Earn ADA while studying!

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Algirdas Sabaliauskas

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Communication partner in Sub-Saharan Africa:

Ebere Ojadua, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EGUNEC EDUCATION SUPPORT FOUNDATION

Website: www.egunecesf.org

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

BIT offers a free full year degree program with a great track record:Javascript programming language, fundamentals of web and software course including intro into Crypto products. Earn ₳ & study!

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[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?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Given the nature of the project, which is more focused on social innovation utilizing Cardano as a motivational framework, the project outputs do not involve software or technical code that would typically require open-source licensing. While open-source principles and tools will be utilized in the development process, the project's outputs are primarily centered around social impact and motivation strategies within the community, rather than technical software or code distribution. Therefore, the project outputs do not fall under the category of open-source licensing.

[METADATA] SDG rating

The proposal is related to SDG Goals:

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

SDG Subgoals

4.3 - By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The completion rates for educational courses in Nigeria often fall below 50%, influenced by factors like resource access, socio-economic conditions, educational quality, and personal motivations. Implementing a solution that incentivizes course completion, such as rewarding students with ADA upon successful completion, can help motivate the community to engage in learning while contributing to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem. This approach aims to address the challenges associated with low completion rates by offering tangible benefits for achieving educational milestones.

How will it work?

• Bidding and Rewards System:
• Participants will start by placing a bid of ADA (Cardano cryptocurrency) as a fee for a course ranging from 1 to 100 ADA before the course begins.
• They will be offered the incentive of doubling their rewards upon successful completion of the course.
• Additionally, participants can earn more ADA by encouraging community members and friends to enroll in and complete the course. For each successful referral, participants will receive half of the reward that the referred individual earns upon completing the course.
• This system creates a strong incentive structure where participants benefit directly from completing the course and indirectly from the success of others, fostering collaboration and support within the community.
• BIT's Free Education Course:
• BIT will provide a free full year degree education program focused on JavaScript programming language and software testing, introduction into Crypto products.
• The curriculum is designed to meet the demands of the ICT sector labor market, ensuring that participants gain valuable and relevant skills during the course.
• More information about the program, including its content can be found on the website (bitfullscholarship.com).
• Reward Distribution Upon Course Completion:
• After successfully completing the course, including fulfilling homework tasks and passing the final exam, participants will receive double the amount of ADA they initially bid.
• Participants can further increase their rewards by inviting others to enroll in the course. For each successful referral, the participant will earn 50% of the reward that the referred individual receives upon completing the course.
• This incentivized referral system encourages participants to actively promote the course within their communities, expanding its reach and impact.

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

The solution entails offering a free educational IT course with incentivized motivation. The goal is to enhance completion rates and encourage engagement within the Cardano ecosystem, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. By doubling the transaction amount upon successful course completion, participants will be motivated to actively participate and learn. This initiative aims to not only boost adoption of Cardano but also foster a culture of education and skill development in the region.

The expected result of this solution is an increase in transaction activity within the Cardano network as participants claim (Minimum - 1 ADA, maximum - 100 ADA) their doubled ADA rewards. Moreover, by spreading awareness and utilization of Cardano through education, the project seeks to expand the community and promote sustainable growth.

Key indicators to measure the success of this initiative include:

• Enrollment and completion rates of the educational course
• Increase in ADA transactions and wallet activations post-course completion
• Participant feedback and testimonials regarding the impact of the incentive program

The proposed initiative leverages community engagement and social reinforcement to create a social win-win scenario. By offering a free educational course with incentivized rewards in Cardano (ADA), the aim is to generate more transactions and increase adoption within the network. Each transaction has the potential to lead to five referrals, amplifying the impact and reach of the initiative.

For every successfully completed course, participants can potentially trigger six Cardano transactions (1 completion + 5 referrals). This model encourages the spread of Cardano through educational services that have a proven track record of success, building trust and engagement within the network.

The strategy focuses on:

• Utilizing community engagement to drive adoption and participation
• Leveraging social reinforcement to encourage referrals and active involvement
• Promoting Cardano transactions through educational incentives and rewards

This approach not only promotes education and skill development but also fosters a thriving ecosystem within Cardano, benefiting both participants and the broader community. Through effective outreach and communication, the outputs and opportunities generated by this initiative will be shared widely to inspire similar initiatives and promote sustainable growth across Sub-Saharan Africa. It will be shared with the support of the partner NGO, Egunec Education Support Foundation.

[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?

To deliver the project with high levels of trust and accountability, we rely on a combination of proven expertise, transparent processes, and diligent validation measures. Our team's capabilities and past experiences demonstrate our suitability for executing this project effectively:

1. Proven track record: Our team members, including Algirdas Sabaliauskas, Jaunius Pinelis, and Sonata Jurgelevičiūtė, have extensive backgrounds in project management, software development, and quality assurance. Algirdas has successfully managed diverse projects with government and EU funding, showcasing his ability to adhere to strict accountability standards. Jaunius brings technical expertise in software development, particularly in areas relevant to our project's technology stack. Sonata's role as a Quality Manager reflects her commitment to maintaining high standards and accountability in educational initiatives. The programme itself has a proven track record in Europe, likely in delivering projects based on milestones. This foundation provides a solid basis for adapting the motivational scheme to the context of earning money while studying.
2. Transparent processes: We prioritize transparency in our project management approach. This includes clear communication channels, regular progress updates, and adherence to established project milestones. Our project plans include detailed budget allocations, resource management strategies, and risk assessment measures to ensure accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
3. Feasibility validation: We intend to validate the feasibility of our approach through rigorous testing and pilot studies. This involves conducting small-scale trials to assess the effectiveness of our motivational model in educational settings. Feedback from participants and stakeholders will inform adjustments and optimizations to ensure the project's success.
4. Financial management: Our team has experience managing project budgets and financial resources effectively. This includes detailed budget planning, expense tracking, and adherence to financial guidelines set by funding bodies. We prioritize financial accountability by maintaining accurate records, conducting regular audits, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
5. Stakeholder engagement: We engage stakeholders, including funding bodies, partner organizations, and community members, throughout the project lifecycle. This includes soliciting feedback, addressing concerns, and maintaining open lines of communication to build trust and accountability.

Overall, our team's collective capabilities, coupled with our commitment to transparency, rigorous validation, and effective financial management, position us well to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability. The programme has a proven track record in Europe and the MVP is already a semi-functional product that is designed to be adaptable, allowing for modifications and enhancements based on testing and feedback, adapting to Cardano ecosystem. We are dedicated to achieving measurable impact and fostering trust among stakeholders through our actions and outcomes.

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

Milestone 1: Adapting Course Content for Sub-Saharan Africa - 30 % of Budget requested

A: Milestone Outputs

• Completed adaptation of course content to align with educational needs and cultural context of Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Development and implementation of tests and final exams suitable for the target audience.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Course content is culturally relevant and addresses specific educational requirements of Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Tests and final exams are designed to accurately assess learning outcomes and knowledge retention.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Revised course materials reflecting adaptations for Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Test and exam documents finalized and ready for implementation.

Milestone 2: Adaptation for the Cardano Ecosystem and Integration with Haskell - 30 % of Budget requested

A: Milestone Outputs

• Fully adapted course content tailored to incorporate Cardano ecosystem elements.
• Updated course materials and assessments reflecting integration with Haskell and Cardano's concepts and principles.
• Testing and validation of adapted content.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Course content aligns with Cardano and Haskell concepts and principles.
• Assessments and exercises incorporate relevant Cardano and Haskell-related topics.
• Positive feedback from subject matter experts confirms successful adaptation.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Revised course syllabus and curriculum reflecting Cardano and Haskell integration.
• Completed assessments showcasing knowledge of Cardano and Haskell.

Milestone 3: Marketing and PR Campaign in Sub-Saharan Africa - 10 % of Budget requested

A: Milestone Outputs

• Development of a comprehensive marketing and PR strategy targeting Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Creation of promotional materials, including digital content, brochures, and advertisements.
• Launch of marketing campaigns across relevant channels in the region.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Marketing strategy is aligned with the target audience and regional preferences.
• Promotional materials are culturally sensitive and resonate with the local population.
• Campaigns are launched successfully and reach the intended audience.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Marketing strategy document outlining target audience, channels, and messaging.
• Samples of promotional materials developed for the campaign.
• Analytics and reports showing campaign reach, engagement, and effectiveness in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Milestone 4: Testing and Corrections - 10 % of Budget requested

A: Milestone Outputs

• Conduct thorough testing of the adapted course content and motivation scheme.
• Identify and document any issues, bugs, or areas for improvement.
• Implement necessary corrections and adjustments based on testing feedback.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• All course materials are tested across various platforms and devices.
• Issues and bugs are documented and categorized for resolution.
• Corrections and adjustments are applied effectively to enhance the user experience and functionality.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Testing reports detailing testing methodologies, results, and identified issues.
• Documentation of corrections made to course content and motivation scheme.
• Feedback and satisfaction surveys post-corrections to validate improvements.

Milestone 5: Wrap-Up and Technical Corrections - 10% of Budget requested

A: Milestone Outputs

• Finalize all technical adjustments and corrections based on testing feedback.
• Ensure seamless integration of the motivation scheme with the adapted course content.
• Prepare the course for full deployment and operational readiness.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• All identified technical issues and corrections are addressed and resolved.
• The motivation scheme is fully integrated and functional within the course platform.
• Course materials are optimized for accessibility and usability.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Detailed documentation of technical corrections and final adjustments.
• Demonstration of the motivation scheme's functionality within the course platform.
• Confirmation of course readiness for full deployment through user acceptance testing.

Final Milestone: Project Close-out Report and Video - 10% of Budget requested

A: Milestone Outputs

• Project close-out report detailing project achievements, outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Video summarizing project journey, impact, and future implications.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Close-out report provides comprehensive overview of project milestones, including operational ADA transactions.
• Video effectively communicates project highlights and impact to stakeholders.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Completed project close-out report submitted to project stakeholders.
• Video showcasing project journey and outcomes shared with target audience.
• Confirmation of first operational ADA transactions from participants.

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

Project Manager - Algirdas Sabaliauskas | LinkedIn

As the founder and CEO of Baltic Institute of Technology and a seasoned professional with extensive project management experience, Algirdas excels as a strong project manager. Over the course of more than 10 years, he has successfully managed a diverse portfolio of projects, ranging from self-funded initiatives to those supported by government and the European Union. His achievements include the development of robust project plans, meticulous budgeting, and strategic resource allocation. He has a proven track record of overseeing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed within scope, schedule, and budget. With strong leadership skills, he has led project teams, assigned tasks, and maintained effective communication with stakeholders. In previous roles, such as HR Manager at Launchmen, LLC, he showcased his ability to build high-performance teams, and as a Business Development Manager at UAB Civitta, he contributed significantly to implementing innovative models and managing large-scale projects. Academically, holding a Master degree in Marketing from Radboud University, Netherlands (2010), and a Bachelor degree in Management from Klaipeda University (2009), he brings a solid educational foundation to his practical experience.

Role in the project:

Overall project leadership and strategic direction, development of robust project plans and budgets; Resource allocation and management to ensure project success; Oversight of multiple project activities and timelines; Ensuring projects are completed within scope, schedule, and budget; Providing leadership and guidance to the project team.

Front - end developer, Javascript Lecturer, AI specialist Jaunius Pinelis | LinkedIn

Jaunius has accumulated over 10 years of experience in software development. His specialty are applications for large industrial sector players using .NET and Microsoft technologies. Jaunius has a Bachelor‘s in Software Engineering from the University of Edinburgh, has worked at a variety of businesses in the United Kingdom (Cambridge) and is currently a senior software engineer for a bank in Lithuania (Danske bank). Jaunius has worked with a variety of projects from medical to financial industries; and completed countless tasks from design prototyping to database query optimisation.

Role in the project:

Adapting project content and technology to integrate with the Cardano ecosystem; Development of software components and applications for course delivery; Ensuring compatibility and functionality of educational tools with Cardano; Conducting testing and optimization of technical solutions; Providing technical expertise and guidance on software development; Support to the design and implementation of innovative features.

Course Quality Manager - Sonata Jurgelevičiūtė Sonata J. | LinkedIn

Sonata Jurgelevičiūtė, experienced Quality Manager at Baltic Institute of Technology (BIT), brings a robust background in administration, data management, and documentation oversight. Her current responsibilities include organizing and coordinating activities to ensure high-quality study programs, improving teachers' methodological abilities, implementing internal quality assessment procedures, coordinating external evaluations, and driving innovation in the teaching process using technological tools. She also monitors student satisfaction and participates in strategic planning related to education quality. Sonata's diverse background and skills in administration, quality management, and strategic planning make her instrumental in ensuring educational excellence and operational efficiency at BIT.

Role in the project:

Organizing and coordinating activities to ensure high-quality study programs; Improving teachers' methodological abilities and pedagogical competences; Implementing internal quality assessment procedures for continuous improvement; Coordinating external evaluations and accreditation processes; Driving innovation in teaching methods through technological tools; Monitoring student satisfaction and feedback; Participating in strategic planning related to education quality and program development; Managing documentation and ensuring compliance with educational standards.

Ebere Ujam - communication partner in Sub-Saharan Africa Ebere Ojadua | LinkedIn

Ebere Ujam serves as a valuable communication partner for spreading information about Cardano and the project in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ebere is the Founder, Egunec Education Support Foundation (EESF) and with over a decade of experience in management and finance within the development and private sectors, she brings strong organizational skills and a proven ability to achieve targets under pressure. Ebere's expertise in qualitative and quantitative research, technical report writing, and project development, coupled with her focus on innovative pedagogical approaches in education, makes her instrumental in disseminating project details effectively. Additionally, as the country representative for MasterPeace—a UN award-winning grassroots peace movement operating in over 40 countries—Ebere has extensive experience in community engagement and outreach.

IT Mentors:

• Providing guidance on technical aspects related to course content.
• Assisting in testing and evaluation of student work and assignments.
• Offering insights and practical advice based on industry experience.
• Collaborating with the project team to ensure course content meets industry standards.
• Facilitating interactive sessions and workshops to enhance student learning.
• Encouraging collaborative learning and peer engagement among students.

Incorporating IT mentors into the project activities will enrich the learning experience for students and contribute to the overall success of the program. Their role will be crucial in providing personalized support, fostering motivation, and ensuring that students gain practical skills and knowledge relevant to the ICT sector. Effective mentors for an IT educational program require a blend of technical proficiency, teaching abilities, and industry experience. It is expected that they will have strong knowledge in software development, programming languages like JavaScript, and software testing. Experience in teaching or training, along with empathy and communication skills, is also essential for guiding students effectively. Industry experience in IT roles and familiarity with industry trends and best practices are also important. Interpersonal skills, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities further contribute to their effectiveness in supporting student learning and development.

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

The budget costs with detailed expenses are listed in table below:

Total Budget Allocated

• Total Cost: €128,981.10

Exchange Rate

• Exchange Rate: €0.43 EUR = 1 ADA

Funding Request

• Requested Funding: 300,000.00 ADA

Budget Considerations

• The personnel costs cover developers, course quality manager, and IT mentors required for content adaptation, programming, and course management.
• Professional services are allocated for specific tasks like adapting to Haskell, preparing Cardano courses, and interface design.
• Marketing and PR expenses are included for online marketing and community engagement initiatives.

Third-Party Products/Services

• Haskell / Cardano Developers: External expertise for adapting to the Cardano ecosystem.
• Interface & Design Services: Outsourced for optimizing user experience.
• Online Marketing Services: Engaging professionals for effective digital outreach.
• Community Engagement with NGO: Collaborative efforts for community involvement in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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

As the project manager's role being internally funded by the company, the allocated budget will be redirected to other critical aspects of the project, such as personnel costs for developers, course quality manager, IT mentors, and professional services necessary for adaptation to Haskell and the Cardano ecosystem.

Budget will be strategically utilized to ensure the successful development and implementation of the educational program, including course content creation, technical adaptation, quality assurance, and community engagement efforts through marketing and PR campaigns.

The allocated budget of 128,981.10 €, converted to 300,000 ₳ (2024-05-10), represents a strategic and efficient use of resources to achieve project objectives within the Cardano ecosystem. This funding arrangement highlights the company's commitment to leveraging internal resources efficiently, further enhancing the value for money proposition of the project within the Cardano community. The focus remains on delivering a high-quality educational initiative aligned with Cardano's principles and objectives while optimizing budget allocation for maximum impact and sustainability.