Redefining Cardano Access and Innovation for Global Developer, Educator, and Researcher

[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)

We're transforming Cardano's resources into an intuitive platform, catalyzing global innovation and collaboration to revolutionize access to Cardano's educational and developmental resources

[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 upgraded site and all associated resources will be made fully open source under MIT License, allowing for easy access and collaboration within the Cardano community.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG goals:

• Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

SDG subgoals:

• By 2030, 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
• By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing States

Key Performance Indicator (KPI):

• Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth quintile and others such as disability status, indigenous peoples and conflict-affected, as data become available) for all education indicators on this list that can be disaggregated

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

If you’re new to the Cardano space or Experienced and want to get started in development, it can be very confusing even if you come from a programming background; one of the biggest hurdles is working out your tech stack.

The last thing you want to do is go down the rabbit hole of learning a new language or library only to realize that it can’t do what you want it to do. This can lead to a lot of time-wasting and frustration.

This is made worse if you don’t have any programming experience. Understanding blockchain is hard enough for the seasoned developer, let alone for a newcomer to this space.

In the past several months, We had conversations with developers and conducted extensive research on the various libraries and programming languages available for building decentralized applications on Cardano This Proposal aims to give you the Solutions By Transform an existing Cardano development and learning platform to enhance its user experience and accessibility.

Our proposed solution aims to address this problem by transforming Cardano's scattered resources into a centralized, intuitive platform. Through a comprehensive overhaul of the existing development and learning platform, we will streamline access to essential materials, tutorials, and research papers. By integrating cutting-edge design principles and interactive elements, our platform will offer a seamless learning experience for developers, educators, and researchers alike. Ultimately, our goal is to revolutionize access to Cardano's educational and developmental resources, catalyzing global innovation and collaboration within the ecosystem.

Our proposed solution entails a comprehensive overhaul of the existing Cardano development and learning platform, aiming to revolutionize user experience and accessibility. Presently, the platform serves as a hub for an extensive range of resources including syllabi, YouTube tutorials, research papers, and university lectures, covering diverse topics from Haskell development to Plutus and smart contract languages like Lucid.

To realize this transformation, we envision a complete redesign of the platform, integrating intuitive navigation, visually appealing layout, and interactive elements to enhance user engagement. By adopting cutting-edge design principles, our goal is to create a seamless learning journey that transcends geographical boundaries, making Cardano development accessible to enthusiasts worldwide.

Furthermore, our revamped platform will serve as a centralized repository, enabling users to access all relevant information in a single location. This consolidation not only streamlines the learning process but also saves valuable time by eliminating the need to navigate multiple sites for information retrieval. With the convenience of having all resources at their fingertips, learners can focus more on acquiring knowledge and less on navigating disparate sources.

To list out only some of the contents including University lecture, researches videos and more.:

1. Cardano Developer Portal
2. Official Developer Documentation and Tools for Cardano.
3. IOG's Official Online Haskell Course
4. Comprehensive online course covering Haskell, a functional programming language.
5. Cardano Support
6. Community support channels including Discord, StackExchange, and Cardano Forum.
7. Alternative Smart Contract Languages For Cardano
8. Repositories for smart contract languages like TypeScript, Rust, Python, and Plutarch.
9. Cardano Online Terminals
10. Online platforms to interact with the Cardano blockchain without local development environments.
11. Dev Environment for Windows and Linux
12. Setup instructions and tutorials for development environments on different operating systems.
13. Cardano CLIs and Libraries
14. Repositories and documentation for Cardano command-line interfaces and libraries.
15. cardano-wallet
16. CLI and documentation for Cardano wallet management.
17. Plutonomicon
18. Independent community documentation and resources for Plutus development.
19. GitHub Repositories
20. Repositories related to Cardano development, including libraries and tools.
21. Official Online Plutus Pioneers Course
22. Comprehensive course on writing and deploying smart contracts on Cardano.
23. Official Marlowe Website
24. Resources for writing and deploying Marlowe smart contracts on Cardano.
25. OpShin - Mirror of Plutus Pioneers in Python
26. Python mirror of the Plutus Pioneers course content.
27. Official Online Course For Building and Running a Cardano Node
28. Course covering building transactions, protocol parameters, and governance.
29. Gimbalabs - Plutus Project Based Learning Course
30. Project-based learning course focused on Plutus development.
31. PlutusExperience by Walker Gusmão
32. Educational resources and guides for learning Plutus development.
33. Lucid
34. JavaScript library for building on Cardano using NodeJS development stack.
35. Mesh Guides
36. Tutorials and guides for building on Cardano using the Mesh library.
37. Cardano end-to-end dApp and tutorial

• Resources and tutorials for building decentralized applications on Cardano.

 And more…

By fostering a conducive learning environment and facilitating easy access to essential resources, our initiative seeks to empower learners of all proficiency levels, from novices to experts, to navigate the intricacies of Cardano development with confidence and efficiency. Ultimately, our objective is not only to disseminate information but also to inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and propel the growth of a vibrant global community dedicated to advancing the Cardano ecosystem.

about a year ago, that if you wanted to build smart contracts, you would have to learn Haskell, it is certainly not the case now. There are multiple libraries allowing you to develop contracts from Rust and Python to JS and TS.

However, smart contracts are a very small part of the codebase for any DApp. Especially for Cardano, a large proportion of the code is off chain. And hence a lot of tooling and setup is needed to begin writing code and testing your application, from node setup to installing all the required packages and dependencies. As many developers that we have had on our coomunity podcast have said, "these requirements and lack of tooling made it very difficult to develop on Cardano initially. But the good news now is alongside the new smart contract languages is an ever-growing library of tooling to support all the needs of your off-chain code."

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

The proposed project holds the potential to significantly enhance the value proposition of Cardano through both qualitative and quantitative metrics. 

Qualitatively:

The platform will foster a vibrant and inclusive community of developers, educators, and learners, driving innovation and knowledge sharing. This qualitative impact will be measured through metrics such as

• increased engagement levels
• active participation in forums and discussions
• the emergence of collaborative projects and initiatives within the community.
• Global Accessibility and Inclusivity
• Ecosystem Expansion and Diversification
• Collaborative Partnerships and Industry Recognition
• Market Differentiation and Competitive Advantage

Quantitatively:

 The success of the project can be measured through several key performance indicators (KPIs). 

KPIs metrics:

user engagement metrics 

• number of active users
• session duration
• bounce rate

 content consumption metrics 

• number of tutorials completed
•  videos watched

platform growth metrics 

•  increase in user registrations
•  website traffic

 Additionally, the project's impact on Cardano's ecosystem can be quantified through metrics such as 

• the number of new developers onboarded
• the growth of smart contracts deployed on the network
• the expansion of decentralized applications (DApps) built on Cardano.

Additionally, we will integrate feedback mechanisms directly into the platform so it could ensure ongoing improvement based on user preferences and needs.

To further increase the likelihood of success, the proposal will incorporate additional features and enhancements to the platform. These may include:

 Additional Features and Enhancements to the platform:

1. Community Forums: Implement dedicated community forums or discussion boards to facilitate knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among users.
2. Interactive Learning Modules: Develop interactive learning modules or simulations to provide hands-on experience with Cardano development concepts and tools.
3. Multilingual Support: Offer multilingual support to cater to a diverse global audience, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
4. User Feedback Mechanisms: Implement feedback mechanisms such as surveys, polls, and user ratings to gather insights and continuously improve the platform based on user preferences and need

Promotion and Marketing Strategies:

1. Social Media Campaigns: Utilize platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Reddit to create engaging content about the upgraded platform. Regular posts highlighting key features, user testimonials, and educational resources can help generate interest and attract new users.
2. Community Engagement: Host AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions, webinars, and live Q&A sessions to interact with the Cardano community directly. This fosters a sense of transparency and builds trust while providing an opportunity to showcase the platform's value proposition.
3. Email Marketing: Build an email list of subscribers interested in Cardano development and education. Send out regular newsletters with updates, tips, and resources related to the platform. Personalized email campaigns can nurture leads and drive engagement.
4. Partnerships and Collaborations: Forge partnerships with educational institutions, blockchain organizations, and developer communities to promote the platform to their respective audiences. Co-hosting events, workshops, or joint marketing initiatives can expand reach and credibility.
5. Influencer Outreach: Identify influencers, thought leaders, and prominent figures within the Cardano community who can endorse the platform. Collaborate with them to create sponsored content, guest appearances, or endorsements that reach their followers.

2022 survey of most used programming languages

[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 capability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability stems from our team's extensive experience in software development, education, and community engagement. With a proven track record of delivering successful projects and initiatives within the blockchain space, we possess the expertise and dedication required to execute this proposal effectively.

Our team, developers of the “Redefining Cardano” site, possesses a unique combination of expertise in software development, culinary content, and blockchain technology. This blend of skills uniquely positions us to deliver the project with high levels of trust and accountability:

Our team has achieved significant milestones in the realm of educational mobile applications, boasting over 100,000 downloads and maintaining an active user base exceeding 60,000. You can explore our flagship app here: link.

Our team is proud to be partnered with MLOps Community, a global organization at the forefront of machine learning, DevOps, and cutting-edge technology. As hosts and organizers of the Addis Ababa chapter, we facilitate Meetups , YouTube videos, newsletters, podcasts, and more, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and networking. With branches in various countries and partnerships with industry leaders like AWS, NVIDIA, Databricks and more, we have demonstrated our capacity to deliver successful events and initiatives, showcasing our commitment to innovation and community engagement.

Furthermore, we're proud to highlight our successful participation in 'Cardano for 100,000+ students, securing funding through Fund 11. You can view our project proposal and track record here: Cardano for 100,000+ students.

Delivery Assurance:

• Proven Track Record: High Successfully developed and managed diverse applications, showcasing adaptability and proficiency in meeting user needs.
• Experience in website and education: Previous projects in the education technology sector demonstrate a nuanced and high understanding of creating effective and engaging learning platforms.
• Team Management: Past roles involved managing developers and products, highlighting leadership skills essential for project coordination.

Our Community Include

• Telegram channels : Ethiopian_BlockChain_Network Group
• Twitter Handle : Ethiopian BlockChain Network / X
• General Discussion Channel : Code-Night
• Programmer Union: Programmer Union Ethiopia

Also we are an Official Partner With Microsoft Startup Founder Hub, We receive more than 45 AI related Microsoft products with a mix of technical benefits and business resources.

We’re trusted by Microsoft!

Feasibility Validation:

• Prior Success Metrics: Utilize past project success metrics, such as user adoption rates and positive feedback, as benchmarks for this project.
• Pilot Programs: Implement small-scale pilot programs to validate the effectiveness of the educational content, user engagement strategies, and support systems.

Capability Showcase:

• Technical Proficiency: Proven ability to develop user-friendly applications with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity.
• Commitment to Education: Willingness to contribute personal time for project development, emphasizing dedication to the educational goals of these projects.
• Transparent Budgeting: Clearly outline budget allocations for development, content creation, and community engagement to foster trust.
• Regular Reporting: Provide regular, transparent financial reports to the community, showcasing how funds are utilized and the progress achieved.
• Community Oversight: Engage with the Cardano community for feedback, suggestions, and oversight, ensuring a collaborative and accountable approach.
• 
  

By leveraging past successes, committing personal time, and emphasizing transparency, this project aims to instill trust and accountability in delivering a valuable educational resource for the Cardano community. This positions us as a reliable and accountable entity capable of delivering this project with a high level of trust.

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

Internal Development: Proof of Concept (1 month)

• Acceptance Criteria:
• Develop initial design concepts and functionality based on user requirements.
• Document proof of concept and core functions outlining technical specifications.
• Output Indicators:
• Completed proof of concept documentation.
• Initial design concepts and functionality prototype.
• Documentation report detailing the proof of concept process and outcomes.

User Interface and User Experience (1 month)

• Acceptance Criteria:
• Enhance UI/UX design to meet Quality Product standards and user expectations.
• Conduct usability testing on various design iterations and integrations.
• Output Indicators:
• Improved UI/UX design with enhanced user experience.
• Usability testing reports and feedback analysis.
• Documentation report summarizing the UI/UX enhancement process and results.

Preview, Community Testing, and PreProd Launch (1 month)

• Acceptance Criteria:
• Launch the upgraded platform in preview mode for end-to-end testing by internal teams.
• Address and resolve any issues or bugs identified during the testing phase.
• Invite selected community members to participate in testing the upgraded platform.
• Output Indicators:
• Preview launch of the upgraded platform with comprehensive testing.
• Feedback and bug reports from community members.
• Issue resolution and bug fix documentation.
• Documentation report outlining the testing process, community feedback, and resolution steps.

Marketing, Audit, and Deployment (1 month)

• Acceptance Criteria:
• Implement marketing strategies to raise awareness and promote the upgraded platform.
• Conduct security and compliance audits to ensure platform integrity.
• Deploy the upgraded platform for public access.
• Output Indicators:
• Marketing campaigns initiated with measurable engagement metrics.
• Security and compliance audit reports with identified improvements.
• Successful deployment of the upgraded platform with documented deployment logs and user access.
• Documentation report detailing marketing strategies, audit findings, and deployment procedures.

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

1. Martreza Eshetu(BSs/MSs): Project Manager | Technical Lead | Blockchain Strategist

• Role: Oversees the project's execution, manages resources, and ensures timely delivery.
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) - Certificate Number 5352426

2. Dawit Mekonnen - Fullstack developer | Node.js | React | svelte | Next.js | sveltekit | Postgres | Typescript | Docker | 

• Linkedin : Dawit’s_linkedin
• Github: Dawits Github
• Role: Responsible for web development, focusing on Web-development, UI/UX design and implementation. Dawit brings expertise in creating an intuitive and engaging user interface.
• projects:
• Svelte faces
• Canvas Text

3. Girum Timerga - Blockchain Developer | Backend Developer | AWS certified

• LinkedIn : Girum’s Linkedin
• AWS Certified Badge : Badge_aws_credential
• GitHub : Girums’s Github
• Handles the backend development and integration of the platform.
• Proficient in server-side programming languages.
• Experience in database management and API integration.
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate: Credential_ID_64821e3c9f1938efcf06fba3

4. Ishak Sebsibe - API Developer | Backend Developer

• LinkedIn : Ishak’s Linkedin
• GitHub : Ishak’s GIthub
• Portfolio : Ishak_Portofoli

5. Ruth Teferra - Human Resource | Digital Marketing Specialist | Business Developer

• Our team experienced professional adept at content creation, copywriting, and promotion. ruth will manage HR, Digital Marketing, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tasks while leveraging digital marketing strategies to enhance project visibility and engagement, ruth have more than years of experience in several projects.
• LinkedIn - Ruth's Linkedin

6. Partners and Groups with existing educational and experienced experts

• Telegram channels : Ethi BlockChain_Network Group
• Twitter Handle : Ethi BlockChain Network / X
• General Discussion Channel : Code-Night
• Programmer Union: Programmer Union
• MLOps Community: https://mlops.community/

Team Engagement: All listed team members have been engaged and have confirmed their roles and commitment to the project timelines.

This community are in short 

Community Hub: Our Telegram channel serves as a vibrant hub for interested in blockchain technology. It's a place where enthusiasts, developers, and learners come together to share knowledge, ask questions, and explore the vast potential of blockchain.

Learning Opportunities: people Join us to access educational resources, discussions, and insights into blockchain technology. Whether they are a beginner or an expert, there's always something new to discover and learn in our community.

Networking Platform: Connect with like-minded individuals, experts, and professionals in the blockchain space. Forge valuable partnerships, collaborate on projects, and stay updated on the latest developments and opportunities in blockchain ecosystem.

Community Engagement: Engage in lively discussions, community meetups, and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting blockchain adoption and innovation. Be part of a movement that's shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship in our country.

Partnership Opportunities: Explore partnership opportunities with blockchain technology companies, startups, and organizations. Together, we can drive meaningful impact and create innovative solutions that benefit our community and beyond.

Note: Our teams are partnered with Binance Africa and started the Process of partnering with Polkadot., Singularitynet And more

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

Development Costs (20,000 ADA)

• Proof of Concept Development: 2000 ADA
• Developer Costs: 14,000 ADA
• Documentation: 2,000 ADA
• Testing: 2,000 ADA

UI/UX Design and Development : 9,000 ADA

• UI/UX Design: 5,000 ADA
• Documentation: 2,000 ADA
• Testing: 2,000 ADA

Community Testing and PreProd Launch : 14,000 ADA

• Community Tester Costs: 2,000 ADA
• Marketing and Promotion for Launch: 2,000 ADA
• Server Setup, Domain Name and Hosting Migration: 5,000 ADA
• Documentation: 2,000 ADA
• Pilot testing and feedback implementation: 3,000 ADA

Marketing, Audit, and Deployment: 12,000 ADA

• Marketing Campaigns: 3,000 ADA
• Audit and Compliance Fees: 2,000 ADA
• Platform Optimization and User Testing : 3,000
• Server Maintenance: 2000 ADA
• Documentation and Reporting: 2000 ADA

Contingency Fund (5,000 ADA)

 Reserved for addressing unforeseen challenges or additional needs during project execution

Total Budget Requested: 55,000 ADA

Mitigation: Conduct thorough testing and validation of blockchain integration during the development phase. Stay updated with Cardano's development roadmap and engage with the Cardano community for support and guidance.

Regulatory Compliance: Evolving regulatory requirements and legal uncertainties in the blockchain space may pose compliance risks. 

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

The cost of the project is meticulously allocated to ensure maximum value for the Cardano ecosystem. Our pricing strategy is informed by thorough market research, considering typical freelance rates in the industry and the complexity of the project. We have benchmarked our costs against similar projects and conducted a detailed cost-benefit analysis to justify the expenses.

Moreover, the project's deliverables are designed to provide substantial long-term benefits to the Cardano ecosystem. By enhancing accessibility to educational resources and fostering collaboration among developers, researchers, educators, and learners, the project aims to accelerate innovation and adoption within the Cardano community. The value derived from the project's outcomes, including increased developer engagement, expanded knowledge base, and streamlined development processes, far outweighs the investment made.

Development Costs:The costs associated with the development tasks are calculated based on average rates for blockchain developers and designers. According to industry standards, the average freelance rate for blockchain developers ranges

Additionally, the project's transparency in cost allocation and rigorous validation processes ensure accountability and trust within the ecosystem. We are committed to delivering tangible results that align with the strategic goals of Cardano, thereby maximizing the return on investment for all stakeholders involved.

NOTE. The cost and budget allocation was determined based on research and documentation conducted by the Centre for Economic Policy Research and Université du Québec, Montréal. The research paper, which can be found here at https://arc.dev/salaries/web-developers