Incentivized Cardano and Blockchain Awareness creation campaign for the Ethiopian Community

[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] Requested funds in ada

[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)

We will create awareness about cryptocurrency to the community by designing courses and introduce Cardano and blockchain ecosystem. We will be conducting telegram sessions and in-person meetups.

[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 live sessions records and the data records will be open to everyone.

[METADATA] SDG rating

1. Quality Education (SDG 4): Introducing blockchain technology and its applications, including Cardano, can enhance educational opportunities by providing access to resources, training, and knowledge in emerging fields. This can empower individuals with skills relevant to the digital economy, fostering lifelong learning and capacity building.
2. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Understanding blockchain technology, especially its potential for decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contracts, can stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation. It can create new economic opportunities, including job creation, particularly in sectors such as financial services, technology development, and governance.
3. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): Blockchain technology has the potential to improve infrastructure, supply chain management, and governance systems. Teaching about Cardano and blockchain can promote technological innovation and the development of local infrastructure that supports sustainable economic growth.
4. Reduced Inequality (SDG 10): Access to blockchain technology and financial services can reduce economic inequality by providing marginalized communities with tools for financial inclusion and access to global markets. By promoting transparent and inclusive systems, blockchain can help bridge the digital divide and empower individuals and communities.
5. Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): Blockchain technology can be leveraged to improve urban planning, resource management, and governance processes, contributing to more sustainable and resilient cities. Teaching about blockchain can foster awareness and innovation in urban development and community governance.
6. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): Collaboration between government, academia, private sector, and civil society is essential for harnessing the potential of blockchain technology effectively. Teaching about Cardano and blockchain can facilitate partnerships and knowledge sharing among various stakeholders, promoting collective action towards achieving the SDGs.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The main objective of our proposal is to create a local cardano community of developers, and different ecosystem users by creating awareness about the huge opportunity that the ecosystem holds.

Problem statement : 

  In Ethiopia, one of the primary challenges facing the adoption and acceptance of blockchain and crypto technology is the prevailing perception that it is synonymous with scams. Many individuals have fallen victim to fraudulent schemes associated with cryptocurrencies, leading to widespread skepticism and mistrust. As a result, there is a significant lack of interest from individuals, developers, businesses, and policymakers to join the space

Proposed Solution :

 The solution that we are proposing for this problem is to create awareness creation campaigns to the community by designing courses that would help onboard individuals to the cardano and blockchain ecosystem. The campaign will be conducted mainly using telegram since it is the most popular social media platform in Ethiopia and it will consist of online sessions with rewards, in-person meetups, experience sharing sessions and networking sessions to help and encourage people to join the space and also contribute to the future of the space.

Some of the main components of our campaign are:

• Telegram based online sessions :- where we will be hosting online sessions where we will showcase how a user can interact with the blockchain and the cardano ecosystem, create awareness on common scam and Phishing attacks related to the ecosystem, explore different use cases that are build on the cardano ecosystem and also discuss the common use cases like in Education, Finance, Agriculture, Retail and Healthcare where we believe it will be a great eye opener for people to develop on the cardano ecosystem.
• Meetups and Networking Sessions :- Organizing multiple in-person meetups is essential for community building in the Cardano ecosystem in Ethiopia. These meetups provide valuable opportunities for individuals to network, exchange ideas, and share their experiences with blockchain technology. By fostering face-to-face interactions, we can strengthen relationships among community members, inspire collaboration, and cultivate a supportive environment for innovation and growth. These events serve as platforms for learning, mentorship, and empowerment, empowering participants to contribute meaningful outcomes. Through regular meetups, we aim to nurture a vibrant and engaged community that drives positive change and adoption of blockchain technology in Ethiopia.
• Active discussion group :- Our Telegram group will boast a team of dedicated moderators committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. These moderators will be readily available to address community inquiries, offer guidance, and provide valuable resources to facilitate learning and engagement. By ensuring prompt and knowledgeable assistance, we aim to empower community members with the information and support they need to navigate the complexities of blockchain and the Cardano ecosystem effectively. This proactive approach to moderation will contribute to a positive user experience and encourage active participation within our community. 
• Experience sharing Sessions :- In our meetup sessions we will invite different individuals who are working in the blockchain and cardano ecosystem to share their experience to those who are beginning. We believe experience sharing sessions will greatly motivate those who want to join the space.
• Incentivisation:- we believe incentivised learning will make the sessions more interesting by greatly motivate learners to engage on the sessions which will improve the overall campaign 

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

Our campaign will have a positive impact in the local cardano community in several ways: 

1. Increased Adoption and Awareness: By addressing misconceptions and promoting the potential of blockchain and Cardano, our efforts in Ethiopia serve as a model for similar initiatives worldwide, driving increased adoption and awareness among diverse communities.
2. Enhanced Developer Engagement: Through educational sessions and workshops, we cultivate a new generation of developers passionate about building on Cardano, enriching the developer ecosystem with fresh talent and innovative projects.
3. Improved Security Practices: Our emphasis on security awareness and fraud prevention not only protects Ethiopian users but also contributes to a safer and more secure Cardano network globally, reducing the prevalence of scams and phishing attacks.
4. Diverse Use Cases Exploration: By exploring use cases in various sectors like Education, Finance, Agriculture, Retail, and Healthcare, our project inspires developers worldwide to explore novel applications and expand the utility of Cardano across industries.
5. Community Collaboration and Networking: Through in-person meetups and online networking sessions, we facilitate connections and collaboration among Cardano enthusiasts globally, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
6. Knowledge Sharing and Best Practices: Our Telegram group's active moderation and resource provision establish a knowledge-sharing hub where best practices, insights, and experiences are exchanged, benefiting Cardano communities worldwide.
7. Inspiration for Similar Initiatives: By showcasing the success and impact of our project, we inspire and empower individuals and organizations worldwide to initiate similar awareness campaigns tailored to their local contexts, amplifying Cardano's reach and influence.
8. Contribution to Cardano's Growth: Ultimately, our project contributes to the organic growth and maturation of the Cardano ecosystem by nurturing a diverse, educated, and engaged community that actively contributes to its development and success on a global scale.

[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?

As a senior community leader with experience in being a binance community leader and Ethiopia web 3 community leader, I have proven track record of building a community specifically for web3 industry. My previous works has given me the technical skills of leadership and management.

To validate the feasibility of the project, I will always make a documented report of every month outcomes. Like how many people joined our telegram channel. How many people participated in our live session and in person session. Beside this there will be a documented audio recording on the telegram learning sessions, captured videos and images of the in person sessions.

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

Curriculum Design, Team Organization, and Telegram Group Advertisement(4 weeks)

• Develop a curriculum introducing individuals to the opportunities and challenges within the blockchain and Cardano ecosystem, emphasizing relevance to the Ethiopian community.
• Organize a dedicated team with diverse skills to support the campaign, including content creators, community managers, and technical experts.
• Craft engaging advertisements for Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok platforms to attract individuals to the Telegram group, highlighting the potential benefits and hurdles of participating in blockchain technology and Cardano.
• Employ strategic scheduling and audience segmentation tactics to maximize advertisement impact and boost Telegram group enrollment.

Online Sessions Launch, Incentivization, and Session Recording

• Launch online educational sessions aimed at introducing the Ethiopian community to blockchain technology and Cardano, utilizing the developed curriculum.
• Organize interactive webinars, workshops, or live streams to facilitate learning and engagement, addressing both opportunities and challenges within the ecosystem.
• Implement incentivization mechanisms to encourage active participation, such as rewarding attendees with ADA tokens for their engagement and contributions.
• Record all sessions and workshops for future reference and broader accessibility.
• Develop clear guidelines and criteria for earning incentives, ensuring transparency and fairness in distribution.
• Monitor session attendance and participant feedback to assess the effectiveness of the educational content and adjust strategies as needed for optimal engagement and impact.

In-Person Meetups, Networking Sessions, and Experience Sharing

• Organize in-person meetups and networking sessions within the Ethiopian community to complement online educational efforts.
• Identify suitable venues and logistics for hosting these events and considering accessibility 
• Facilitate experience sharing sessions where community members can share their knowledge, insights, and experiences related to blockchain technology and Cardano.
• Plan engaging activities and discussions to deepen understanding and foster collaboration within the community.
• Evaluate the impact of the meetups through attendee feedback and participation metrics, adjusting future events based on insights gained.

Closing Ceremony and Report Generation

• Organize a closing ceremony to commemorate the conclusion of the "Incentivized Cardano and Blockchain Awareness Creation Campaign for the Ethiopian Community."
• Bring together campaign participants, stakeholders, and community members to celebrate achievements and reflect on the journey.
• Present a comprehensive report detailing the campaign's objectives, activities, outcomes, and key learnings.
• Share insights gained from the campaign, including feedback from participants, attendance metrics, and impact assessments.
• Recognize and appreciate the contributions of individuals and organizations who supported the campaign's success.
• Discuss future opportunities for continued collaboration and engagement within the Ethiopian community and the cardano ecosystem.
• Emphasize the importance of ongoing community support and solidarity, encouraging members to continue sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities with one another.
• Distribute the report to relevant stakeholders and make it accessible to the public for transparency and knowledge sharing.

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

Natnael Mesfin: Project Leader, Learning Experience Designer and Software Developer

• Campaign Leader
• IN charge of the Teaching and Learning and generating reports
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natnael-mesfin-97a6921ba/

Bethel Yohannes: Project Organizer

• Campaign Organizer
• IN charge of Scheduling events, Venus, managing moderators and logistics
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethel-yohannes-ba23071a3/

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

Milestone 1: Curriculum Design, and Telegram Group Advertisement(13000 ADA)

• Curriculum design and development: 10000 ADA
• Social Media Advertisement campaign: 3000 ADA

Milestone 2: Online Sessions (26000 ADA)

• Give rewards to the community: 3000 ADA (20 ADA for active/ answered questions)
• Payments to the experts and running cost: 5000 ADA (100 ADA per sessions for the instructor)
• Moderators 50 ADA per day for 180 days for two moderators:18000(2modsx50per dayx180 days)

Milestone 3: In-Person Meetups (15000 ADA)

• Renting a Venue and for refreshments: 10000 ADA (Around 5000 ADA per one in person session)
• Rewards to the community in the form of merch and tokens: 3000 ADA (In person session challenges for the community)
• Payment for the organizers: 2000 ADA

Final Milestone: Closing Ceremony and Report Generation (11500 ADA)

• Renting a venue and for refreshments: 5000 ADA
• Rewards for the community in the form of merch and tokens: 4000 ADA
• Report Organization and the closing ceremony organizers: 2500 ADA

Total: 65500 ADA

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

The Advertisement is going to be in most of the social medias like facebook, telegram, and tiktok. So the cost is around 7500$. Which is around the average or even lower prices for advertisements. 

For the community we are planning to give around 25 ADA for engaging in the live sessions and for being active and answer a question. This will make the community to participate very much.

The venue rentals are around 2500$ in Ethiopia so the price is very close. And in the in person meetups there will be foods and some drinks provided for the community.