Cardano Blockchain Education Program For Top Ethiopian Universities.

[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)

Blockchain & Cardano education initiative: seminars, workshops, and networking events to educate, empower, and foster adoption in Ethiopian universities.

[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 outputs will be fully open source.

[METADATA] SDG rating

The project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. Quality Education: Providing comprehensive blockchain education empowers participants with valuable skills, contributing to quality education.
2. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Promoting blockchain education fosters innovation and sustainable infrastructure in the blockchain industry.
3. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Our project enhances skills for potential employment in the blockchain industry.
4. Partnerships for the Goals: The project relies on partnerships with universities, Cardano developers, key opinion leaders, and enterprise partners, emphasizing the importance of collaborations for sustainable development.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Understanding the Problem: The primary challenge we address is the lack of comprehensive blockchain education within Ethiopian universities. This educational gap hinders the development of local blockchain innovations and reduces the community's engagement with blockchain technologies, including Cardano. By empowering students with the necessary blockchain knowledge, we aim to foster a more robust ecosystem that can contribute to and benefit from Cardano's advancements.The proposed solution aims to establish a vibrant Cardano Students Community within Ethiopian universities.

The proposed solution is to establish a comprehensive education initiative, the "Cardano Blockchain Education for Ethiopian Universities." This initiative focuses on blockchain technology and the Cardano platform. It includes regular meetups, seminars, and workshops covering blockchain fundamentals and Cardano-specific topics. Additionally, it incorporates guest lectures, project development support, networking events, and a range of educational activities to empower participants with blockchain knowledge and skills. The ultimate goal is to bridge the knowledge gap, inspire creativity, and create a pathway for individuals to explore career opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures in the blockchain industry.

We believe in a hands-on approach, where participants not only learn theoretical aspects of blockchain technology but also engage in practical applications, particularly focusing on Cardano's unique capabilities like smart contracts and decentralized applications. This practical emphasis is intended to bridge the gap between knowledge and application, encouraging innovation and participation in the Cardano ecosystem.

Education Curriculum Development: The project will design a comprehensive curriculum covering blockchain fundamentals and Cardano-specific topics. From basic concepts like blockchain technology and wallet usage to advanced courses in smart contract development, the curriculum will cater to students, faculty, and the wider community.

Engagement through Meetups and Seminars: Regular meetups and seminars will be organized, fostering a deeper understanding of Cardano. Basic courses on Haskell, wallet creation, and staking will be complemented by advanced topics, including token creation, NFT development, and integration with existing infrastructure.

Guest Lectures and Workshops: Key opinion leaders and industry experts from the Cardano ecosystem will be invited to deliver guest lectures and workshops. These sessions will provide insights into Cardano's real-world applications, encouraging discussions and fostering connections within the Ethiopian Cardano community.

Project Development Support and Mentorship: The initiative will offer mentorship and guidance to students and researchers interested in developing blockchain-based projects on the Cardano platform. Participants will have access to development resources, educational materials, and support from the broader Cardano developer community.

Networking Events: To facilitate connections between participants and professionals in the blockchain and Cardano space, networking events will be organized. These events will encourage collaboration, idea sharing, and potential internship or employment opportunities within the blockchain industry.

Scalability: Based on the outcomes of the pilot phases, we plan to expand our program to other universities and regions. Our scalable model allows for adjustments and customization based on local needs and resources, making it feasible to replicate our success in different educational environments.

Measurement of Success: The success of the project will be measured through key metrics, including the total count of students onboarded, the quantity and quality of STEM projects submitted, workshop attendance, student interest in Cardano and Project Catalyst, feedback and surveys, collaborations and partnerships established, and long-term impact on participants' careers or entrepreneurial ventures in the blockchain industry.

Feedback Loop and Continuous Improvement: We will establish a continuous feedback mechanism involving regular surveys and focus groups meetings. This input will be systematically reviewed and used to refine and improve the curriculum, teaching methods, and overall program execution. By prioritizing responsiveness to feedback, we ensure our program remains relevant and effective in achieving its educational goals.

Demonstrating Impact: We will measure the impact of our program through several key metrics: the number of participants trained, the number and quality of blockchain projects developed, and the level of engagement with the Cardano platform post-training. Feedback from participants and stakeholder surveys will also play a critical role in assessing our program’s effectiveness. Additionally, we plan to track the long-term involvement of our alumni in the Cardano ecosystem as a measure of sustained impact.

Partnership Development: To enhance the impact and sustainability of our initiative, we have established partnerships with leading Global and local tech companies and academic institutions. These collaborations will provide technical support, ensuring the long-term viability of the program. By leveraging these relationships, we can also offer students real-world insights and potential career opportunities within the blockchain industry.

We are partners with Emurgo Academy, Smart Blocks, and Ethiopian Blockchain Network serving as their ambassadors in universities. Emurgo Academy is a leading blockchain education institution that offers comprehensive courses and training programs in blockchain technology and development.

Sustainability Strategy: We are committed to ensuring the sustainability of the Cardano Students Community beyond the initial funding phase. Our strategy includes integrating blockchain education into university curriculum, securing ongoing funding through partnerships and sponsorships, and establishing a self-funding model via alumni contributions and service offerings in the blockchain domain.

Unique Aspects and Importance to Cardano: What sets our solution apart is the focus on creating a sustainable learning community around blockchain technology that specifically promotes the adoption and utilization of Cardano. By educating a new generation of Ethiopian students and professionals on Cardano, we are expanding the global footprint of Cardano users and developers, thereby enriching the Cardano community with fresh perspectives and innovative contributions. This project is not just about education; it's about building a lasting foundation for Cardano’s growth and presence in Africa.

The proposed solution not only addresses the challenge of blockchain education and awareness in Ethiopian universities but also brings tangible benefits to the Cardano ecosystem by expanding its reach, nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and building a strong and engaged community.

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

The project's positive impact on the wider Cardano community includes:

1. Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about Cardano and blockchain technology among students, faculty, and the wider community.
2. Broadening Developer Talent Pool: Our project will significantly expand the developer base knowledgeable about Cardano, by integrating blockchain technology into university curricula. This enhances the capacity for innovation within the Cardano ecosystem, as more developers will contribute to building sophisticated and diverse applications on the Cardano platform.
3. Increasing Adoption and Use Cases: Educating students on the potential and application of Cardano will lead to an increase in its adoption for both academic projects and real-world applications. This will not only validate Cardano’s utility but also stimulate the development of new use cases that demonstrate the platform's robustness and versatility.
4. Community Development: By establishing a vibrant community centered on blockchain and Cardano technology, we will cultivate a network of active users and developers who engage with the ecosystem, contribute to forums, and participate in Cardano events, thereby enriching the community's dynamics.
5. Talent Development: Empowering participants with valuable skills and knowledge, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce for the Cardano ecosystem.
6. Innovation and Project Development: Fostering innovation and creativity by providing mentorship and support for blockchain-based projects on the Cardano platform.
7. Community Engagement: Promoting the formation of a vibrant community of blockchain enthusiasts, students, faculty, and industry professionals through various events and activities.
8. Adoption and Ecosystem Growth: Encouraging the integration of Cardano within the Ethiopian university ecosystem, potentially leading to increased adoption, partnerships, and practical implementations within existing websites and enterprise infrastructure.
9. Scaling Through Online Platforms: Utilizing online learning platforms to extend our reach beyond physical classrooms, allowing students from remote or underserved regions to access our materials and participate in our programs.
10. Community and Group Activities: Establishing and supporting student-led blockchain Groups that will foster peer learning and increase engagement through regular workshops and events.

Measuring Impact

Quantitative Metrics:

• Enrollment and Graduation Rates: Track the number of students enrolling in and completing blockchain-related courses.
• Adoption Rates: Assess the frequency of Cardano's use in student projects post-training.

Qualitative Assessments:

• Surveys and Feedback: Conduct surveys before and after courses to measure changes in knowledge and perceptions of Cardano.
• Case Studies: Compile detailed case studies of notable projects and innovations by students using Cardano.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

Documentation and Accessibility:

• Publish Progress and Outcomes: Regularly release detailed reports on the program’s progress and success stories through open access social media.
• Open Source Contributions: Encourage students to publish their projects under open-source licenses to contribute back to the Cardano community.

Community and Media Engagement:

• Interactive Events: Host public seminars, workshops, and hackathons that invite both the academic community and the broader public to engage with Cardano technology.
• Media and Online Presence: Utilize both traditional and digital media to share updates, outcomes, and opportunities arising from the project, maintaining a vibrant online presence to engage with a global audience

This continued commitment reflects our dedication to the Cardano community, leveraging past successes to achieve even greater outcomes in the current initiative. The positive trajectory established through previous funding positions us to make lasting contributions to the Cardano ecosystem, fostering growth, awareness, and meaningful collaboration.

[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?

The feasibility and capability to deliver our project with high levels of trust and accountability includes:

Capability to Deliver with Trust and Accountability

• Team Experience and Expertise:

Our team consists of experts with significant experience in blockchain technology, educational program development, and project management, ensuring comprehensive expertise for the successful implementation of the Cardano Education Program for Ethiopian Universities.

The proposed solution, Cardano Education Program for Ethiopian universities Community, building on the success of our previous initiative. This aims to enhance community building and educational outreach within the university settings.

1. Educational Program Development:

• Led by professionals with extensive experience in curriculum design and the integration of technology into higher education. These leaders have successfully orchestrated educational initiatives, leveraging innovative technologies across various universities.

1. Blockchain and Technical Expertise

• Includes seasoned blockchain developers and specialists who have implemented blockchain solutions across multiple sectors, with a focus on educational applications. Their deep understanding of Cardano's technology ensures that the program is both current and technically sound.

1. Project Management and Operations:

• Managed by certified project managers with a track record of delivering large-scale projects efficiently and effectively. Their strategic oversight ensures that the program meets its milestones, stays within budget, and achieves its objectives.

1. Smartblocks University Ambassadors:

• Cardano Blockchain Ambassadors

Our team’s combined skills and experiences enable a robust approach to the development and delivery of the Cardano Education Program, ensuring thorough curriculum development, effective engagement, and precise project execution.

• Track Record:

Our team has a proven track record of designing and implementing successful educational programs and technological solutions and also delivering blockchain projects, particularly within the blockchain space. These initiatives have not only achieved their intended educational outcomes but have also been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding and adoption of blockchain technologies across various sectors. At the forefront of our accomplishments is our notable participation in a Cardano Catalyst project in fund10.

1. Successful Blockchain Education Initiatives:

• We have spearheaded several educational programs in Ethiopian universities, such as the Cardano Education Program at Addis Abeba Science and Technology University and Addis Abeba University. These programs have been pivotal in introducing and integrating blockchain technology, impacting hundreds of students.

Educate students of Top East African Universities:

• Addis abeba university students.
• Addis Ababa Science And Technology University.
• Educate students of Dilla Universty.

1. Community Engagement and Capacity Building:

• Our team has organized and led numerous workshops, seminars, and meetups that have brought together students, academics, and industry professionals. These events have been crucial in building a knowledgeable community that can leverage blockchain technology for innovative solutions.

1. Recognition and Partnerships:

• Our work has garnered recognition from educational and technological leaders and has led to partnerships with both local and international organizations. These collaborations have enhanced the scope and impact of our programs, further validating our expertise and commitment to excellence.
• We have been appointed as a SmartBlocks Ambassador for EMURGO Academy, signified by my personalized SmartBlocks Ambassador Business Card, which serves as official proof of identity and signifies our role as a representative of EMURGO Academy.
• 

Our consistent delivery of successful outcomes and our ongoing commitment to advancing blockchain education and technology exemplify our capability and reliability. This track record not only demonstrates our ability to manage and execute complex projects but also our dedication to meaningful and sustainable impact

• Community Involvement and Expertise:

Our project team have a deep engagement with the Cardano community. We have been integral in organizing and leading seminars and meetups focused on blockchain and Cardano, enhancing community cohesion and knowledge sharing. These activities demonstrate our commitment to the Cardano ecosystem and our ability to mobilize and educate the community effectively.

1. Community Education and Outreach:

• We have consistently organized and led public seminars, interactive workshops, and educational campaigns aimed at demystifying blockchain technology for the broader community. These initiatives have helped reduce barriers to entry, making blockchain more accessible to diverse groups.

1. Collaboration with Local and Global Organizations:

• By partnering with local and global educational institutions,and community organizations, we have amplified our impact and ensured that our educational programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of the community. These partnerships have enabled us to deliver targeted training and resources that address the unique challenges and opportunities within the community.

1. Leadership in Community Forums and Events:

• Members of our team have taken on leadership roles in community forums and conferences, advocating for ethical practices, sustainability, and responsible innovation in blockchain technology. Our active participation in these forums highlights our commitment to shaping a positive and forward-thinking blockchain community.
• Women in web3

1. Support and Mentorship Programs:

• We have established mentorship programs that connect novices with experienced professionals in the blockchain field. These programs not only foster skill development and professional growth but also strengthen community ties and ensure ongoing support for emerging talents.

1. Engagement in Open Source Projects:

• Contributing to and leading open-source projects related to Cardano and other blockchain platforms have been a cornerstone of our community involvement. This open collaboration encourages transparency, shared learning, and collective problem-solving within the community.

Our deep-rooted community involvement and the expertise gained from these engagements are integral to our approach. They ensure that our educational initiatives are community-centric, informed by real-world needs, and supportive of long-term community development and empowerment.

Cardano Education Program At Addis Abeba Science And Technology University (AASTU):

Cardano Education at Ethiopian Addis Abeba Universty.

• Certified Expertise:

Our project team's credentials are further reinforced by certifications in blockchain development These certifications are not just titles but represent a deep, verified proficiency and up-to-date knowledge in these critical areas.

• Active Community Participation:

Our team actively participates in the blockchain community. This involvement ranges from contributing to forums and discussions to leading workshops and seminars that educate and inspire new developers. This continuous engagement has kept our team at the forefront of community needs and technological trends, which is crucial for the success of any community-focused project. Ethiopian Blockchain Network: web3 hub for Ethiopian. Education, Innovative and Advocacy.

Meetups with professional blockchain developers:

Women in web3

By detailing these strategies, the proposal will demonstrate a robust plan for maintaining high levels of trust and accountability, and a clear, practical method for validating the feasibility of the project approach , the project has High Feasibility and Capability.

Our project's feasibility is grounded in a comprehensive plan, detailed budget, and skilled team. We have outlined clear milestones, identified potential risks with mitigation strategies, and justified budget allocation. Our team's experience and capabilities ensure successful project completion. We are committed to community engagement, have established partnerships, and consider scalability and sustainability integral to our project's design.

Our team, composed of Cardano smart contract developers, seasoned software engineers, and university students and instructors, has the expertise to deliver the project with trust and accountability,the team have the skills, experience, capability and capacity to complete the project successfully.

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

 Education Curriculum. (4 weeks)

• Design and update project contents or curriculum for blockchain fundamentals and Cardano-specific topics.
• Creation of detailed Courses.
• Revise and enhance the content or curriculum, focusing on blockchain fundamentals and Cardano-specific subjects.
• Conducting research on blockchain education in Ethiopian universities.
• Prepare educational resources, materials, and case studies.
• Create content for meetups, seminars, and advanced courses.

Meetups, Seminars, and Basic Courses: (8 weeks)

• Organize and Conduct meetups focusing on the fundamentals of blockchain.
• Deliver foundational courses on Haskell, wallet creation, Cardano staking, and SPO role development.
• Deliver basic courses on smart-contract, wallet creation, Cardano staking, and becoming an SPO.
• Provide hands-on training for using Nami, Eternal, Yoroi and Daedalus wallets.
• Engage participants with hands-on exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning and apply practical skills.
• Engage participants in interactive sessions and Q&A discussions.

Advanced Courses: . (8 weeks)

• Develop and Revise the content for advanced courses, covering smart contracts, token creation, NFTs, DAOS, and integration.
• Organize and conduct advanced courses.
• Monitor and evaluate educational initiatives' effectiveness.
• Gather participant feedback.
• Prepare progress reports, a comprehensive project report, and share findings through various channels.
• Engage participants with hands-on exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning and apply practical skills.
• Engage industry experts as guest speakers to deliver specialized sessions.
• Engage participants in interactive sessions and Q&A discussions.

Project Completion Report and Video.(4 weeks)

1. Project Completion Report: A detailed document summarizing the entire project.
2. Project Completion Video: A concise video presentation providing an overview of the project, highlighting key achievements and outcomes.

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

The project team includes:

1, Eyasu Birhanu : Certified Cardano Smart Contract Developer and Lead Developer.

• LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn account
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) Certificate 649c48006b7c38011005aeae
• Experienced in programming languages such as Plutus, Haskell, Lucid, Mesh, and Marlowe to build and deploy smart contracts.
• Experienced in Cardano blockchain-based projects such as stablecoin development (Cogito), real-world asset marketplace, education platforms for the Cardano blockchain, and payment gateways.
• Currently working at SingularityNet.io.
• Email: eyasu.birhanu@singularitynet.io
• Cardano Blockchain Education Ambassador @Emurgo Smartblock.
• Cardano Blockchain community builder.
• Github: github account
• Role: Eyasu is responsible for creating educational content and delivering specialized sessions, ensuring a comprehensive and well-structured learning experience.

2, Tihitna Tesfaye : Project Coordinator

• Blockchain enthusiast | Event organizer
• Cardano Blockchain Education Ambassader
• SmartBlocks University Ambassador for EMURGO Academy ,id:AC4EF221C37A4DD3826A1ACF0FFA0BF04
• Student at Addis Ababa Science And Technology University
• Linkedin Profile: Linkedin account
• Coordinate logistics for events, workshops, and networking activities.
• Cardano Blockchain community builder.
• Addis Abeba Science And Technology University Contact:
• E-mail: pir@aastu.edu.et
• Tel: +251 11 888 0610
• Mob:+251 993 – 80 71 78
• P.O.Box: 16417
• Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

3,University Lecturers and Industry Experts (Guest Speakers):

• Role: Guest lecturers and workshop facilitators.
• Responsibilities: Delivering specialized sessions, sharing insights, and providing real-world applications of Cardano.
• who delivered specialized sessions:

1. Dawit Mengistu: Enhance educational content with insights from Dawit's expertise as a Blockchain Researcher and DeFi Data Analyst, contributing to comprehensive materials and research. He delivered a session on fundamental blockchain technology and use cases.
2. Nebiyu-Sultan:  Strengthen community engagement and Cardano outreach through Nebiyu's experience in organizing meetups and role as a Cardano Ambassador, expanding the project's reach. He attend the Addis Ababa Science and Technology University AASTU Tech Fest program and participated in the panel discussion.
3. Mearaf-Tadewos: Contribute technical expertise as a Haskell expert, Web3 full-stack developer, and API developer to develop advanced courses and workshops, enhancing the project's technical aspects.

Our team has actively participated in numerous projects closely related to this endeavor. Each team member is fully committed to executing this idea, drawing from our collective experience in implementing similar projects to a high standard of excellence

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

Milestone 1: Development of the Education Curriculum

• Project curriculum and Project Planning and Management: 9000 ADA
• Prepare educational resources(2 Plutus Smart Contract Developers and Educational Content Creators): 9000 ADA
• Research: 5000 ADA
• Materials and Resources: 2000 ADA

total: 25000

Milestone 2: Meetups, Seminars, and Basic Courses

• Project Coordination and Management: 9000 ADA
• Content Development, Deliver specialized sessions and Technical Support(2 Plutus Smart Contract Developers and Educational Content Creators) := 9,000 ADA
• Venue and Logistics: 5000 ADA
• Travel and Accommodation: 2000 ADA
• Equipment and Supplies: 2500 ADA
• Refreshments and Catering: catering services or snacks and beverages : 2000 Ada

total: 29500

Milestone 3: Advanced Courses and Workshops

• Project Coordination and Management: 9000 ADA
• Equipment and Supplies: 2600 ADA
• Venue and Logistics: 5000 ADA
• Surveys and Documentation: 2000 ADA
• Content Development, Deliver specialized sessions and Technical Support(3 Plutus Smart Contract Developers, Blockchain professionals and Educational Content Creators): 13,000 ADA
• Travel and accommodation for trainers and speakers: 4000 in Ada
• Promotion: 2000 ADA
• Refreshments and Catering: catering services or snacks and beverages : 2000 Ada

total: 39,600

Milestone 4: Project Completion Report and Video

• surveys, questionnaires, assessment or interview specific to the educational initiatives being evaluated: 2000 ADA
• Project Evaluation, Final Reporting, and online event by Project Coordinators: 3500 ADA

Total : 5500

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

The cost of the project represents value for the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem through strategic allocation of resources for educational initiatives, adoption efforts, and community building. Here's how:

1. Education and Skill Development: The project invests in providing comprehensive education on blockchain technology and the Cardano platform. This contributes to the growth of a skilled workforce within the Cardano ecosystem, fostering talent development.
2. Adoption and Awareness: The cost supports activities aimed at promoting Cardano's adoption and raising awareness. By organizing meetups, seminars, and workshops, the project facilitates the dissemination of knowledge and understanding of Cardano's capabilities.
3. Network Expansion: The cost enables networking events and collaborations with industry professionals, key opinion leaders, and other stakeholders. This fosters community growth and strengthens connections within the Cardano ecosystem.
4. Innovation and Projects: The cost supports initiatives that encourage participants to explore and develop projects on the Cardano platform. By fostering innovation, the project drives the creation of practical applications, smart contracts, and other solutions within the ecosystem.

Alignment with Cardano's Goals

1. Community Building and Ecosystem Growth: By training many students across multiple universities in Ethiopia, the project directly contributes to the growth and diversification of the Cardano community. This large-scale education initiative increases the number of developers and users familiar with Cardano, potentially leading to more innovations and increased adoption of the Cardano platform.
2. Long-term Sustainability: Educating students on blockchain and Cardano creates a sustainable model for continued growth within the ecosystem. These students are likely to enter the workforce with the skills necessary to contribute to and expand the Cardano ecosystem, thus ensuring ongoing benefits far exceeding the initial project costs.

Cost Justification

1. Regional Cost Considerations: The budget allocation is based on detailed market research and understanding of the local economic conditions in Ethiopia. The project to deliver high-quality education and technical development at a more affordable cost.
2. Comparative Value: The costs associated with curriculum development, partnership establishment, online platform setup, and community-building activities are in line with industry standards for similar projects in the region.
3. Efficiency Measures: The project leverages existing resources and partnerships with universities, which helps reduce costs. Additionally, the use of online platforms and digital resources maximizes reach and impact without proportional increases in cost, representing efficient use of the budget.

Evidence of Cost-Effectiveness

1. Past Successes: The budget estimates are based on previous successful implementations of similar educational programs by our team, where costs were kept within budget while achieving significant educational outcomes.

In summary, the plan and associated budget and milestones is achievable, the project's cost represents a strategic investment in education, adoption, network expansion, innovation, and long-term growth within the Cardano ecosystem, so it have high value for money. It aligns with the broader goals of Cardano and contributes to the development of a robust and knowledgeable community.