ADA

• Description: Providing resources and support for hands-on projects, hackathons, and development initiatives to encourage practical learning and application of blockchain technology.

Conference Attendance and Speaking Engagement Support: 2,000 ADA

• Description: Covering expenses related to attending conferences, forums, and speaking engagements to represent the project and engage with the broader blockchain community.

Contingency Fund: 1,000 ADA

• Description: Reserved funds to address unforeseen expenses or contingencies during project implementation.

Total Budget: 33,000 ADA

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

The cost breakdown for the CardaCanto project represents excellent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem for several reasons. Firstly, the expenses allocated are carefully calculated to cover essential aspects of the project, including event organization, marketing, online platform development, mentorship resources, educational materials, and more. Each cost item is justified by the specific needs of the project to effectively empower Cantonese-speaking women in blockchain within the Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area.

Our team has meticulously assessed the costs based on market rates for venue rental, marketing materials, development services, and educational resources. Additionally, we've considered factors such as the average wage in the region and typical freelance rates to ensure that the budget allocation aligns with industry standards and local economic conditions.

Moreover, the proposed budget reflects our commitment to maximizing the impact of the project while maintaining financial prudence. By investing in initiatives that empower Cantonese women and promote diversity within the Cardano community, we contribute to the long-term growth, innovation, and sustainability of the ecosystem. The value derived from fostering inclusivity, expanding the talent pool, and creating a supportive environment far outweighs the allocated costs.

Furthermore, the contingency fund ensures that we are prepared to address any unforeseen expenses or challenges that may arise during project implementation, demonstrating our commitment to responsible budget management and project delivery.

Overall, the cost of the CardaCanto project represents excellent value for money by investing in initiatives that have the potential to yield significant positive outcomes for the Cardano ecosystem, both in the short and long term.